Press Release

Ed Kobos Receives Lifetime Membership From the Mohawk Valley Soccer Referee Association

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

January 22, 2026-Congratulations to Ed Kobos, who was honored with Life Membership from the Mohawk Valley Soccer Referee Association (MVSRA) toward the end of last year. Lifetime Membership is the equivalent of the Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Ed founded MVSRA back in 2001 and has had a long and distinguished career of officiating plus serving soccer in the Mohawk Valley,” explained MVSRA President Christopher “Kit” Hutchinson.

Ed started officiating soccer with the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) in 1986 and as a high school ref in 1988 and moved quickly up the ladder, officiating the Section 3 Class D boys championship at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse and the high school state finals in Oneonta.

In 1996, Ed started to become very involved with the Oneonta Soccer Referees Association (OSRA) and refereed tournament games there at the National Hall of Fame Fields as the US Soccer Hall of Fame was in Oneonta at the time. In 2001, State Referee Administrator (SRA) Jose Vargas suggested that Utica should have its own ref organization, so Ed plus Art Durando founded MVSRA.

“For the first two years, we utilized instructors from Albany and Oneonta to teach our classes,” Ed explained.

The New Hartford resifdent served as MVSRA President from its founding in 2001 to 2018, an amazing 18 years in charge! Ed continued to move up the ladder and became a Regional Referee, Instructor and Assessor all under the US Soccer banner. He refereed and assessed Regionals as well as refereeing adult matches plus the Central New York State Soccer League (CNYSSL) and Capital District Youth Soccer League (CDYSL) in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA).

Additionally, Ed refereed Empire State Games played in Binghamton, Buffalo and Utica plus college matches.

In 2018, he was selected to be the Referee Liaison and assignor for Utica City Football Club of the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) and did so well that he added United Elite Krajisnik FC when they joined MASL-2 in 2023. Ed also serves as scorekeeper and timekeeper for MASL games at the Adirondack Bank Center.

Ed’s hip has been acting up and he is not as active as in the past but as his plaque suggests, he has KTBR (Kept The Business Running) in making sure that every game was officiated by a qualified referee for the past four decades.

Thinking about joining Ed and thousands of other soccer refs on the field? Eastern New York is seeking new referees to be in the middle and/or on the line as assistant referees in youth soccer games. 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

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 four current players of the US Women’s National Team––Sam Coffey, Crystal Dunn, 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.

Youth Soccer Continues This Winter in Eastern New York

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

December 15, 2025-Although the spring and fall are the most active seasons in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) as the temps are perfect then for soccer, there is activity in both winter and summer. Check out what our leagues are offering this winter:

Big Apple Youth Soccer League
Luis Montoya Indoor Tournament • Indoors from January 10 to March 7 at the Elmcor Gym • Boys from Under-8 to Under-15

Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League
NY Winter Tournament • Outdoors from December 6 to March 15 at Randall’s Island, Brooklyn and Queens
Boys from Under-9 to Under-16, Girls from Under-10 to Under-15 • Organized by Juventus Academy New York

Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League
Jim Slater Memorial Tournament • Indoors January 10-11 at the Hudson Valley Sports Dome • Boys and girls, Under-9 to Under-18

President’s Cup Tournament • Indoors February 14-15 at the Hudson Valley Sports Dome • Boys and girls, Under-9 to Under-18

Long Island Futsal League
Indoors from January 3 to February 22 in central Suffolk County • Boys and girls, Under-7 to Under-19

Long Island Junior Soccer League
Winter Showdown • Indoors from January 17 to March 7 at Stony Brook University • Boys and girls, Under-9 to Under-12

New York Futsal
Indoors from December 6 to March 8 in Uptown Manhattan • Boys from Under-7 to High School

Remember that if your children are not playing in an ENYYSA-affiliated league or tournament, then they are not covered by our insurance, and chances are, they are not covered by any insurance. Always ask about the insurance coverage before registering your children or team.

Make It Your New Year’s Resolution to Become a Soccer Referee or Assistant Ref

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

December 30, 2025-The growth in programs of the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) has created a continuous need for more soccer referees so please consider making it your New Year’s resolution to become certified. There will be certification classes held in 2026 throughout Eastern New York.

Courtesy of the Long Island Soccer Referees Association

Our certified referees and assistant refs are expected to handle 80,000 assignments in 2026, when the World Cup will also be played in the USA, Canada and Mexico, which should increase the popularity of soccer even further.

There are many wonderful things that happen when a person starts to ref including earning money, learning to manage people, learning more about the game, staying or becoming fit, expanding yourself by leaving your comfort zone as well as meeting the greatest people on soccer fields, including your new officiating colleagues. Becoming a youth soccer ref could be one of the best decisions you ever make!

Eastern New York is seeking new referees to be in the middle and/or on the line as assistant referees in youth soccer games. 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, click here. If you have any questions, e-mail questions@enysreferee.org

Courtesy of the Hudson Valley Soccer Referees Association

Turkey Bowl Soccer Celebrated Across Long Island

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

December 2, 2025-The friendships started as kids on the soccer fields of the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) can last a lifetime. And at no time is this more apparent than at Thanksgiving, when people come home for the holiday. Turkey Bowl soccer games were played on Thanksgiving morning before the players ate turkey with all the trimmings.

We start in Baldwin at the Brookside Elementary School. Baldwin’s Turkey Bowl kicked off in 1979 when Doug Lyn (second from right in the photo above) began a pick-up game for the players he coached in the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL). One of those players in the inaugural match was 11-year-old Jimmy Walther, who has not missed a Turkey Bowl in the past 47 years, went on to play for the Long Island Rough Riders and currently organizes the Turkey Bowl in both Baldwin and Commack.

“Whoever wanted to play always has a home with Doug,” Walther said. “The Turkey Bowl has gone from the players that Doug coached, we have added their kids and anybody who wants to play.”

Walther (center in back row) now coaches numerous teams in the Commack Youth Soccer League and started Commack’s Turkey Bowl in 2022. This soccer hamlet is home to Commack High School, recently-crowned Class AAA state champions in both boys and girls soccer. The 4th Annual Commack Turkey Bowl was played at the Burr Road Soccer Complex. Walther did double-duty on Thanksgiving Day as he left his home in Commack for the 9 am kick-off in Commack, then drove nearly 30 miles to Baldwin (where he grew up), going from the youngest Turkey Bowl to the oldest.

The 38th Annual Brentwood High School Turkey Bowl was played by the alumni at the school’s new soccer stadium, home of the five-time state champions. Ron Eden (standing on far left) has been the head coach of this powerhouse team for the past 31 years. He said, “It has been a great day. This is one of my favorite days of the year as I see all of you guys again.”

Organized by coaches Noah Molina, JP Madden and Aaron Ahmad, St. John the Baptist High School restarted its alumni match this year after taking off in 2024 due to heavy rain. The 9th Annual Cougars Alumni Game was played at the home of the 4-time state champion in West Islip.

The 21st Annual Chaminade High School Turkey Bowl was played at Gold Star Stadium on the campus of the Catholic boys school in Mineola, home of the 10-time and current state champions. It kicked off in 2004 and took a year off in 2020 because of the pandemic. The Flyers alumni game was organized by Matt Chicavich, an assistant coach on the varsity team.

“We had 75 alumni attend. There was bagels and coffee, some good soccer and a lot of reminiscing. It was a good morning!” explained Chaminade head coach Brian Anselmo, standing above on the far right.

Oceanside United, founded in 1962 and where two dozen former professional players cut their teeth as kids, held their 36th Annual Turkey Bowl at wind-swept Oceanside Park. Promowear again supplied the shirts. Memories of Alfredo D’Antonio, a former pro player in Italy who was a fixture at many Turkey Bowls and passed at 91 last year.

Additionally, two other Long Island soccer clubs played their alumni games after Thanksgiving. Garden City Centennial played on Friday, November 28 and Rockville Centre played on Saturday, November 29. The friendships made on soccer fields as kids can last forever.

CJSL to Host Its Winter College Showcase on December 1 at Queens College

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

November 18, 2025-The players of the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL) are held in such high esteem by college and junior college coaches that they are even scouting the tryouts for the CJSL Winter College Showcase.

Welcome to the 9th Annual CJSL Winter College Showcase, organized by andGo Sports and the CJSL, founded in 1933 and the oldest league in American youth soccer. The showcase receives financial support from the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA). Tryouts for high school senior boys are currently being held at Manhattan University and Queens College.

“We utilize multiple locations to have players from different parts of the city for this recruiting opportunity,” explained Max Watson, the CJSL First Vice President who is organizing the showcase. “We are definitely excited for the event this year!”

The selected players will be playing in the showcase on Monday night, December 1, kicking off at 6 pm at Queens College. Three teams will be playing 45-minute matches.

College and junior college coaches from Division 1 to Division 3 are once again expected to scout the CJSL Winter College Showcase.

For more information, please log on to the CJSL website.

Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League Inducts Scott Carruthers and Emmanuel Nneji Into its Hall of Fame

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

November 18, 2025-The Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League (HVYSL) held its Annual Awards Dinner on Saturday, November 8 at Villa Borghese in Wappingers Falls to honor those who have particularly made a difference on youth soccer fields in the Hudson Valley. The league, affiliated with the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) since its founding in 1974, brings together clubs from Dutchess, Orange, Ulster, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan and Westchester counties in New York plus Pike County in Pennsylvania.

“We had a great time with a room full of people,” explained Ken Gulmi, HVYSL Awards Chairperson and Eastern New York Hall of Famer. “15 Hudson Valley Hall of Famers were there and it was nice to see and visit with old friends.”

Scott Carruthers and Emmanuel Nneji were inducted into the HVYSL Hall of Fame during the festive day.

Scott Carruthers is in the center on left-hand photo and Emmanuel Nneji is in the center on right photo.
Ken Gulmi is on the left in both photos and HVYSL President Chris Decker is on the right.

Poughkeepsie resident Scott Carruthers became a coach in the Town of Poughkeepsie Soccer Club (TOPSC) four decades ago, then helped establish girls soccer in Dutchess County when he started coaching the Dutchess United Girls Soccer (DUGS) club. Scott became a ref and advanced to Regional Referee status and is now a well-regarded assessor too.

Emmanuel Nneji is the District Attorney for Ulster County. His coaching journey began over 35 years ago when he started coaching in the Kingston Area Soccer League. The Kingston resident has stepped up whenever a team needed a coach. Manny is a volunteer coach, his teams have played well but most importantly, he makes all his players feel good about themselves.

Also honored were the following outstanding individuals:

• Boys Competitive Coach of the Year-Alex Gunera, FC Puma

• Girls Competitive Coach of the Year-Hugo Alzate, Beacon Soccer Club

• Administrator of the Year-Felicia Sheehan, Eastern Pike Soccer Club

• Volunteer of the Year-Rebecca Palmatier, Highland United

Congratulations to all!

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/

Play New York Futsal This Winter

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

November 11, 2025-Team and individual registration, training and pick-up games are important features of New York Futsal as it gets set for its new season this winter going from December 6 to March 8. Boys-Under-7 to High School Boys will be playing on Saturdays and Sundays.

Games will be played in two gyms at the PS 333 Manhattan School For Children, also known as the Joan of Arc School, as well as at the Tito Puente Education Complex, both in Uptown Manhattan.

Futsal is a great skill developer by enhancing ball control, pinpoint passing, dribbling, vision and running off the ball. Played 5 vs. 5, the goalkeepers get an intense workout too. Futsal’s increased popularity comes from players using these skills that they acquired in the indoor winter season when they return to playing outdoor soccer in March.

The league has been affiliated with the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) since its inception in 2010. Futsal every day of the week as games will be played on weekends and training with a UEFA coach around that, just taking a break for the holidays.

Longtime New York Futsal coach Jaime Arias is also back to help with the training sessions. The league is excited to give away entry to their summer camp to one lucky player. Referees are needed too for New York Futsal games this winter.

Log on to https://www.newyorkfutsal.com to register. For more info, go to that website or phone New York Futsal’s Leslie Hamer at 917-861-9782.

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 Exceptional Senior Games Are a Veterans Day Tradition in Guilderland

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

November 5, 2025-The Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) started the Exceptional Senior Games in 1981 so that top high school senior soccer players could be scouted by college coaches all in one venue. This all-star competition spread throughout the United States and continues on Long Island 44 years later, although it’s now organized exclusively by Nassau County Boys Soccer and the Suffolk County Boys Soccer Coaches Association.

One of the most successful Exceptional Senior Games takes place a long corner kick from the state capital in Albany every year. The Capital District Youth Soccer League (CDYSL) will be organizing its Exceptional Senior Games on Tuesday, November 11, continuing its tradition of playing these games on Veterans Day at DiCaprio Park in Guilderland. CDYSL volunteers have been partnering with NYSPHSAA Section 2 coaches in organizing this competition of both public and private schools annually during its three decades of existence with the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) providing financial support.

High school senior student/athletes are selected by their leagues/coaches to represent their individual conferences and showcase their talent by competing against other Section 2 players. Coaches from colleges and junior colleges from all over the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions have been invited to attend the games and evaluate local players who hope to continue their soccer careers next year.

Team photos from previous versions of the Exceptional Senior Games

The schedule:

Boys Games
10:00 am, Field 1, Western Athletic Conference (WAC) vs. Adirondack
11:30 am, Field 3, Wasaren League vs. Patroon Conference
1:00 pm, Field 2, Foothills vs. Colonial Council
2:30 pm, Field 1, Suburban Council White vs. Suburban Council Red

Girls Games
10:15 am, Field 2, Colonial Council vs. Foothills
11:45 am, Field 1, Wasaren League vs. Patroon Conference
1:15 pm, Field 3, Adirondack vs. Western Athletic Conference (WAC)

Please join us for an exceptional day of high school soccer!

For more info, please contact the CDYSL at 518-435-2325.

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/

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