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Atlantic United Thunder Wins the Boys-Under-16 State Cup Championship

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

June 8, 2026-In an intense game between two teams from Long Island, Atlantic United Thunder defeated New York Hota Bavarian, 3-1, in the Boys-Under-16 final for the Livio D’Arpino Cup at the Blue Sky Sports Complex in Middletown on Saturday, May 30.

Jacob Velasquez scored two goals and Zander Ariasa added one for Atlantic United.

“We always battle Hota as they are a proud club with a long tradition,” Atlantic United coach Tim Graham explained. “It was as close a 3-1 game as you can get. I’m very proud of our boys as they overcame fatigue with all the games we have played this spring.”

Atlantic United will represent Eastern New York at Nationals from July 13 to 20 in Salt Lake City.

Hota received the Rocco Amoroso Sportsmanship Award as determined by the game officials. Amoroso, a US Soccer Life Member who died nine years ago, started the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) Sportsmanship Program in 1980 and it spread to Eastern New York, nationally and then to China and Ireland, and in the process, made soccer games kinder and gentler.

The cup’s namesake, Livio D’Arpino, was an Eastern New York Hall of Famer who was seemingly involved in every level of local soccer before his untimely passing on Christmas Day 2002. He was the third vice president of the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), first vice president of the Eastern New York Adult Soccer Association and president of the Italian-American Soccer League. D’Arpino’s impact was so profound that Roman newspaper Il Messaggero recently wrote an article about him, 24 years after his passing.

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/

Brooklyn United Receives the Ray Wolfe Cup as Boys-Under-15 State Cup Champs

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

June 6, 2026-Winning their semifinal and quarterfinal games in penalty kick shootouts after scoring one goal in each game, the floodgates opened for Brooklyn United in the Boys-Under-15 final and they defeated Clarkstown, 8-2. This match for the Ray Wolfe Cup was played on Saturday, May 30 at the Blue Sky Sports Complex in Middletown. 

The cup’s honoree played in the Cosmopolitan Soccer League, coached in the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL) and was State Youth Referee Administrator (SYRA) of the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) for nearly a decade before passing away seven years ago.

Brooklyn United coach Andrew Giraldo explained, “The boys walked into our third final this spring and were very nervous after losing the previous two. Really happy to win the State Cup Championship and win one trophy this spring. The boys have been working very hard.”

Neil Duff scored two goals while Thomas Bogdahm, Julian Cavallaro, Liev Cohen, Beckett Lemire, Henry Todd and Louka Valdes-Habib each netted one to bring the Ray Wolfe Cup back to Brooklyn.

Clarkstown received the Rocco Amoroso Sportsmanship Award as determined by the game officials. Amoroso, a US Soccer Life Member who died nine years ago, started the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) Sportsmanship Program in 1980 and it spread to Eastern New York, nationally and then to China and Ireland, and in the process, made soccer games kinder and gentler.

Brooklyn United will represent Eastern New York at Nationals from July 16 to 23 in Salt Lake City.

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/

Albion Brooklyn Academy Wins the Boys-Under-14 State Cup Championship

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

June 5, 2026-Albion Brooklyn Academy topped the Hauppauge Rush, 2-1, on Saturday, May 30 at the Blue Sky Sports Complex in Middletown in a final played for the Howard Rubenstein Cup, emblematic of the Boys-Under-14 State Open Cup title in the Eastern New York  Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA).

Rubenstein volunteered in seemingly every facet of New York soccer for decades and is a member of the Halls of Fame of Eastern New York, the US Amateur Soccer Association and the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL). 

“My keeper, Felix Curran, made some amazing saves,” Albion coach Tom Ginn explained. “Hauppauge made the game difficult for us.”

Albion’s Sarat Gangali picked a great time to score his first goal of the season and Dylan Diker scored the game-winner, just as he did in the semifinal, a 2-1 win over Brentwood Premier.

Albion will play for the national championship from July 16 to 23 in Salt Lake City.

Happauge did not leave Orange County empty-handed as they received the Rocco Amoroso Sportsmanship Award as determined by the game officials. Amoroso, a US Soccer Life Member who died a decade ago, started the LIJSL Sportsmanship Program in 1980 and it spread to Eastern New York, nationally and then to China and Ireland.

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/

Brooklyn United Wins the Boys-Under-13 State Cup Championship

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

June 4, 2026-Brooklyn United shut out South Shore FC Milan, 2-0, to win the Boys-Under-13 State Cup Championship. This Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) final match was played on Saturday, May 30 at the Blue Sky Sports Complex in Middletown.

Shiloh Teets scored both goals and goalkeeper Rio Ortiz had the shutout in net, which included saving a penalty kick.

“It was an intense game against a very good opponent. South Shore really challenged us,” Brooklyn United coach Ronald Stanislaus commented.

Brooklyn United will represent Eastern New York at Nationals from July 16 to 23 in Salt Lake City.

Brooklyn United also received the Rocco Amoroso Sportsmanship Award as determined by the game officials to add to their growing trophy case. Amoroso, a US Soccer Life Member who died a decade ago, started the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) Sportsmanship Program in 1980 and it spread to Eastern New York, nationally and then to China and Ireland, and in the process, made soccer games kinder and gentler.

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/

B/W Gottschee Academy Wins the Boys-Under-12 State Cup Championship

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

June 3, 2026-The Boys-Under-12 State Cup Championship match on Saturday, May 30 at the Blue Sky Sports Complex in Middletown was an intriguing game between two teams from the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL) in New York City. Start spreading the news that B/W Gottschee Academy are state champs as they defeated Juventus Academy Buffon, 3-1, to receive the Luis Montoya Cup.

The cup’s namesake, Luis Montoya, founded the Big Apple Youth Soccer League in 1997 to serve the growing number of soccer families who recently arrived in New York City. He had two tours of duty as Trustee of the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) serving two Presidents, Barry Salter and Richard Christiano, before his passing five years ago. 

George Andreou, Andres Felipe and Aiden Pesatez scored the B/W Gottschee goals.

“We are a good team and we won the state championship by playing the ball to space today,” said B/W Gottschee coach Nick Karkut. 

Juventus received the Rocco Amoroso Sportsmanship Award as determined by the game officials. Amoroso, a US Soccer Life Member who died a decade ago, started the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) Sportsmanship Program in 1980 and it spread to Eastern New York, nationally and then to China and Ireland, and in the process, made soccer games kinder and gentler.

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/

Five on the USA World Cup Roster Grew Up Playing in Eastern New York

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

May 28, 2026-Five cheers for the red, white and blue as five of the 26 players named to the US Men’s National Team roster as we host the 2026 World Cup grew up playing in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA).

Although goalkeeper Matt Turner lived in Park Ridge, New Jersey, he crossed the state line to play club soccer in Eastern New York. Matt excelled in other sports, especially baseball, and only started playing soccer in his mid-teens.

As a 16-year-old, he tried out for and made the Clarkstown Soccer team coached by Dimitri Giatrakis that played in the Eastern New York Premier League. He played for Clarkstown for the next two years.

“Matt came and tried out, the ability was there and we just had to develop it,” Coach Giatrakis stated. “What I really like about Matt is he was a clutch player and we had him in goal with the game on the line but he was always okay with me giving lots of playing time to other keepers so they could be seen by college coaches in showcase tournaments.”

Matt now plays professional soccer for the New England Revolution of MLS.

Defender Joe Scally of Lake Grove played for Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) teams Sachem Starburst, Sachem Falcons, Sachem Lynxes, Sachem Destroyers and the Mastic Destroyers. He also competed for the Eastern New York Olympic Development Program (ODP).

Ralph Pascarella coached Joe on ODP and stated, “Joe was very motivated, very focused, a big, strong kid with a soccer brain. He was technically sound and could play anywhere on the field.”

Joe currently plays for Borussia Moenchengladbach of the German Bundesliga.

Midfielder Giovanni Reyna grew up in Bedford, playing in the New York Soccer Club of the Westchester Youth Soccer League (WYSL). Gio is close friends and teammates with Joe Scally at Borussia Moenchengladbach.

“Gio was with us from when he was very young until he was selected for NYCFC’s Boys-Under-14 Academy team,” NYSC Academy Director Christian Gonzalez stated. “He was playing up a year and what caught everyone’s attention was his ability to make runs with the ball by unbalancing defenders with a close carry and ability to manipulate the ball. The other area of the game that was elite from the beginning was his ability to strike the ball, including from distance as well as crossing the ball with precision.”

Midfielder Tyler Adams (center in above photo) of Wappingers Falls returned to the Hudson Valley last July for the dedication of his childhood soccer field, Martz Field, as it became the Tyler Adams Soccer Pitch.

He grew up playing for the Town of Poughkeepsie Soccer Club (TOPSC) of the Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League (HVYSL). With Tyler leading the way, the Poughkeepsie Heat won the Boys-Under-14 Eastern New York Premier League in 2012. Kevin Longacre was the trainer and Andy Stamper was his coach.

“The number one thing about Tyler was his unquestioned desire to win and to be the best in training and in games. It became infectious within the team,” Coach Longacre explained. “He was the only boy playing up a year on our team. A midfielder back then too, he loved to win the ball back just like today.”

Tyler captained the red, white and blue at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and plays his club soccer for Bournemouth of the English Premier League. Additionally, Kieran McIlvenny reports that Tyler was always very generous donating cleats and soccer shirts to Kieran’s Kickin’ Back charity.

Forward Tim Weah of Rosedale played for the Rosedale Rockets Soccer Club plus travelled to other side of Queens to compete for B/W Gottschee. His uncle, Michael Duncan, is the longtime President of the Rosedale Rockets.

Michael said, “I’m extremely proud of Timothy and how he has blossomed into this wonderful player. His mother Clar coached intramurals in Rosedale, and she and I were Timothy’s first coaches. He played on the Rosedale Lions and the Rosedale Super Eagles in the LIJSL. His older sister Martha played on a Rosedale team of boys born in 1985 and his older brother, George Jr., played in our club too.”

Tim plays professionally for French Ligue 1 club Marseille.

All five ENYYSA alumni selected also were on the USA roster in the 2022 World Cup.

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/

ODP Tryouts Kick Off This Summer All Over Eastern New York

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

May 28, 2026-Youth soccer players dreaming of becoming the next Sam Coffey, Claire Hutton, Joe Scally and Phallon Tullis-Joyce will have their opportunity when Olympic Development Program (ODP) tryouts start this summer.

Those four current members of the US National Teams developed their skills with the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association ODP when they were kids. ODP is the highest level of play in every state association and because our geographic region is quite large, we feature both North and South ODP teams.

Tryouts start with the 2013, 2014 and 2015 age groups, both boys and girls, at seven venues across Eastern New York. The full tryout schedule is here. 

For more info, please phone the Eastern New York office at 516-766-0849.

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/

Eastern New York Now Accepting Teams For the 3v3 Summer Soccer Series

May 27, 2026-The 3v3 Summer Soccer Series is a statewide tournament platform built to energize local communities, deliver a festival-style soccer experience and create a clear pathway from local qualifying events to a state championship. Timed to capture the excitement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the series brings together players, families, leagues and partners through a fast-paced small-sided game format. 

Qualifier Locations

·       Albany – Saturday, June 27th @ Afrim’s Sports Park

·       Hudson Valley – June 20th @ 12th Rock Sports

·       Westchester – TBA

·       New York City – Sunday, June 28th @ Governor’s Island Parade Grounds

·       Staten Island – Sat / Sun, June 27-28 @ Owl Hollow Soccer Fields

·       Long Island – Saturday, June 27 @ Peter C. Collins Soccer Park

Format

·       3–5 players per team roster

·       5 games guaranteed per team

·       15-minute game format

·       No goalkeepers

·       Boys and Girls divisions 

·       Competitive and fun-focused structure


More Than A Tournament

Aligned with the energy of the 2026 FIFA World Cup — a full festival atmosphere for players, families, and communities.

·       Music & DJs

·       Skills Challenges

·       Fan Zones

·       Community Engagement

Compete. Advance.

Teams in the Competitive Division can advance locally and earn the opportunity to compete at the 3v3 Summer Series State Championship on July 25 in Middletown, NY at 12th Rock Sports.

For more information or to register: click HERE

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/

May 30 is Championship Saturday in Eastern New York

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

May 25, 2026-After multiple elimination rounds which kicked off in March in many age groups, the State Cup in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) concludes with Championship Saturday on Saturday, May 30.  22 championship games will be played all day at the Blue Sky Sports Complex, a 249-acre grass venue in Middletown. This is the second consecutive year that the State Cup finals have been hosted there. 

And should the sky not be as blue as hoped for, the rain date is Sunday, May 31.

The US Youth Soccer ENYYSA State Cup Championship is for the top teams, it’s part of the National Championship Series and the champion teams go straight to Nationals this summer as there are no Regionals anymore. The Challenge Cup is for all teams at Under-10 and Under-11 as there is not a State Cup Championship in those age groups. For Under-12 to Under-13, it’s for mid- to lower-tier squads.

For more info, please phone the ENYYSA office at 516-766-0849.

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/

Gotham FC and ENYYSA in 2026

May 6, 2026-We’re excited to officially announce a new partnership between the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), our Member Leagues, and Gotham FC,  built around a shared goal of building the sport of soccer for youth players in our backyard.

Gotham FC, the reigning National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) champion, is working with ENYYSA to create unforgettable experiences for ENYYSA players, families, coaches, and leaders here in our community. There will be special opportunities for ENYYSA to attend Gotham FC matches and engage with the club through special events, clinics, and celebrations throughout the year. Want to stay in the loop? Sign up here to be the first to know. 

Up first? Gotham FC is planning a historic, record-breaking match at Citi Field on July 15th: The Queens Classic. This iconic match is an official ENYYSA Outing, complete with special offers, unique experiences, and discounted pricing, only for you.

Here’s why you’ll want to come: 

  • ENYYSA groups get discounted tickets (just $20!) to sit together and enjoy this 2025 Championship rematch at the iconic Citi Field. 
  • ENYYSA award winners and top players will be honored on the pitch in a special celebration.
  • Every member of the ENYYSA community will receive a special Gotham FC merch item.
  • The ENYYSA club that brings out the most fans will receive an autographed Gotham FC jersey and a suite at another Gotham FC home match.

Ready to get tickets? For a group of 10 or fewer, select your seats here. For a larger group, inquire here. 

We are also excited to partner with Gotham FC to offer FREE youth soccer clinics this spring and summer.

These clinics are a great opportunity for young players to develop their skills, stay active and have fun in a positive and supporting environment.

We look forward to bringing this exciting experience to our community and hope your players will join us.

More special opportunities are coming soon, only for ENYYSA families. Sign up here to be the first to hear about future Gotham FC x ENYYSA outings, clinics, and events. 

Here’s to continuing to build the next generation of players together. ¡Vamos!