Eastern NY Youth Soccer Association

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ODP

Remembering the Remarkable Frank Kcira

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

April 16, 2026-The local soccer community is mourning the passing of Franush Kcira (fra-NUUSH CEE-ra), who passed away on April 10 at the age of 70 of cancer.

Nicknamed Frank, he was of Albanian descent and came to New York as a teenager from North Macedonia. Frank played in what became the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), and then professionally including with the New York Arrows of the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL).

Eastern New York Hall of Famer Ken Gulmi said, “Frank was a super guy. He was a midfielder who blew out his knee and reinvented himself as a goalkeeper so he could stay on the field.”

Frank started coaching his four sons in the Clarkstown Soccer Club, then coached other Clarkstown teams after his kids graduated from youth soccer. The New City resident coached in Eastern New York’s Olympic Development Program (ODP) from 1999 to 2006. With longtime MLS goalkeeper Tim Melia on the team, he coached Eastern New York ODP to the 2002 ODP National Finals in Plano, Texas.

Frank is in the back row on the far left with his Eastern New York ODP team of boys born in 1984 as the squad toured Greece and Italy in the summer of 1999.  This photo is from Formia, Italy, before defeating the local men’s team. 

His youngest son, Robert Baggio Kcira, was named after Frank’s idol, Italian superstar Roberto Baggio. Robert played ODP and went on to play pro soccer with SC Wiener Neustadt of the Austrian Bundesliga, the top tier in that country, as well as Miami FC of the North American Soccer League (NASL).

Frank coached for three decades in the Clarkstown Soccer Club and had a tremendous impact on the program.

“Frank was a great guy and nobody ever had anything bad to say about him,” explained Dimitri Giatrakis, another Eastern New York Hall of Famer who was very fond of Frank. “He embodied the very essence of kindness, fairness, love and devotion as a husband, father, coach and friend.”

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

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 Places Four Players on the ODP National Team

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

April 21, 2026-The Olympic Development Program (ODP) is the highest level of play in every state association. The Eastern New York

 Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) has a particularly strong ODP and three current members of the US Women’s National Team––Sam Coffey, Claire Hutton and Phallon Tullis-Joyce––all developed their skills playing in our program.

On the boys side, four of our players––goalkeeper Austin Sheehan, midfielders Sean Mahoney and Nicholas Gentile and forward Angelo O’Connor––were recently selected to the ODP National Team. This is the second consecutive year that Austin, Sean and Nick have received this high honor while it is Angelo’s first time on this prestigious roster. 

While they credit ODP for enhancing their skills development in competing against kids with a similar lofty skill set, what also helped is all four played high school varsity soccer as underclassmen. Playing against teammates and opponents much older and bigger than them on a daily basis in the fall made them adapt and enhanced their skills even further. 

During Spring Break earlier this month, Austin, Sean and the rest of the 2008 ODP National Team played in the Eture Showcase in Valencia, Spain while Nick and the 2010 ODP National Team plus Angelo and the 2011 ODP National Team played in the IberCup in Lisbon, Portugal.

Eastern New York’s immense talent will be on display when we host the 6th Annual ODP Sub Regional on April 25 and 26 at Afrim’s Sports Park in Colonie.

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/

Sean Mahoney Selected to the ODP National Team For the Second Consecutive Year

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

April 16, 2026-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is pleased to announce that Sean Mahoney has been selected to the Olympic Development Program (ODP) National Team for the second year in a row.

His best experience with ODP so far has been travelling to Italy last year (photo above) with the ODP National Team to play in the 44th Annual Maggoni Righi Torneo Internazionale di Calcio, where they played pro academy teams such as Juventus and US Catanzaro 1921.

Sean has played for Eastern New York ODP from Under-12 through Under-18, the East Region three times and was the East Region team’s captain this past year.

From his midfield position, Sean helped lead New York Hota Bavarian 2008 Blue to the State Cup and Regional championship last year as well as the semifinals of Nationals.

He was a three-year varsity starter at Oceanside High School and captained the Sailors last fall to the Conference AAA championship and was named Class AAA Player of the Year, All-County, All-State, All-Region while leading Class AAA with 17 assists. 

The Oceanside resident hopes to continue scoring golazos (like this one for Hota during the 2025 Regional Final) for SUNY Cortland this fall.

ODP is the highest level of play in every state association. Eastern New York has a particularly strong ODP and three current members of the US Women’s National Team––Sam Coffey, Claire Hutton and Phallon Tullis-Joyce––all developed their skills playing in our program.

Our players’ immense talent will be on display when Eastern New York hosts the 6th Annual ODP Sub Regional on April 25 and 26 at Afrim’s Sports Park in Colonie.

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/

Nicholas Gentile Selected to the ODP National Team For the Second Consecutive Year

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

April 9, 2026-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is pleased to announce that Nicholas Gentile has been selected to the Olympic Development Program (ODP) National Team.

Nick’s composure on the ball and high work rate allow him to dominate midfield play for ODP, club team East Coast Surf 2010 and school team St. Anthony’s High School, where he has a GPA over 100. The St. James resident has played for Eastern New York ODP for three years and the ODP National Team for two years.

Nick Gentile is on the left playing for St. Anthony’s High School. Photo courtesy of the Gentile family.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed and moreover, appreciate my experience with the entire ODP staff and team members, realizing that much of my growth as a player has come from my time with this program,” Nick stated.

ODP is the highest level of play in every state association. Eastern New York has a particularly strong ODP and three current members of the US Women’s National Team––Sam Coffey, Claire Hutton and Phallon Tullis-Joyce––all developed their skills playing in our program.

Our players’ immense talent will be on display when Eastern New York hosts the 6th Annual ODP Sub Regional on April 25 and 26 at Afrim’s Sports Park in Colonie.

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 Sub Regional to Be Played on April 25 and 26 in Colonie

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

April 7, 2026-The Olympic Development Program (ODP) is the highest level of play in each state association. Under the direction of Wayne Fortino, the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) has a particularly strong program and current US Women’s National Team players Sam Coffey, Claire Hutton and Phallon Tullis-Joyce are all Eastern New York ODP alumnae.

Eastern New York is pleased to announce that our 6th Annual ODP Sub Regional will take place on April 25 and 26 at Afrim’s Sports Park in Colonie. Hosting are the North and South Olympic Development Program (ODP) teams from Eastern New York. Because the geographic region of our state association is quite large, we feature both North and South ODP teams.

The Under-12 to Under-17 boys will be playing on Saturday, April 25 while the girls in those same age groups will be competing on Sunday, April 26. The other state associations participating are Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York West and Vermont.

College coaches and regional coaches will be scouting the players participating a month before the ODP Regional ID Tournament, making the coaches’ job a little easier in evaluating these top players.

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/

Angelo O’Connor Selected to Play For the ODP National Team

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

April 2, 2026-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased to announce that Angelo O’Connor has been selected to the Olympic Development Program (ODP) National Team.

The Scotia resident, from a very young age, fell in love playing with a soccer ball and would pass it between his feet all the time, even sometimes when eating meals with his family. This helped develop his exquisite ball skills that Angelo has used mainly as a left wing for ODP, club team NY Elite and Scotia-Glenville High School. Now in 9th Grade, Angelo started playing for the high school boys varsity soccer Spartans since 7th Grade against opponents much older and bigger than he is.

Angelo playing for the Scotia-Glenville High School Spartans. Photo courtesy of the O’Connor family.

“I have enjoyed my time playing ODP,” Angelo stated. “Each step in the ODP process has brought wonderful moments, like when I was picked to attend the ID Camp last summer. After the ID Camp, I moved on to the Inter-Regional Program, where I played against other ODP Regional Teams. But the biggest moment was when we received the e-mail that I had made the ODP National Team and will be traveling to play in Portugal this spring.”

ODP is the highest level of play in every state association. Eastern New York has a particularly strong ODP and three current members of the US Women’s National Team––Sam Coffey, Claire Hutton and Phallon Tullis-Joyce––all developed their skills playing in our program.

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/

Austin Sheehan Selected to the ODP National Team for the Second Consecutive Year

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

March 24, 2026-The Olympic Development Program (ODP) is the highest level of play in every state association. The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) has a particularly strong ODP and three current members of the US Women’s National Team––Sam Coffey, Claire Hutton and Phallon Tullis-Joyce––all developed their skills playing Eastern New York ODP.

North Merrick resident Austin Sheehan has played Eastern New York ODP since 2020 and been selected to the ODP National Team for the second consecutive year. His soccer resume is very impressive as he helped lead New York Hota Bavarian 2008 Blue to the State Cup and Regional championship last year as well as the semifinals of Nationals.

At Calhoun High School, the 6’3” goalkeeper is a member of the National Honor Society and Honor Roll. Austin led the Colts to two consecutive conference championships, played in the Rising Juniors Game in 2024 and the Exceptional Seniors Game in 2025. He was selected both All-Region and All-State in 2025, All County in 2024 and ’25, Conference Goalkeeper of the Year in both ’24 and ’25, received the Al Freeman Best Goalkeeper Award last year and was one of the Newsday Top 100 Boys Soccer Players on Long Island.

Austin said that “the best moments of my ODP career have been the Inter-Regional events and the National event. The Inter-Regional event connected me with many new faces that have helped me turn into the player I am today, and the National event gave me the most competitive soccer I have ever played before.”

Austin will be looking to post many more shutouts in goal, and in the future it will be for the Hawks of SUNY-New Paltz starting 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, 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/

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 three current players of the US Women’s National Team––Sam Coffey, 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.

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/

Sue Ryan to Receive the Charlotte Moran Long-Term Service Award For Youth Soccer

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

November 13, 2025-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very proud to announce that one of our longtime Olympic Development Program (ODP) coaches, Susan Ryan, will receive the United Soccer Coaches’ Charlotte Moran Long-Term Service Award for Youth Soccer. Sue will be honored at the United Soccer Coaches’ Awards Ceremony on January 16, 2026 in Philadelphia.

“This award has special meaning to me since it is named in honor of my mentor and friend, Charlotte Moran,” Sue said.

Another longtime Eastern New York ODP coach, John Fitzgerald, is being honored at the same ceremony with the Mike Berticelli Excellence in Coaching Education Award.

Sue is a former member of United Soccer Coaches’ board of directors, chair of the Advocacy Council and academy staff instructor. She was honored with the association’s Women’s Soccer Award of Excellence in 2011 and its Letter of Commendation in 2016.

The Stony Brook resident has served as the US Youth Soccer East Region Girls ODP Director for 36 years and has held leadership roles with United Soccer Coaches, including Chair of the Advocacy Council and the Women’s Committee. Appointed by the namesake of her most recent award, former ODP Administrator Charlotte Moran, Sue has consistently given back to the sport by coaching with the Northport/Cow Harbor Soccer Club, Stony Brook Soccer Club, Atlantic United Soccer Club, Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) Select Program, Eastern New York Girls ODP Program and East Region ODP.

Sue is Eastern New York ODP South Girls Director and currently coaching the team of South girls born in 2011.

“I have known Sue for over 20 years and we have been friendly competitors ever since,” explained Eastern New York ODP Director Wayne Fortino. “All the players and parents of Eastern New York ODP as well as myself are so lucky to have her as Girls Director of Coaching. In this role, she oversees the direction of the girls program as well as coaching one of the age groups. We’re extremely grateful for this and are very proud of her well-deserved award.”

As Eastern New York ODP coach, Sue suggested Phallon Tullis-Joyce transition from field player to goalkeeper and nearly two decades later, she is now keeper for Manchester United and the US Women’s National Team.

Sue coached the Stony Brook University women’s soccer team for three decades and her Seawolves became the first college team to win the New York Metro Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association (NYMISOA) Sportsmanship Award twice, in 1997 and 2004. Sue coached the Northport/Cow Harbor Piranha to the Girls-Under-16 and Girls-Under-18 national championships just before the turn of the millennium.

Sue’s other honors and accolades include US Youth Soccer Youth Coach of the Year, Long Island Soccer Player Hall of Fame and Distinguished Educator, SUNY Cortland Alumni.

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/

John Fitzgerald to Receive the Mike Berticelli Excellence in Coaching Education Award

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

October 22, 2025-United Soccer Coaches has announced the selection of John Fitzgerald as the 2025 Mike Berticelli Excellence in Coaching Education Award recipient for his outstanding contributions to coaching education and his singular service to the game.

Fitzgerald becomes the 26th person to receive prestigious recognition from his peers. The award is named in honor of Mike Berticelli, the Association’s former Vice President of Education and men’s coach at the University of Notre Dame who passed away in 2000.

Fitzgerald is Sporting Director and Director of Coaching Education for the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL), the largest league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA).

“This is a fitting recognition for someone whom has a profound effect on Coaching Education and the development of coaching standards across Long Island,” stated LIJSL President Andrew Seabury.  “There are not many coaches who coach in the LIJSL, both past and present, who have not benefitted from John’s influence and passion for the highest coaching education standards. This high honor is well deserved.”

Fitzgerald’s extensive experience and dedication to soccer make him a prominent figure in the coaching community, particularly on Long Island where he continues to influence the development of young players and the growth of the sport.

The Smithtown resident is a highly respected coach with over 35 years of experience spanning professional, collegiate and youth soccer. He is currently the head coach of the American Soccer Club New York, a newly established team competing in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL). Fitzgerald brings an impressive depth of knowledge and a proven record of achievement to this position, having earned recognition throughout the New York soccer community.

“John embodies what the Berticelli Award is about and is truly deserving of this honor for his passion and dedication to coaching education,” United Soccer Coaches President Paul Payne explained.

John Fitzgerald coaching in Eastern New York’s Olympic Development Program.

Fitzgerald’s coaching journey includes several notable roles:

• Associate Head Coach, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy: In this role, Fitzgerald contributed to the team’s six NCAA Division 3 tournament appearances, helping the program achieve a strong reputation and consistent performance.

• Director of Coaching, New York Cosmos: Fitzgerald was responsible for overseeing training and player development programs. He also served as assistant coach for Cosmos B, who captured the 2015 NPSL national championship.

• Head Coach, Long Island Lady Rough Riders: Under his leadership, the Lady Rough Riders won a national championship in the W-League, further establishing his credentials.

• Longtime coach in Eastern New York’s Olympic Development Program (ODP), including Boys Director of Coaching.

• Current head coach of East Region ODP Boys 2009 team.

Fitzgerald has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to coaching. He was named the 2004 NSCAA/Adidas Northeast Regional Assistant Coach of the Year and the 1997 Newsday Coach of the Year, as well as head coach of that years’ Umbro W-League All-Star select team His involvement in coaching education includes serving as the NSCAA State Director for Long Island and as a National Staff Instructor as well as a US Soccer coach educator.  Fitzgerald’s teams have accumulated significant successes, including a record of 228-100-20 at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy as well as multiple conference championships and NCAA tournament appearances. 

The Berticelli Award will be presented at the association’s Awards Ceremony on Friday, January 16, 2026, in conjunction with the 86th Annual United Soccer Coaches Convention in Philadelphia.

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/