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The Long Island Futsal League Seeks Teams For Its 30th Anniversary Season This Winter

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

October 28, 2025-The Long Island Futsal League (LIFL) kicked off play in the winter of 1996-97 with tournaments at World Gym in Setauket and SUNY-Old Westbury. LIFL President John Branca saw through those tourneys that there was great enthusiasm for futsal on Long Island so league play began in January 1998.

The LIFL, sanctioned by the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), is seeking teams to play in its 30th anniversary season this winter. With over 200 squads, the LIFL is one of the largest futsal leagues in the United States and will utilize gyms in central Suffolk County on Saturdays and Sundays once again.

The league’s 8-week season kicks off the weekend of January 3 and 4, 2026. The team fee is as follows:

Boys-Under-7 and Boys-Under-8: $475
Boys-Under-9 to Boys-Under-12: $975
Boys-Under-13 to Boys-Under-19: $995

Girls-Under-7 and Girls-Under-8: $475
Girls-Under-9 to Girls-Under-13: $975
Girls-Under-14 to Girls-Under-19: $995

Team discounts available for clubs or trainers who register multiple squads. There is an additional $10 individual player fee, which is paid just once even if that player is rostered on multiple teams. 

To register or for more info, please click https://lifutsal.com or phone John Branca at 631-790-7481. The registration deadline is December 1. 

Futsal is a great skill-developer, demanding quick reflexes, fast thinking and pin-point passing that players utilize when they return to playing outdoor soccer in March. Soccer superstars such as Pelé, Zico, Maradona, Ronaldo, Messi and Marta grew up playing a version of the game and credit futsal with developing their skills. Brazil defeated Argentina, 2-1, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan to win the 2024 Futsal World Cup, which is held every four years just like the Men’s and Women’s World Cups. 

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. And unlike like most other indoor leagues, the LIFL has certified referees and heat in the gymnasiums.

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. Members are affiliated with 10 leagues throughout the association, which covers the entire state of New York east of Route 81. ENYYSA exists to promote and enhance the game of soccer for children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 19 years old, and to encourage 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 the United States Soccer Federation and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

Marianne Volpe 5K and Pumpkin Fun Run in Baldwin on October 25

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

October 9, 2025-The 14th Annual Marianne Volpe 5K and Pumpkin Fun Run takes place on Saturday, October 25 at Baldwin Harbor Park.

Blood cancer support is important to the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) because of the life of Marianne Volpe. The Baldwin resident was 56 years old when she died of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL), an aggressive form of blood cancer, leaving behind her husband Jim, daughters Chelsea and Shaun, three brothers, five sisters and countless friends. There are many stories of extraordinary people like Marianne whose lives are cut tragically short by this horrible disease. 

Marianne Volpe

Jim is a Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) and Eastern New York Hall of Famer, an ENYYSA Trustee who served as Director of the Eastern New York Olympic Development Program (ODP) for over a decade. Both Chelsea and Shaun grew up playing in the LIJSL, then played for Manhattan College and are still involved in the game today. The family started the Marianne Volpe 5K and Pumpkin Fun Run the day before Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and both the soccer and running communities have been helping out ever since.

More than $300,000 has been raised for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), which has helped advance 55 of the 65 blood cancer treatment options approved by the FDA since 2017. It’s the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding research towards cures for blood cancers. Since its inception in 1949, the Society has provided more than $1.2 billion to research specifically targeting blood cancers and its mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma.

Shaun, Jim and Chelsea Volpe

On Saturday, October 25, the kids’ half-mile run dubbed the Pumpkin Fun Run (for ages 10 and younger) is at 9:00 am and it’s free. The Marianne Volpe 5K starts at 9:30 am. 

Click here to register for the 5K or simply to donate.

In addition to utilizing the website, you can also send a donation check made payable to The Leukemia & Lymphoma’s Society to: LLS Northeast Territory LLS – PO Box 22470, New York, NY 10087-2470

For more information about the Marianne Volpe 5K and Pumpkin Fun Run, please contact Jim Volpe at 516-805-3765.

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. Members are affiliated with 10 leagues throughout the association, which covers the entire state of New York east of Route 81. ENYYSA exists to promote and enhance the game of soccer for children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 19 years old, and to encourage 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 the United States Soccer Federation and United States Youth Soccer Association. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

Introducing the Green Badge to Help Support Young Refs Even More

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

October 2, 2025-Nobody yells at Student Drivers who are properly identified and the adult drivers around them show patience instead. That’s the concept behind the new Green Badge introduced by US Soccer. Those in the referee community, including myself, have advocated for this concept. This new badge, worn by all certified referees under the age of 18, becomes a key element of US Soccer’s ongoing #RespectTheCall campaign.

The Green Badge is one way of strengthening that culture by helping protect our most vulnerable referees: Youth refs, who also make up the largest portion of our referee community.

Young referees are often the most exposed to sideline pressure and verbal abuse. By providing a clear visual cue that an official is a minor, the Green Badge reminds players, coaches and spectators to show patience, encouragement and respect. The Green Badge creates safer spaces for young refs to learn, gain confidence and stay connected to the Beautiful Game.

• The Green Badge is now required for all refs under 18 at the time of certification or recertification

• Even if a ref turns 18 mid-season, he or she will continue to wear the Green Badge until the end of that registration year

• Everybody is expected to demonstrate respectful behavior to all refs but especially to those wearing the new Green Badge

Referees are vital to the game’s success and ensuring that officials of every age feel safe and valued is essential to continuing to grow soccer in the United States. The Green Badge is more than just a symbol, it’s a pledge from the soccer community to stand behind refs to not only survive but help them thrive.

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. Members are affiliated with 10 leagues throughout the association, which covers the entire state of New York east of Route 81. ENYYSA exists to promote and enhance the game of soccer for children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 19 years old, and to encourage 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 the United States Soccer Federation and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

LIJSL Expanding the Qualification for the IberCup

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

September 10, 2025-The largest league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL), which launched a competition to qualify for the IberCup in Cascais, Portugal.

This competition is open to LIJSL teams as well as squads outside the league through the Elite Clubs Alliance League (ECAL). The Girls-Under-11 Commack Crush played in the 2025 IberCup this past July by qualifying through the ECAL last spring.

Commack Crush

ECAL is growing in 2026 as the competition will now have Under-9 to Under-13 divisions for both boys and girls.

“Expanding the age groups in ECAL provides a great opportunity for more clubs to compete for the experience of playing in the IberCup, something they will never forget,” LIJSL Technical Director Ronan Wiseman said. “Going to the IberCup not only gives the players a great soccer experience but also a great multicultural experience. In addition  to our players interacting with the local Portuguese teams, they will have interactions with teams from all over the world.”

In the LIJSL’s agreement with the IberCup, squads that qualify through ECAL receive free accommodation during the trip as well as three meals per day. Transport to and from the airport in Portugal as well as to and from the tournament venues is provided. 

All ECAL games to qualify for the 2026 IberCup must be played by April 1, 2026. For more info, please contact the LIJSL at 631-648-9020.

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. Members are affiliated with 10 leagues throughout the association, which covers the entire state of New York east of Route 81. ENYYSA exists to promote and enhance the game of soccer for children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 19 years old, and to encourage 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 the United States Soccer Federation and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

Soccer Coaches Can Apply to Help Keep Their Girls in the Game

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

August 29, 2025-Gotham FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has opened up applications for coaches to join its Keep Her in the Game program. Please see the flyer on the right for more details and apply here by September 5. 

Since launching last year, Keep Her in the Game has trained almost 100 coaches and reached over 1,700 girls across New York and New Jersey.

Keep Her in the Game provides Girls-Under-12 to Under-14 coaches with research-backed training to help support the growth and development of the girls on their teams on and off the field. The training includes helping girls build their confidence, develop a growth mindset and strengthen their relationships with their coaches and teammates. It also provides opportunities for youth players to have special access to Gotham FC.

Coach training: All coaches must complete a 2-hour training run by Girls Leadership in partnership with Gotham FC, where they will be trained on incorporating teamwork, confidence and resilience-building learning activities into their weekly soccer practices. The training is centered on building your team’s sense of community and athlete emotional intelligence and growth mindset.

Special access to Gotham FC: Keep Her in the Game teams and their families receive complimentary tickets to a Gotham FC home game with a special Keep Her in the Game celebration. Some Keep Her in the Game teams will also have the opportunity of Gotham FC player visits to their youth team practices.

Virtual parent workshop: Keep Her in the Game parents are invited to a free, optional workshop on the role they can play in raising resilient athletes and keeping their girls in the game, led by experts in social-emotional learning.

Early September: All Keep Her in the Game coaches attend a training session at Gotham FC’s headquarters (Exchange Place in Jersey City, New Jersey) led by Girls Leadership.

o    There will be several dates/times offered.

o    A virtual training will be offered for those who cannot attend in person.

For questions, please contact Corinne Counsell, Senior Manager of Community and Social Impact, at CCounsell@gothamfc.com.

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. Members are affiliated with 10 leagues throughout the association, which covers the entire state of New York east of Route 81. ENYYSA exists to promote and enhance the game of soccer for children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 19 years old, and to encourage 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 the United States Soccer Federation and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log onto http://www.enysoccer.com/

Remembering Longtime Soccer Volunteer Claudio Bulian

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

August 23, 2025-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is mourning the passing on August 20 of Claudio Bulian, who volunteered for over three decades as Treasurer of the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL), the oldest league in American youth soccer. Claudio was 82 years old.

Claudio was one of only nine people to be honored as a CJSL Life Member, the equivalent of the Lifetime Achievement Award. His steady hand, integrity and unwavering commitment helped shape the CJSL’s legacy and ensured its strength for future generations. The Astoria resident was more than a board member as he was a pillar of the New York City soccer community.

Claudio’s passion for the game was evident through his lifelong connection to Istria SC, where he began as a player in 1970 and remained an active supporter of the club’s youth programs for decades. His contributions helped nurture the development of countless players, coaches and families.

“Claudio Bulian was with the CJSL for over three decades as a dedicated steward of the game,” CJSL President Paul Kontonis commented. “He was a quiet force behind the growth of youth soccer in our city. We are forever grateful for his service and friendship.”

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. Members are affiliated with 10 leagues throughout the association, which covers the entire state of New York east of Route 81. ENYYSA exists to promote and enhance the game of soccer for children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 19 years old, and to encourage 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 the United States Soccer Federation and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log onto http://www.enysoccer.com/

LIJSL Teams Donate to Breast Cancer Research at the Pink Ribbon Soccer Festival

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

August 15, 2025-The Pink Ribbon Soccer Festival continues to gain momentum on the Long Island soccer calendar.

Eight Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) teams played friendly games against one another in the 19th Annual Pink Ribbon Soccer Festival on Saturday, August 9 at the Peter Collins Soccer Park in Plainview. The Saturday date was new this year as the previous editions were played on Sunday.

LIJSL Academy 2017, Albertson, Lynbrook/East Rockaway and Massapequa all had fun in the Girls-Under-9 and 10 age group while LIJSL Academy 2015, Islandia, Northport/Cow Harbor and Wantagh/Seaford did the same in the Girls-Under-11 and 12 age group. Additionally, four adult coed teams made up of Estée Lauder employees from their offices on Long Island and in New York City were part of the action as well.

Also new this year was Juan Castillo, Estée Lauder’s Executive Director of Quality Assurance at the Melville office, was organizing the event on the Estée Lauder side as Carlos Ospina has retired from the firm. Yet Carlos is still very much involved in playing at the Pink Ribbon Soccer Festival as well as volunteering as the Lynbook/East Rockaway Soccer Club President and coaching the Lynbrook/East Rockaway TOPSoccer Program.

Carlos said, “This tournament just keeps getting better! The energy at the Collins Soccer Park was amazing with Estée Lauder players on one side of the park and young girls wearing pink on the other side. All having a blast doing their part for such a great cause! As always, it’s such an honor to be part of it.”

Through player entry fees, breast cancer support merchandise sales and raffle tickets, over $5,000 was raised for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, founded by Evelyn Lauder in 1992. A huge thanks to sponsors American Challenge Soccer Store, HiC ERG, Refurbco Inc, NextDine Café and Trio Packaging Corp.

Refs from the Long Island Soccer Officials (LISO) donated their time in officiating from 9 am to 2 pm and a special thanks to assignor Anthony Desimone (not pictured as he was busy taking the above photo). 

The LIJSL, through its partnership with the Estée Lauder Companies and Breast Cancer Research Foundation, has donated the use of the Peter Collins Soccer Park since the inaugural Pink Ribbon Soccer Festival in 2004. This wonderful event took a break from 2020 to 2022 because of the pandemic.

“The LIJSL is honored to part of this special event and the relationship between LIJSL and Estée Lauder continues to grow year after year together supporting Breast Cancer Research Foundation,” LIJSL Events Manager Stephanie Hernandez stated. ”It is so rewarding having so many players participating and bringing awareness at such a young age. We thank all the coaches, players and families for all their support.”

Teams from the LIJSL, the largest league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), are also encouraged to wear pink and play with pink soccer balls throughout October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

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. Members are affiliated with 10 leagues throughout the association, which covers the entire state of New York east of Route 81. ENYYSA exists to promote and enhance the game of soccer for children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 19 years old, and to encourage 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 the United States Soccer Federation and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

Alexandra Maniscalco Receives Eastern New York’s Cortlandt ODP College Scholarship

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

August 4, 2025-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is pleased to announce that Alexandra Maniscalco of Rye Brook is receiving a scholarship through the Cortlandt ODP College Scholarship Program. ODP, short for the Olympic Development Program (ODP), is a high-level supplementary program where players are guaranteed to be seen by national and regional coaches. 

Alex graduated from Blind Brook High School and played club soccer for Connecticut FC in addition to ODP.

Alex wrote in her essay that “those who know me best would say I have a disproportionally high amount of empathy compared to my peers. I best exemplified this quality when I was recovering from my ACL and meniscus tears during my freshman year of high school.

During my multiple weekly physical therapy sessions, I learned that it was likely that I suffered this injury due to a predisposition that can be predicted by assessing certain physical characteristics. Upon understanding this, I knew instantly that I wanted to find a way to help others avoid suffering the same fate as me.

I located the patient outreach coordinator at the Hospital for Special Surgery and found that they offered a free preventive screening program. I then worked over several weeks to convince our high school Athletic Director to bring this program to our school. We met throughout the spring and summer and ultimately, each student was offered the opportunity to be screened for free for preventable injury as part of the fall sports enrollment process…

If I was able to help even one person, it was time well-spent.”

We wish Alex the best studying computer science at Boston College plus playing club soccer and other sports.

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. Members are affiliated with 10 leagues throughout the association, which covers the entire state of New York east of Route 81. ENYYSA exists to promote and enhance the game of soccer for children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 19 years old, and to encourage 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 the United States Soccer Federation and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

Andrew Lowenhar Receives Eastern New York’s Cortlandt ODP College Scholarship

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

August 5, 2025-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is pleased to announce that Greenlawn’s Andrew Lowenhar is receiving a scholarship through the Cortlandt ODP College Scholarship Program. ODP, short for the Olympic Development Program (ODP), is a high-level supplementary program where players are guaranteed to be seen by national and regional coaches. 

Andrew played for Huntington Inter and the Amityville Soccer Club in youth soccer.

Andrew wrote in his essay, “The day the ODP Regional Camp list was released, my heart sank as my name wasn’t on it. I had played well at sub-regional tournaments, and my coaches and teammates had shown confidence in me. Yet my name was missing. I congratulated my teammates, hiding my disappointment.

Determined, I spoke with my coaches who pointed out that the other goalkeeper had played more decisively. I vowed that next year, there would be no doubt as I would work harder than ever. The off-season became my training ground of daily workouts, game film reviews and drills to improve my decision-making.

The following year, coaches noticed my progress but just before the second tournament, I injured my knee. I feared my season was over. Yet when the final list came out, my name was there. I had earned a spot at the Regional Camp and was later chosen for the Interregional Team and was named captain!

The year ended with my selection for the ODP National Team, a life-changing trip to Costa Rica and a lesson in perseverance.” 

We know that Andrew will do well studying and playing soccer at Connecticut College this fall.

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. Members are affiliated with 10 leagues throughout the association, which covers the entire state of New York east of Route 81. ENYYSA exists to promote and enhance the game of soccer for children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 19 years old, and to encourage 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 the United States Soccer Federation and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

Liberty Cup Reboots With a New Tournament on Long Island

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

July 31, 2025-The Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) has gone Back to the Future!

The largest league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) organized the Liberty Cup on Long Island from 1990 to 1996. Sister tournaments that spawned were Liberty Cup Ireland, Liberty Cup Italy and Liberty Cup Moscow, which truly earned its name when it was played during the aborted August 1991 Soviet military coup. Eventually, the cultural exchanges ended and what was left of the Liberty Cup were friendships restored through social media.

“The Liberty Cup began in the LIJSL, and it fast became a popular and diverse event,” LIJSL Sporting Director John Fitzgerald explained. “Almost 30 years after it ended its run on Long Island, it’s still a tournament that people talk about. LIJSL Technical Director Ronan Wiseman thought it would be a great idea to reignite the tournament, and it was met with a good deal of enthusiasm. This year was a great start, and we hope to grow it even more over the next few years.”

46 teams, both boys and girls squads from Under-9 to Under-12, had fun on July 26 and 27 at Brentwood State Park in Liberty Cup 2.0. It was the second tournament event of the summer for the LIJSL Academy East and West squads.

“It was great to see the Liberty Cup return,” LIJSL Technical Director Ronan Wiseman said. “It brought out some good teams and provided some exciting games. I’m looking forward to a bigger and better event next year.”

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. Members are affiliated with 10 leagues throughout the association, which covers the entire state of New York east of Route 81. ENYYSA exists to promote and enhance the game of soccer for children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 19 years old, and to encourage 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 the United States Soccer Federation and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/