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CJSL to Enter a Men’s Team in the Cosmopolitan Soccer League This Fall

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

July 30, 2025-The Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL), the oldest youth soccer league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) and all of American youth soccer, is proud to announce the formation of its first-ever men’s team—the New York Cosmopolitans—set to debut in the Second Division of the Cosmopolitan Soccer League (CSL) this fall.

This moment marks a powerful return to the league’s roots. Founded in 1933, the CJSL was originally established as the youth division of the CSL, which launched in 1923 as the German-American Soccer League. The CJSL is reuniting its youth legacy with the senior game, creating a dedicated amateur and semi-professional pathway for New York City’s top soccer talent. Additionally, a 2024 CJSL survey of coaches and administrators found that 70% of youth players in the Five Boroughs do not plan on playing college soccer. This new men’s team will serve those who want to continue playing competitively without going the college route.

“The launch of the New York Cosmopolitans is about building a sustainable pathway that connects the dreams of youth soccer players to the realities of the adult game,” said CJSL President Paul Kontonis. “We are proud to be more than a league, a platform for lifelong soccer development in New York City.”

“Bringing the men’s and youth programs together under one banner reaffirms our purpose and history,” stated Mike Fitzgerald, President of the CSL. “This is the evolution of the original vision behind the CJSL and CSL. We are excited to unite the past, present, and future of New York City soccer in one community.”

The New York Cosmopolitans will be composed of players ages 18 and up, with priority given to CJSL alumni. All players who have played a minimum of three years in the CJSL will be eligible to register for free. Non-CJSL players may register for a fee of $250 for the combined Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 CSL seasons.

The team’s official shield will be the current CJSL logo, reinforcing the direct connection between the league’s historic foundation and its future in adult amateur competition.

Tryouts will take place in early August, with all alumni players invited to attend. In an unprecedented effort to connect talent across leagues, clubs from the CSL, APSL, NPSL and USL systems will be invited to attend the trials to scout players for potential upward movement. The CJSL is committed to helping players rise through the ranks by creating visibility and access to higher-level clubs and opportunities.

The initiative is supported by the New York Pancyprian Freedoms, 2024 National Amateur Cup Champions, who are folding their reserve program into the CJSL men’s team to build a stronger player pipeline. The CJSL will soon announce coaching and back-office staff, as well as home field, training schedules and the official uniform reveal.

The New York Cosmopolitans will also feature mentor players—experienced senior-level athletes who will help guide and elevate the younger players as they adapt to the demands of men’s competition. Off the field, players will gain access to real-world professional development through CJSL programs focused on media, operations, internships and career growth.

The debut of the New York Cosmopolitans solidifies CJSL’s role as a complete soccer ecosystem in New York City, offering a full-circle development model from grassroots to adult amateur play and beyond.

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/

Long Island Futsal Academy Win the National Championship

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

July 25, 2025-Congratulations to the Long Island Futsal Academy (LIFA), who won the US Youth Futsal national championship in the Girls HS Division on July 21 in New Century, Kansas. They won all four games, outscoring their opponents 16-3 and won the final over Dragons Futsal from Pittsburgh, 4-1.

“Our biggest strength is our defense and team structure,” commented LIFA coach Chris Sanders. “We defend as a unit with the five players on the pitch and rely on our ability to force teams into low percentage shots toward our goal. We might not light up the scoreboard but we’re hard to score against. I think our advantage at Nationals is we have players who understand their role and responsibilities.”

Back row, left to right: Coach Chris Sanders, Leila Romero, Amelia Fort, Elleigh Newcombe, Izzy Rohr
Front row, left to right: Gracie Sanders, Brooke Delzatto, Taylor Gray
Additionally, Carolyn Rowe, Samantha Gemmo and Vanessa Frangiadakis helped qualify the team for Nationals but could not attend the competition.

This caps a trophy-filled year for the team that wears New York’s colors of blue and orange as LIFA won the US Youth Futsal Mid-Atlantic Regionals in Richmond, Virginia in January and the US Futsal Northeast Regionals in Atlantic City, New Jersey in February. The Nationals for both competitions was the same weekend and they opted to go to the US Youth Futsal version since they will age out of US Youth Futsal but can play US Futsal as adults for years to come.

The team competed in the Boys HS Division of the Long Island Futsal League last winter when they were not playing in Regionals against other girls teams. 

“Playing against boys increased the team’s quickness by forcing us to make faster decisions,” Coach Sanders explained. “It also increased our transition awareness as we had to keep up with the boys’ speed and natural desire to push the pace.”

LIFA seeks players to follow in the footsteps of its national championship team that plays out of the All Star Arena in Coram. For more info about registration for all youth age groups, please contact Chris Sanders at futsalacademy@optonline.net or 631-914-2778.

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/

NYCFC Win the Girls-Under-13 Regional Championship

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

July 19, 2025-NYCFC won the Girls-Under-13 Regional Championship, winning four games with no losses and tying one, two weeks ago in Loudon County, Virginia. 

“The team brought a real hunger, desire and togetherness to fight for every ball at Regionals,” NYCFC coach Stuart Smith explained. “Our defense and goalkeepers played a near perfect tournament on both sides of the ball and our attackers created and scored freely in every game. The energy and tenacity the players brought to and maintained throughout each game despite the heat was incredible to see.”


Back row, left to right: Coach Stuart Smith, Julie Mothner, Adeline Morris, Brooks Hallihan Noiman, Paola Gonzalez, Iliana Munoz, Clara Power, Samantha Velaquez, Saide Ortega-Galvan
Front row, left to right: Lucianna Lopez, Francesca Galluzzo, Sabrina Matsuda, Leyla Naspud, Gaby Vasquez, Aria Addeo, Mable Gilmer, Karen Barrera, Madeline Shyu

The Regional final on July 3 was between two teams from the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) as NYCFC took on Dix Hills Angel City.

“Losing to Dix Hills in the State Cup final and the semifinal of our own Memorial Day Weekend tournament gave our team the best possible motivation going into Regionals,” Coach Smith stated. “We were determined to make those results right and that was evident in the way we started the game, going up by three goals in the first 25 minutes. Having played Dix Hills three times recently, we knew they are a great team but we also knew a lot about them which enabled us to head into the Regional final with a strong game plan to overcome their strengths.”

After defeating Dix Hills, 4-2, in the Regional final, NYCFC will represent Eastern New York in playing for the national championship in Orlando from July 22 to 27.

“After giving our team some time to recover as Regionals was a tough week both physically and mentally, we are now back to training and it’s all about refocusing the group, working on some tactical situations that we feel we can improve and getting the group used to playing in extreme temperatures again. We expect stiff competition in Orlando but the team is excited and ready for the challenge,” Coach Smith concluded.

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/

New York Hota Capture the Boys-Under-17 Regional Championship

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

July 17, 2025-New York Hota won the Boys-Under-17 Regional Championship, winning four games with no losses and tying one. They won the Regional title with an emphatic 6-0 win over Torpedoes Red from New Jersey on July 3 in Loudon County, Virginia.

Back row, left to right: Coach Dan Fisher, Jack Costa, Will Gleason, Lorenzo Riccuiti, Austin Sheehan, Jack Gunn, Yanni Kapetanis, Dylan Fisher, Coach Danny Diliberti 
Front row, left to right: James Martino, Jack Darlington, Otto Alvarez, Frankie Torres, Gavin Joyce, Will Forgerty, Drew Lennon, Sean Mahoney, Robbie Malave, Noah Romero, Kosta Plioutas 

“Our team persevered. One of the biggest challenges we faced was the extreme heat. In group play we had 90+ degrees on Saturday, Sunday and Monday and playing tough competition three days in a row is really tough,” New York Hota coach Danny Diliberti explained. “I decided to take the team to Elite Wellness in Ashburn, Virginia. The owner, McKenna Smet, is a former college soccer player at Towson University. She was fantastic in helping the team. We used the center for recovery doing a cryo freeze and compression boots for the players. This method helped the players recover and prevented injuries.”

New York Hota will represent the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) in playing for the national championship in Orlando from July 22 to 27.

“We will go over tactics and situational play before traveling to Florida. We will try to keep our fitness up and maintain focus,” Coach Diliberti stated.

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/

Five Outstanding Teenagers Receive CJSL Scholarships

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

June 26, 2025-The Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL), the oldest league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) and in all of American youth soccer, has announced the recipients of the 2025 Emil Cohill Scholarship, an annual honor awarded to top student-athletes who have demonstrated excellence both on the field and in the classroom while also giving back to their communities.

This year’s scholarship recipients are:

  • Caoimhe Crowe – SC Gjøa
  • Brandon Codallos – Eastern Queens FC
  • Isaiah Harrison – SC Gjøa
  • Alec McDonald – Manhattan Kickers Soccer Club
  • Carlos Munoz Tamay – Eleftheria Pancyprian

Each of these outstanding individuals has been awarded a $4,000 scholarship, distributed as $1,000 per year over four years of college enrollment.

The Emil Cohill Scholarship is named in memory of the Eastern New York Hall of Famer and league leader who dedicated his life to youth development and education through soccer. This year, the CJSL received a record number of applications, each one reflecting the passion, discipline and heart that defines the league.

The five teenagers represent the very best of what the CJSL strives to foster: Well-rounded individuals prepared for success in life and sport.

“The Emil Cohill Scholarship is recognition of character, resilience and potential,” said Dimitrie Draguca, CJSL League Director. “We are proud of this year’s recipients, who exemplify the values of the CJSL both on and off the field. They are great players and they are leaders in the making.”

Each scholarship is renewable annually. To receive their yearly installment, recipients must provide a copy of their college transcript along with a brief academic progress update.

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/

Jadyn Hsu Receives Eastern New York’s Masotto-Driscoll Scholarship

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

July 9, 2025-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is pleased to announce that Plainview resident Jadyn Hsu is receiving the Masotto-Driscoll Scholarship. 

The scholarship’s namesakes, Patricia Louise Masotto and Brenda Driscoll, were best friends and top women’s soccer players from Massapequa, Long Island. Eastern New York set up a scholarship in their name after they were killed by a drunk driver in 1985. The scholarship is determined by success in high school as well as community service.

At Bethpage High School, Jadyn had an amazing 106.3 GPA, was an AP Scholar With Distinction and received the Johns Hopkins Dean’s Summer Scholarship, the Long Island Science Congress Honors Award plus the Seal of Biliteracy in English and Spanish. She was a member of the National Honor Society as well as the honor societies in Math, Social Studies and World Languages. Additionally, she was President of the Science Honor Society and Vice President of the Student Civics Key Club.

This season, Jadyn played for the New York Surf as well as both of Bethpage PAL’s Under-19 teams, boys and girls. The Plainview resident somehow found the time to volunteer for Habitat For Humanity, the Red Cross, Sunrise Day Camp, CYO Basketball, Bethpage PAL and many other local organizations.

Jadyn wrote in her essay that “working with younger players is incredibly rewarding. Seeing their faces light up when they learn a new skill reminds me why I love this sport. I help with Bethpage PAL tryouts and practices, making sure every player feels welcome.”

We wish Jadyn well in studying exercise physiology on a pre-med track at Hofstra University 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/

Emma Murray Receives the Masotto-Driscoll Scholarship From Eastern New York

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

July 10, 2025-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is pleased to announce that Emma Murray of Gansevoort is receiving the Masotto-Driscoll Scholarship. 

At Saratoga Springs High School, Emma was on the High Honor Roll all four years, served as captain of the girls varsity soccer team in leading the Blue Streaks to its first Regional championship in 35 years, was a State champion in Alpine Skiing, won the Sportsmanship Award in that sport plus is an accomplished triathlete and cyclist. She was a member of and volunteered for the National Honor Society and French Honor Society, volunteers for numerous other local organizations plus plays the French Horn.

Emma was a member of the Eastern New York and Regional Olympic Development Program (ODP) teams. She wrote in her essay that “soccer is more than a sport, it’s an opportunity to demonstrate leadership, sportsmanship and responsiblity for my actions. As someone who continually yearns for improvement, it is an opportunity to quench my thirst for feedback to improve myself not only as a genuine person but as a soccer player.”

The scholarship’s namesakes, Patricia Louise Masotto and Brenda Driscoll, were best friends and top women’s soccer players from Massapequa, Long Island. Eastern New York set up a scholarship in their name after they were killed by a drunk driver in 1985. The scholarship is determined by success in high school as well as community service. 

We wish Emma the best studying and playing soccer at Haverford 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/

Tamara Honcharuk Receives the Jack Bauman Scholarship From Eastern New York

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

July 8, 2025-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased to announce that the Bronx’s Tamara Honcharuk is receiving a Jack Bauman Scholarship. 

Tamara wrote in her essay that “the roaring engines before take-off is a stark contrast to the silence that has settled over my heart. Staring at panoramic scenery through an airplane window, I’m leaving behind more than my country, but my whole life. War has ruined everything. There is a painful emptiness where my soccer team, my home and my sense of normalcy once existed. My teammates are scattered across the globe, pushed away by the same circumstances that put me on this plane. School, old classmates, native streets full of cultural belonging––all these fragments of my life in Ukraine––now feel like far-off echoes. Who will I be so far away from all I’ve known?

Soccer is a passion which I brought through a thorny pathway here. I started to play six years ago, and ever since I appeared on the field, I have fallen in love with the sport. Ball kicking and drills became my everyday routine, where I found enthusiasm, determination and love…

During my first weeks in the new school, we discussed the Cold War using a picture of a European map. Suddenly, a classmate asked the teacher about Ukraine, who responded, ‘Well, it’s a good question. What do you guys know about Ukraine? Can we justify Russia’s actions or not?’

Tears welled up in my eyes, a blend of grief for my homeland and outrage at the thought of anyone trying to justify what was happening. It was shocking to see the world through the eyes of someone who didn’t now the devastation I felt. But then, a flicker of resolve ignited within me. If the soldiers in Ukraine could bravely fight there, I could fight for my dreams here. If civilians could remain steadfast and hopeful, I could overcome any obstscles with belief. This classroom, this foreign language I was studying, this unfamiliar city––they all became battlefields and tests of resilience. I wouldn’t let heartache break me. Instead, it would fuel me to conquer these challenges and prove my strength and spirit.”

Tamara was an Honor Roll student at the Kingsbridge Academy in the Riverdale section of the Bronx and in Odesa. She plays club soccer for Asphalt Green and her team advanced to the State Cup final the past two years.

The scholarship’s namesake, Jack Bauman, is considered the father of women’s soccer on Long Island. He was devoted to the Massapequa Soccer Club and Eastern New York. The scholarship is based on success in high school as well as community service.

We wish Tamara the best studying and playing soccer at SUNY Brockport 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/