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Press Release

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 this spring.

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/

Sophia Aurrecoechea Receives Eastern New York’s Jack Bauman Scholarship

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

July 7, 2025-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased to announce that Sophia Aurrecoechea of Islip Terrace is receiving a Jack Bauman Scholarship. 

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

Sophia wrote in her essay that “soccer has shaped who I am. As a varsity goalkeeper and travel player for the Long Island Slammers, I’ve learned leadership, resilience and dedication. This year, I committed to play for Nazareth University, where I will major in Physical Therapy. My dream is to help others the way soccer has helped me. Diagnosed with dyslexia at age eight, I’ve worked hard to overcome challenges in school while thriving on the field. I refused to let a learning difference define me. Instead, I embraced it––transforming it into a source of strength. Soccer became my outlet, where effort and heart mattered most.”

Sophia was an Honor Roll student at East Islip High School and played soccer, golf, was on the track team and was captain of the flag football team.

Additionally, she received the Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards in the Girl Scouts. She volunteered with Just For Kicks, the East Islip Soccer Club’s TOPSoccer Program, and was an intramural referee for the club, both for the past six years.

Besides competing for the Long Island Slammers, she played for East Islip, the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) Academy plus the Eastern New York and the Regional Olympic Development Program (ODP) teams during her youth soccer career.

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/

Kevin Gutierrez Receives Eastern New York’s Livio D’Arpino Scholarship

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

July 1, 2025-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased to announce that Jamaica resident Kevin Gutierrez is receiving a Livio D’Arpino Scholarship. 

The scholarship’s namesake was a beloved Eastern New York Vice President who was seemingly involved in every level of local soccer before his untimely passing in 2002. The Livio D’Arpino award is based on success in high school as well as community service.

Kevin had an amazing 4.0 GPA at Queens Gateway High School while taking Advanced Placement courses, served as captain of the soccer team and ran track at the Queensboro championships. He volunteered with My Brothers and Sisters Keepers (MBSK) and with the local food bank.

Kevin wrote in his essay that “soccer has played a major role in shaping who I am today. I began playing at the age of 10 under coach Cesar Juca with Juca SC, and I continue to play with the team today in the Metrokids Youth Soccer League. Through the years, I’ve also had the opportunity to compete with Las Islas Malvinas in the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League and Big Apple Youth Soccer League. These experiences have not only helped me grow as an athlete but have also taught me important life lessons in leadership, resilience and teamwork.”

We wish Kevin the best studying pre-law at Stony Brook 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/

Luca Nagrowski Receives a Livio D’Arpino Scholarship From Eastern New York

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

July 2, 2025-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is pleased to announce that Luca Nagrowski is receiving a Livio D’Arpino Scholarship. 

Luca wrote that “hard work and giving back has always been important to me. Throughout my high school career, I have successfully managed the demanding schedule of challenging coursework, including AP, honors and dual-enrollment college business classes, as well as participating in varsity athletics, school clubs and community service, all while maintaining a high level of academic excellence. These experiences have helped me become a hard-working, driven and responsible person who is committed to succeed in all areas of my life. They have also taught me the value of education, teamwork and helping others.”

At Oceanside High School, Luca was in the National Honor Society, the National Business Honor Society, the Junior Achievement High School Heroes Initiative and the Young Investors Club. He was a member of the soccer, tennis plus track and field teams.

Luca played youth soccer with Oceanside United and Rockville Centre and his teams won the division championship plus the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) Sportsmanship Award along the way. The Oceanside resident served as an assistant referee for the past four years.

The scholarship’s namesake, Livio D’Arpino, was a beloved Eastern New York Vice President who was seemingly involved in every level of local soccer before his untimely passing in 2002. The scholarship is based on success in high school as well as community service.

We wish Luca the best studying finance at the University of Tampa 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/

Becoming a Ref Could Be One of the Best Decisions You Ever Make

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

June 24, 2025-The Soccer Mom rolled down her car window as she and her daughter were leaving the soccer complex.

“Thank you, ref!” she said. “I know it’s a thankless job.”

“Not really,” I countered. “99% of the people are great!”

Maybe 99% is an exaggeration but at least 95% understand that youth soccer features kids playing a game and they, their coaches and the refs make mistakes, although never on purpose. Very few treat the game like the World Cup final.

I should know as I’ve refereed in six different decades, starting as a teen when Jimmy Carter was President. And the vast majority of people have treated me great and I heartily expect that will continue.

There are many great things that happen when you referee as you meet new people, learn leadership skills, learn to manage people, learn to remain calm at all times, you are your own boss and go directly to the customer, you expand yourself by leaving your comfort zone plus you get (or stay) fit, all while earning money on the side.

Becoming a soccer referee was one of the best decisions I ever made and that could be the same for you! The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is seeking new referees to be in the middle and/or on the line as assistant referees in youth soccer games throughout the state. The minimum age is 14 years old to become certified. You manage your availability so officiating works with all the rest that you do!

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

Michael Blackton photo of Randy Vogt refereeing the South Shore Bulldogs

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/

Liberty Cup to Reboot With a Tournament This Summer on Long Island

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

May 12, 2025-The Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL), the largest league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), has announced plans to expand the league’s slate of competitions with a summer tournament. Liberty Cup Long Island will be played on Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27 at Brentwood Soccer Park.

“We are confident that the Liberty Cup will become a mainstay of the Long Island soccer calendar,” LIJSL President Andrew Seabury said. 

The event will be for the Under-9 to Under-12 age groups with brackets for both boys and girls. The competition will have a guarantee of three games and the ability to reach a final. All games will be 50 minutes long as the Under-9 and Under-10 age groups compete 7v7, while Under-11 and Under-12 compete 9v9.

“We’re continuously looking for initiatives for our LIJSL clubs and players,” LIJSL Sporting Director John Fitzgerald explained. “The Liberty Cup was a top-flight event that we ran in the past, and in its return is one such initiative. We’re excited to host this local competition, and also hope to attract teams from beyond Long Island.”

Along with bolstering league-wide programming to benefit all membership, the tournament provides a local platform for the LIJSL Academy East and West programs to showcase each team’s hard work over the coming months.

“I’m excited to be part of bringing the Liberty Cup back to Long Island,” LIJSL Technical Director Ronan Wiseman said. “It will provide our Academy East and West teams with a great opportunity for some good competition close to home and it will re-establish the tournament we first started back in the 90s.” 

The upcoming tournament is a reboot of the Liberty Cup in the 1990s that featured competing teams from around the United States and the world. Sister tournaments were Liberty Cup Moscow, Liberty Cup Italy and Liberty Cup Ireland.

The Eastern Pennsylvania ODP team (along with their families) that played in Liberty Cup Moscow. In the front row, Jon Busch is second from the left and Ben Olsen is third from the right (in the orange cap). Coach Len Bilous is on the far right in the back row.

Scores of youth soccer players who would move on to the professional ranks played in the Liberty Cup. Eastern Pennsylvania Olympic Development Program (ODP) players Ben Olsen (now the Houston Dynamo coach) and Jon Busch (now goalkeeper coach for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds) had long professional playing careers and played in both Liberty Cup USA and Liberty Cup Moscow. In Moscow, they were eyewitnesses to history as the August 1991 military coup was defeated and Liberty Cup Moscow truly earned its name.

ENYYSA Public Relations Director Randy Vogt purposely wearing the ironic color of red as Communism was defeated when the August 1991 military coup ended. He’s standing in front of the Russian Parliament Building just after the coup was over. Notice the barricades in the background that were protecting Russian President Boris Yeltsin.

The LIJSL then established an exchange program with soccer clubs in the former Soviet Union and the league purchased flags of the newly independent nations carved out of the USSR. In 1992, a Zenit St. Petersburg youth team was arriving at Kennedy Airport two days earlier than expected, the LIJSL had less than 24 hours notice plus the LIJSL Select Team scheduled to host them was playing in a tournament in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. So LIJSL volunteers scrambled, picking up the team at Kennedy Airport, found host homes that weekend for all the players and provided summer uniforms for the boys as their long-sleeve wool jerseys were too hot for the summer heat.

Commack United players surrounding Juventus goalkeeper Angelo Peruzzi in 1994.

Commack United, coached by Ray Anderson, made it to the Liberty Cup Italy Boys-Under-16 final in Turin in 1994. Two Commack United players, Carlo Acquista (Fordham) and Mike Mordocco (LIU), are now NCAA Division 1 men’s college coaches.

Registration for the 2025 Liberty Cup is now open and interested teams can apply 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. 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/

Commack Crushes Their Way to the IberCup in Portugal

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

May 8, 2025-The Commack Crush went undefeated in qualifying against Dix Hills, Rockville Centre and Smithtown to reserve a spot in the 2025 IberCup, being played from July 1 to 6 in Estoril, Portugal. Commack qualified through the Elite Clubs Alliance League (ECAL), which is organized by the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) to earn free entry in the IberCup.

Under the coaching of former Long Island Rough Rider Jim Walther, Commack has done well, being champions of their EDP division and the East Meadow Tournament in 2024 plus reaching the championship game of the East Islip Fall Classic and SUSA Spring Kickoff. This solid Girls-Under-11 team is currently playing up a year in EDP Southeast 2 to prepare for the IberCup.

“The Crush is a very good team because the players are close, love and play for one another,” Coach Walther stated.

In the LIJSL’s agreement with the IberCup, squads that qualify through ECAL such as Commack 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. Yet there is need for the girls to fundraise to help decrease the cost for their families for the trip to Portugal. Anybody who would like to help out can contact coach Jim Walther at jwalther827@gmail.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 on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

Four Staten Island Teams Play on the Red Bulls’ Pitch

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

April 30, 2025-The Staten Island Youth Soccer League (SIYSL), the southernmost league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), held a special event with the Red Bulls at Sports Illustrated Stadium last Saturday, April 26 during the Red Bulls’ 1-0 win over CF Montreal.

Four SIYSL teams that sold the most tickets were invited by the Red Bulls to play on their field at halftime.

Congrats to the Great Kills Tornados (in yellow), Richmondtown Knights (blue and white), St. Charles Cobras (red) and Staten Island SC Inter (navy blue). A great time was had by all!

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/

The American Soccer Club to Debut in May

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

April 29, 2025-Think of the American Soccer Club of New York as being red, white and new. Chock full of players who grew up in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) team kicks off its inaugural season on May 4 at Hofstra University’s Captains Field.

Led in the executive suite by Hicksville Americans Soccer Club alumnus Kevin Reardon and Massapequa Soccer Club graduate Jim Kilmeade, who served as the first General Manager of the Long Island Rough Riders in the mid-1990’s. The Rough Riders were also filled with local players such as Chris Armas, Giovanni Savarese, Tony Meola and many other noteworthies and won the United Soccer Leagues (USL) national championship in 1995. As this was a year before Major League Soccer (MLS) kicked off, the Rough Riders were arguably the best team in all of the United States that year. They had a great slogan of “Speak Softly and Carry a Big Kick” as they attracted SRO crowds to Mitchel Athletic Complex.

30 years later, the pro soccer landscape has changed as many professional teams dot the landscape. The NPSL is in the fourth division of American soccer, one level above the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) which has nine teams on Long Island. The NPSL was founded in 2003 and now has over 90 clubs across the United States. Its Managing Director is Cindy Spera, who played for the Rough Riders women’s team, then named the Long Island Lady Riders, three decades ago.

The American Soccer Club looks to fill Captains Field for their five home dates:

Sunday, May 4 vs. Osner’s FC. Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) Night
Saturday, May 10 vs. New York Shockers. Eastern New York ODP Night.
Saturday, May 31 vs. New Haven United
Tuesday, June 24 vs. Hartford City
Saturday, July 5 vs. New Haven United
All home games at 7:00 pm.

The local ties continue as the American Soccer Club coach is John Fitzgerald, the LIJSL Sporting Director who grew up playing for the Hicksville Americans Soccer Club.

“US Men’s National Team player Joe Scally is the prototype for why we are doing this,” Kilmeade concluded. “With all the soccer and all the people here, we believe there is more than one Joe Scally on Long Island.”

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/

The Quest For the State Cup Championship Ends on May 31

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

May 1, 2025-The State Cup kicked off on Saturday, March 1 on fields across the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) and concludes with 23 championship games on Saturday, May 31 at the Blue Sky Sports Complex, a 249-acre grass venue in Middletown. This is the first time that the State Cup finals have been played in Orange County. For over decade, the championship games were played at Stringham Park in LaGrange in Dutchess County, east of the Hudson River, but have moved west of the Hudson in 2025. Both venues are centrally-located in Eastern New York.

Blue Sky Sports Complex

The State Open Cup is for the top teams and it’s part of the National Championship Series. The Challenge Cup is for all teams at Under-10 and Under-11 as there is not a State Open Cup in those age groups. For Under-12 to Under-16, it’s for mid- to lower-tier squads.

The preliminary rounds were played in March and April from the East End of Long Island to north of Albany. The quarterfinals will be played this Saturday, May 3 with the semis on Saturday, May 17.

The exception is the Under-18/19 State Open Cup that starts in May as some players in that age group are away at college. Those games kick off on Friday night, May 2.

For more info about the State Open Cup or Challenge Cup, 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. 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/