News

Ann Marie Toth Inducted Into the Eastern New York Soccer Hall of Fame

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

January 29, 2026-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased to announce that longtime volunteer Ann Marie Toth has been inducted into the Eastern New York Soccer Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony took place at our Hall of Fame Banquet on Saturday, January 24 at Marina del Rey in the Bronx.

Ann Marie has been Chairperson of the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) TOPSoccer program since 1979. She has also been TOPSoccer Chairperson for her club, the Plainview/Old Bethpage Soccer Club, since 1979 as well. That’s an amazing 47 years that she has been in charge of TOPSoccer, The Outreach Program for Soccer for children and adults with intellectual, emotional or physical challenges, all under the US Youth Soccer umbrella.

Under Ann Marie’s leadership, TOPSoccer has grown to 28 LIJSL clubs having programs and she is just as enthusiastic and at the fields every Saturday during the Spring and Fall Seasons today, even though she is now in her late 80’s. For all this volunteering, she was inducted into the LIJSL Hall of Fame back in 2005.

Ann Marie stated in her brief induction speech, “With a little patience and empathy, you can accomplish anything!”

Additionally, she was a member of the LIJSL’s well-respected Sportsmanship Committee and attended their very first meeting in 1980, served as a Plainview/Old Bethpage Soccer Club Trustee and was on the committee of the LIJSL Convention, which will be coming back this winter after being discontinued in 2020 because of Covid.

From left to right: ENYYSA Treasurer Andrew Seabury, Ann Marie Toth, Ann Marie’s husband and biggest supporter Kalman Toth, ENYYSA Registrar Mike D’Ambrosio

With over 100,000 youth soccer players––both boys and girls––and more than 25,000 volunteers, the non-profit Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) stretches from Montauk Point, Long Island to the Canadian border, east of Route 81. ENYYSA encourages the healthy development of youth players, coaches, referees and administrators. All levels of soccer are offered––from intramural, travel team and premier players as well as Children With Special Needs. No child who wants to play soccer is turned away. ENYYSA is a proud member of US Soccer and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

Ed Kobos Receives Lifetime Membership From the Mohawk Valley Soccer Referee Association

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

January 22, 2026-Congratulations to Ed Kobos, who was honored with Life Membership from the Mohawk Valley Soccer Referee Association (MVSRA) toward the end of last year. Lifetime Membership is the equivalent of the Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Ed founded MVSRA back in 2001 and has had a long and distinguished career of officiating plus serving soccer in the Mohawk Valley,” explained MVSRA President Christopher “Kit” Hutchinson.

Ed started officiating soccer with the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) in 1986 and as a high school ref in 1988 and moved quickly up the ladder, officiating the Section 3 Class D boys championship at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse and the high school state finals in Oneonta.

In 1996, Ed started to become very involved with the Oneonta Soccer Referees Association (OSRA) and refereed tournament games there at the National Hall of Fame Fields as the US Soccer Hall of Fame was in Oneonta at the time. In 2001, State Referee Administrator (SRA) Jose Vargas suggested that Utica should have its own ref organization, so Ed plus Art Durando founded MVSRA.

“For the first two years, we utilized instructors from Albany and Oneonta to teach our classes,” Ed explained.

The New Hartford resifdent served as MVSRA President from its founding in 2001 to 2018, an amazing 18 years in charge! Ed continued to move up the ladder and became a Regional Referee, Instructor and Assessor all under the US Soccer banner. He refereed and assessed Regionals as well as refereeing adult matches plus the Central New York State Soccer League (CNYSSL) and Capital District Youth Soccer League (CDYSL) in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA).

Additionally, Ed refereed Empire State Games played in Binghamton, Buffalo and Utica plus college matches.

In 2018, he was selected to be the Referee Liaison and assignor for Utica City Football Club of the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) and did so well that he added United Elite Krajisnik FC when they joined MASL-2 in 2023. Ed also serves as scorekeeper and timekeeper for MASL games at the Adirondack Bank Center.

Ed’s hip has been acting up and he is not as active as in the past but as his plaque suggests, he has KTBR (Kept The Business Running) in making sure that every game was officiated by a qualified referee for the past four decades.

Thinking about joining Ed and thousands of other soccer refs on the field? Eastern New York is seeking new referees to be in the middle and/or on the line as assistant referees in youth soccer games. The minimum age is 14 years old to become certified. You manage your availability so officiating works with all the rest that you do!

For more information, log on to https://enysreferee.org/how-to-become-a-referee/. If you have any questions, e-mail questions@enysreferee.org

Cali Robilotti and Molly Barrett Using ODP to Advance in Youth Soccer

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

January 20, 2026-The Olympic Development Program (ODP) is the highest level of play in each state association. The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) has a particularly strong ODP and four current players of the US Women’s National Team––Sam Coffey, Crystal Dunn, Claire Hutton and Phallon Tullis-Joyce––all refined their skills with Eastern New York ODP when they were younger.

There are hundreds of girls in Eastern New York ODP currently dreaming in following in those alumnae’s large footprints. Two players who particularly stand out are Cali Robilotti and Molly Barrett, who have both played in Eastern New York ODP for the past three years. They are underclassmen who saw significant playing time with the Shenendehowa High School girls varsity team last fall during their 12-3-1 season.

“Cali (above) made history last fall by becoming the first 7th grade student ever to earn a spot on the Shen girls varsity soccer team. Despite her young age, she made an immediate impact as she played both forward and in the midfield, scoring six goals, contributing several assists and starting nearly every game of the season,” stated Shenendehowa girls varsity coach Holli Nirsberger. “Crafty and creative with the ball, Cali sees the game exceptionally well, and consistently plays with confidence and poise beyond her years.”

Cali, who lives in Mechanicville, has played for the Ballston Spa Soccer Club, Nirvana/Firestorm, New York Elite and Alleycats in club soccer in addition to ODP.

“Soccer challenges me mentally and physically—I enjoy coming up with ideas, trying new things and solving problems on the field. At times, it feels like a puzzle: Finding the perfect pass to the weak side or picking the right spot to bury a 30-yard free kick,” Cali explained. “There is always something new to learn, improve or try. At the same time, the game offers a great deal of freedom on the field, which allows me to be creative. That combination of challenge and freedom is why I love playing soccer.”

Molly (above) has competed for New York Elite and Alleycats in her club career plus obviously ODP.

The Waterford teen said, “I like the fact that there is always a next level to get to in soccer. That next skill. That next problem to be solved on the field. Even when I score or beat a player, I look back on whether I made the best decision in that situation. I’m never not learning.”

“Molly became the first 8th grade player to earn a spot on our girls varsity team in the past 20 years. As a center midfield player, she is disciplined and hardworking, with exceptional skill and outstanding field vision. Her composure, soccer IQ and ability to control the flow of the game set her apart and made her a valuable asset to the team last season,” Coach Nirsberger concluded.

Max Watson is the New CJSL President

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

January 20, 2026-The Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL), founded in 1933 and the oldest league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) and all of American youth soccer, has announced the appointment of Max Watson as CJSL President. Max served as First Vice President under CJSL President Paul Kontonis, who passed suddenly on November 24.

Max explained, “I was originally a DUSC kid and played my entire youth career with the Downtown United Soccer Club in the CJSL from Under-10 to Under-19.”

Max used his development in the CJSL to be recruited to play soccer at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and helped lead the Diplomats to the Division 3 Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight from his central midfield position.

Upon graduation, he had a 7-year stint in Virginia, as an assistant coach for the men’s team at the University of Mary Washington, then men’s assistant and later head coach at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI), Director of the Stafford Soccer Club and in the youth scouting department for DC United. During his time in Virginia, Max was selected for the United Soccer Coaches 30 Under-30 program to support up-and-coming coaches.

Photo courtesy of the University of Mount Saint Vincent

“But New York City is my home and I moved back in July 2023 after being appointed men’s head coach at New York Maritime as well as a coach and administrator at DUSC,” Max stated.

The Chelsea resident arrived at Astoria Park in Queens one night to evaluate a potential recruit for his college team.

“I met that player’s coach, Paul Kontonis, that evening for the first time. A professional, personal and mentorship relationship flourished from that point and a year later, I became Paul’s First Vice President in the CJSL.”

Besides now being CJSL President, Max is the head men’s soccer coach and Assistant Athletic Director for the University of Mount Saint Vincent in the Bronx, the Assistant Director of Coaching at DUSC and pursuing his “A” coaching license.

“All of my goals as CJSL President will honor and enact many of the high-level initiatives that our past president and friend was championing,” Max said. “Continue the rapid growth of our league throughout New York City, primarily via supporting the structural growth, coach education, player pathway opportunities and resources for all of our member clubs. We will remain uniquely New York City and stay true to our roots while being sure to swiftly progress, modernize and remain current in a quickly developing soccer landscape. The needs are always changing and we will be sure to also grow at the CJSL to meet these needs for youth players but also for coaches, parents, administrators and referees.”

LIJSL Academy Wins the Girls-Under-15 National Championship

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

December 29, 2025-Congratulations to the LIJSL Academy, which has won the Girls-Under-15 USL Youth League national championship. Made up of players from the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL), the largest league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), the squad won three games and tied one in Tampa earlier this month.

LIJSL Academy qualified for Nationals by virtue of having the best record in the North Atlantic Division last summer with 6 wins, 0 losses and 2 ties, scoring 28 goals and conceding just 3.

Top row, left to right: Adriana Kletzkin, Aubrey Schneider, Juliana Koppelmann, Lucy Palmeri, Madison Caglioti, Giuliana Portaro, Lily O’Connor, Emily Belpanno, Kylie Tannus, Coach Salma Tarik
Bottom row, left to right: Emily Landa, Braelin Fernandes, Makayla Friedrich, Ava Manfredi, Izzy Hercules. Camera shy: Abigail Smith

The Girls-Under-15 Nationals was round-robin play with four games to determine the national champion. On December 11, LIJSL Academy scored in the dying seconds of the first match on a goal by two players named Emily as Emily Landa scored with Emily Belpanno providing the assist to tie Maryland United, 1-1.

The next day, LIJSL Academy defeated Michigan DBSS, 5-1. Coach Salma Tarik commented, “We were flying on all cylinders as this game was hands-down the best match I have seen this team play in a year-and-a-half as our style of play, attitude, effort, desire and mentality all came together.”

On December 13, LIJSL Academy played another team from Michigan, the Portage Soccer Club, topping them 2-1. Coach Tarik explained, “I would say this was our hardest game. Their attacking line was something we didn’t face yet in the tournament and they were very athletic and physical. Our goalkeeper, Makayla Friedrich, made the best save of the tournament in stopping a breakaway.”

Led by tournament MVP Ava Manfredi, LIJSL Academy secured the national championship with a 4-0 victory over Ironbound from Newark, New Jersey on December 15.

“Resilience, grit, motivation, hard work and confidence led us to the national title. We knew what we were there to do and having missed out on attending last year, we wanted to make a statement and do something this club has never done which was win a national championship,” Coach Tarik continued. “I told this group over and over, you believe in what you can do against any opponent and this is the best team I have ever coached and it is our time to make a statement, and we did just that!”

Top 10 Reasons Why Over 100,000 Kids Play Soccer in Eastern New York

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

January 2, 2026-Over 100,000 children and teenagers, from the East End of Long Island to the Canadian border, play soccer in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA). Although some have gone on to play professional soccer plus in the World Cup and Olympics, all have learned the value of teamwork, perseverance, sportsmanship and getting along with others through the life lessons they have learned on our soccer fields. Here are the Top 10 Reasons why we have so many players:

1. State Cup. Eastern New York has two levels of the State Cup––the US Youth Soccer ENYYSA Championship and the Challenge Cup––so every premier and travel team in Eastern New York has a chance to win a state championship. Both competitions do try to schedule games against local opponents as much as possible for this springtime competition.

Tyler Adams (in white toward back row) won a State Cup with the Town of Poughkeepsie Soccer Club (TOPSC) over a decade ago and now plays in the English Premier League. He currently has 52 caps with the US Men’s National Team plus he captained the red, white and blue during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Tyler returned to the Hudson Valley last summer for the dedication of his childhood soccer field, Martz Field in Wappinger, as it became the Tyler Adams Soccer Pitch.

2. National Championship. For ambitious teams looking to play against top competition and possibly win a national championship, they can do it through the US Youth Soccer ENYYSA Championship as it’s part of the National Championship Series. Teams that win the state championship qualify automatically for the top tier of Nationals as there are no more Regionals.

Crystal Dunn in the gray dress surrounded by her adoring fans.

3. Olympic Development Program. ODP is considered the highest level of competition in each state association. Every year, players must be re-evaluated by the ODP professional staff of coaches for a position on each age-specific team. The identification process ends each summer with the most elite players within the East Region competing for a position on the regional team and for possible entry to the national team program. Yet even those players who do not make the regional or the national teams often use ODP as a springboard to college scholarships and even on to professional soccer. Current US Women’s National Team players Sam Coffey, Crystal Dunn, Claire Hutton and Phallon Tullis-Joyce played in Eastern New York ODP as teenagers and Eastern New York ODP coaches John Fitzgerald and Sue Ryan are being honored with special awards by the United Soccer Coaches this month.

4. Futsal. Futsal is the only version of indoor soccer approved by FIFA, soccer’s world governing body. The surface, ball and rules together favor ball control in small spaces and futsal is increasingly cited in the discussion on how to improve player development, particularly in the winter months here in Eastern New York where outdoor fields can be frozen and unplayable. Both New York Futsal and the Long Island Futsal League, the latter celebrating its 30th anniversary this winter, play under the Eastern New York umbrella.

5. TOPSoccer. This is a wonderful program for Children With Special Needs. Special Children playing soccer in an organized league actually started in Eastern New York back in 1978 when the Huntington Boys Club (HBC) and Massapequa Soccer Club separately started programs in an era when Special Children playing sports is not as accepted as it is today. Craig Ludin, who has Down’s Syndrome and has been playing for HBC since he was a young boy, received so many medals in the Special Olympics that he was inducted into the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame over a decade ago. Craig’s teammate John Cronin started a very successful local business, John’s Crazy Socks, with his father Mark. Volunteers are always needed for this great program and you do not know what happens until you begin. The Manhasset Soccer Club’s Owen McCormack was honored last year by US Youth Soccer as the National TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year.

6. Risk Management. To protect our players, Eastern New York conducts background checks on coaches and referees before they participate in our games. They must pass this background check every two years to continue to be involved in our competitions. Eastern New York also provides awareness education to coaches and referees, communicating information regarding field and player safety.

7. Coaching Education. Under the supervision of Eastern New York Director of Coaching Tim Bradbury, the coaching licensing curriculum provides all soccer coaches, from the beginner to the advanced, with up-to-date theoretical and practical knowledge so that Eastern New York coaches can help our players develop to their full potential. Coaches can earn state and national coaching credentials plus the courses offer valuable information and current coaching trends state-wide, nationally and internationally. All courses are available in both English and Spanish.

8. SAT and ACT Prep Courses. Eastern New York provides exclusive, free access to acclaimed SAT and ACT prep courses from eKnowledge, which is normally a $250 value. These courses can be taken online or via DVD, which makes them ideal for our busy student/athletes. Contact Siokbee Usaraga at siokbee@eknowledge.com

9. College Scholarships. Every summer, Eastern New York awards college scholarships to help defray the cost of college for deserving high school seniors. Five Eastern New York leagues––Capital District Youth Soccer League, Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League, Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League, Long Island Junior Soccer League and the Staten Island Youth Soccer League––all have separate scholarship programs as well.

10. Support of All Leagues, Players, Coaches and Refs. Eastern New York provides insurance for all its competitions, hosts referee certification and recertification, promotes member leagues and helps secure new fields.

Announcing Our 2025 Award Winners

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

December 11, 2025-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is proud to announce the recipients of our 2025 Of the Year Awards. These individuals were selected from nominations received throughout our state association. They will be celebrated at our Hall of Fame Banquet on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at Marina del Rey in the Bronx.

Boys Competitive Coach of the Year-Alex Gunera, Puma FC (Newburgh)
Girls Competitive Coach of the Year-Victoria Sherry, Niskayuna Soccer Club
Boys Recreational Coach of the Year-Chris McDonald, Wappinger United Soccer Club
Administrator of the Year-Felicia Sheehan, Eastern Pike Soccer Club
Volunteer of the Year-Rebecca Palmatier, Highland United
TOPSoccer Coach of the Year-Bob Kinney, Smithtown Kickers
TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year-Ella Schwartz, Plainview/Old Bethpage Soccer Club
Young Male Referee of the Year-Jules Mehmet of Manhattan
Young Female Referee of the Year-Hannah Stahl of Walden

Congratulations to all!

Youth Soccer Continues This Winter in Eastern New York

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

December 15, 2025-Although the spring and fall are the most active seasons in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) as the temps are perfect then for soccer, there is activity in both winter and summer. Check out what our leagues are offering this winter:

Big Apple Youth Soccer League
Luis Montoya Indoor Tournament • Indoors from January 10 to March 7 at the Elmcor Gym • Boys from Under-8 to Under-15

Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League
NY Winter Tournament • Outdoors from December 6 to March 15 at Randall’s Island, Brooklyn and Queens
Boys from Under-9 to Under-16, Girls from Under-10 to Under-15 • Organized by Juventus Academy New York

Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League
Jim Slater Memorial Tournament • Indoors January 10-11 at the Hudson Valley Sports Dome • Boys and girls, Under-9 to Under-18

President’s Cup Tournament • Indoors February 14-15 at the Hudson Valley Sports Dome • Boys and girls, Under-9 to Under-18

Long Island Futsal League
Indoors from January 3 to February 22 in central Suffolk County • Boys and girls, Under-7 to Under-19

Long Island Junior Soccer League
Winter Showdown • Indoors from January 17 to March 7 at Stony Brook University • Boys and girls, Under-9 to Under-12

New York Futsal
Indoors from December 6 to March 8 in Uptown Manhattan • Boys from Under-7 to High School

Remember that if your children are not playing in an ENYYSA-affiliated league or tournament, then they are not covered by our insurance, and chances are, they are not covered by any insurance. Always ask about the insurance coverage before registering your children or team.

Mourning the Profound Loss of Paul Kontonis

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

November 26, 2025-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is in mourning over the passing of Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL) President Paul Kontonis on November 25 at the age of 54. The Flushing resident volunteered for the past 1.5 years as President of the CJSL, founded in 1933 and the oldest youth league in American soccer.

Paul had been CJSL Vice President and succeeded Ron Restrepo as President in 2024. Paul served Eleftheria Pancyprian Soccer Club as a Director and Coach, where he devoted his time, energy and heart to the players and staff. Prior to Eleftheria, he spent many years as a respected coach with another CJSL club wearing blue-and-white, BW Gottschee, helping develop countless young athletes and contributing to one of the city’s most storied youth soccer programs.

In a statement, the CJSL wrote that “Paul served our league with dedication and integrity. His leadership, professionalism, and belief in the mission of youth soccer strengthened our league and positively impacted every club, coach, referee and player in our community.

Paul believed in what we were building together. He championed the growth of our league, supported the development of our players, and worked tirelessly to elevate our standards. His impact—both on and off the field—was meaningful, lasting and will continue to be felt throughout our community…

Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Paul’s family, friends and all who were fortunate enough to work alongside him. His legacy within CJSL and the wider youth soccer community will not be forgotten.“

The Eastern New York Soccer Referee Association added, “Paul supported and championed the cause of referees in every way he could. He brought cheer and energy to every interaction and valued the development and growth of each person’s character in pursuit of the game; even referees. His combination of calm during a match and passion for the game was second to none in New York City. He will be missed.“

The CJSL will have a moment of silence before all remaining Fall Season games plus additionally, on Monday night, December 1, there will be a moment of silence before the first match of the CJSL College Showcase kicks off at 7 pm.

Memorial visitation is at the Frederick Funeral Home, 192-15 Northern Boulevard in Flushing on Thursday, December 4 from 6-9 pm and on Friday, December 5 from 10 am-1 pm.

We have lost a very good man. May he rest in peace!

TOPSoccer Integrates With Unified Players For the First Time on Long Island

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

November 20, 2025-Children With Special Needs playing soccer in an organized league first started in the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) in 1978 when the Huntington Boys Club and Massapequa Soccer Club separately started programs at a time when those with Special Needs playing sports is not as accepted as it is today. That was the first seeds of what is now TOPSoccer, The Outreach Program for Soccer, for children and adults with intellectual, emotional or physical challenges, all under the US Youth Soccer umbrella.

Three dozen Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) clubs now have TOPSoccer teams.

Smithtown TOPSoccer coach Bob Kinney, recently selected by Eastern New York as our 2025 TOPSoccer Coach of the Year, explained that “when Smithtown TOPSoccer player Steven Heimerle moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, I helped him find a new team through Emily Mohlin of the Special Olympics Long Island. Steven ended up playing on a Unified Soccer team, and enjoyed it so much that he contacted me to talk about it. Steven’s input on his experience led to several discussions within the Smithtown Kickers on how we could do something similar.”

Unified teams consist of those with and without challenges playing on one squad. It’s inspired by the simple principle that playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding.

This led to a 3-day soccer camp last July at Moriches Fields in St. James where 12 TOPSoccer players were integrated with five college and adult players, all under the direction of Miquel Gasparin, the Smithtown Kickers’ Director of Boys Training.

“The camp was a huge success. The players enjoyed it tremendously and in the Unified setting, they were able to work on more refined soccer concepts like ball possession. Everyone did not want the camp to end and asked to do it again,” Bob stated.

At the Special Olympics’ Fall Games on September 20 at Cantiague Park in Hicksville, Bob met Michael and Kristen Carolan, who had been involved in Unified Sports in Florida and are currently volunteering with Huntington Boys Club (HBC) TOPSoccer. Together with Sachem TOPSoccer coach Brian Pontecorvo, they planned their first Unified event on Saturday, November 15 at Moriches Fields as the TOPSoccer Fall Season concluded.

Photos of Sachem vs. Smithtown in a TOPSoccer and Unified game

Unified players were on each team as Smithtown played against Sachem. The partner players’ goal was not to star on either squad but to aid each teammate in getting the ball down the field so everybody touched the ball and had a good time. For the more advanced TOPSoccer players, the higher level of play enabled them to be at their best while for the less experienced kids, they saw how soccer should be played and gave them ideas and a pathway to improve.

Bob concluded by saying, “Our partner players did a great job involving all the players plus helped them with positioning. Everyone had a great time and is very interested in pursuing Unified play when we resume next spring.”

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