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Press Release

Brody Deutsch Receives the Livio D’Arpino Scholarship

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

July 14, 2026-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased to announce that Brody Deutsch is receiving a Livio D’Arpino Scholarship. 

Brody graduated from Islip High School in June with an Advanced Regents Diploma and was a member of the National Honor Society as well as the Honor Societies in English and Spanish. He was the team captain for the Islip High School boys varsity soccer team and played at a high level in ENYYSA for the Long Island Slammers, East Islip Soccer Club and Massapequa Soccer Club. Additionally, he ran winter track at Islip High and also used his soccer skills as placekicker for the varsity football team. The Islip resident is also a youth soccer referee.

Brody received a scholarship from the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) as well.

In his essay, Brody wrote that “One of the most meaningful experiences in my soccer journey has been volunteering as a coach and mentor with the Just For Kicks program at the East Islip Soccer Club, where I work with children who are autistic. It has felt incredibly rewarding watching the kids I help improve and have fun every time. Seeing their excitement and growth reminds me why I do it.”

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. He was so dedicated that Roman newspaper Il Messaggero recently wrote a lengthy article about him, 24 years after his death. The Livio D’Arpino Scholarship is based on success in high school as well as community service.

We wish Brody the best in studying Electrical Engineering at the University of Central Florida.

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/

Abigail Gruner Receives the Masotto-Driscoll Scholarship

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

July 16, 2026-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased to announce that Rockville Centre’s Abigail Gruner is receiving the Masotto-Driscoll Scholarship. 

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

Abby had a 105 weighted GPA at South Side High School and was the Salutatorian, a member of the National Honor Society as well as the Honor Societies in Art, Math, Science, Tri-M Music, World Language and Rho Kappa Social Studies. She plays the flute at an All-Star Level and received a scholarship from the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) as well..

She was the goalkeeper and team captain at both South Side High School and in the Rockville Centre Soccer Club. She volunteered for numerous local organizations, including the TOPSoccer Program for Children With Special Needs in the Rockville Centre Soccer Club. Abby also served as keeper for Eastern New York ODP and Regional ODP.

In her essay, she wrote, “From as far back as I can remember, I was in cleats, kicking around a ball that gradually grew as I did. I fell in and out of love with the sport, but becoming a goalkeeper helped me love it again. I love the freeing sensation of diving through the air, feeling like you are flying for just a second…I found my voice on the field, and that translated to finding confidence off of it. I have learned how to speak up not just for myself, but for those who are not heard, to lead through kindness, poise and hard work, and that creating a positive team culture is the best thing you can do to lead a team.”

We wish Abby the best at the University of Virginia.

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/

Jake Vanga Receives the Livio D’Arpino Scholarship

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

July 15, 2026-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased to announce that Baldwin Place resident Jake Vanga 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. He was so dedicated that Roman newspaper Il Messaggero recently wrote a lengthy article about him, 24 years after his death. The Livio D’Arpino award is based on success in high school as well as community service.

The ENYYSA Scholarship Committee was very impressed that Jake has committed himself to helping others, most notably in emergency response and public safety. He is a National and State Registered EMT, paid EMT plus EMS Lieutenant with the Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire Department and Captain of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Cadets. Jake was honored as the 2026 Putnam County Youth Community Service Leader of the Year.

At Kennedy Catholic Preparatory School, he maintained a 4.0 GPA, was a member of the National Honor Society and was honored as the Academic Leader of the Year. Additionally, Jake was a Music Director (directing rehearsals) and pianist at the school.

On the soccer fields, Jake served as goalkeeper and team captain at the school, was both a player and coach at the Just Play Soccer Club and has been a certified referee for the past five years.

We wish Jake the best at Pace 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, 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/

Good Vibes at the 3v3 Tourneys Across Eastern New York

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

June 30, 2026-Today’s press release is brought to us by the number three as the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) hosted 3v3 tourneys the past two weekends. The 3v3 Summer Soccer Series featured three players on each team without goalkeepers in a bubble from AirPitch USA that is 15 meters long (16.4 yards) and 10 meters wide (10.9 yards). The 15-minute games were fast-paced with many goals and each registered team played five games.

Eastern New York hosted over 200 total teams in tournaments on three islands––Governor’s Island, Long Island and Staten Island––plus in the Hudson Valley and Albany. Creative team names such as Cleats & Conquer, Goal Patrol, Let’s Do This!, Thunder Down Under and Vamos FC added to the fun.

The tournament environment was maximized by a DJ, music and replicas of the World Cup trophy. Games started with a 10-second countdown just as in the World Cup.

Champions of the five 3v3 tourneys can play for the 3v3 Summer Soccer Series State Championship on Saturday, July 25 at 12th Rock Sports in Middletown.

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/

Photos courtesy of the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association and Long Island Junior Soccer League

Register For the Grassroots Coaching Courses Kicking Off This Week in Washingtonville

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

June 22, 2026-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is pleased to offer two Grassroots courses, both starting this week in Washingtonville. The Grassroots License Courses focus on the age-appropriate needs of players at the 11v11, 9v9, 7v7 and 4v4 levels.

Both courses are run by Eastern New York educators and candidates will learn more about:

• The basic needs of Grassroots players

• The basic structure of the game

• The basic structure of a training session

• The basic tasks of a Grassroots coach

Click here to register for the 9v9 course.

Click here to register for the 11v11 course.

Questions can be directed to Tim Bradbury, Eastern New York’s Director of Coaching.

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/

Big Apple Youth Soccer League Distributes Thousands of World Cup Albums

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

June 19, 2026-The Big Apple Youth Soccer League (BAYSL), founded in 1997 to serve the growing Latino community in New York City, recently distributed 7,000 Panini 2026 World Cup sticker albums to players and their families at Flushing Meadows Park.

“Through my contacts, I received 8,000 sticker albums for free so I gave 1,000 albums to the Metrokids Youth Soccer League and we gave out the rest to everybody playing soccer at the park,” commented BAYSL President Carlos Vergara.

980 stickers are required to complete the book of 112 pages. With 48 countries competing and hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, the 2026 version being played now is the largest World Cup ever.

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/

Photos courtesy of the Big Apple Youth Soccer League

Good Time Had By All at the TOPSoccer Friendship Cup

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

June 13, 2026-What is now known as TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) started in the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) in 1978 when the Huntington Boys Club (HBC) and Massapequa Soccer Club separately kicked off programs in an era when Children With Special Needs playing sports was not as accepted as it is today.

TOPSoccer began to be played over three decades ago on fields being developed behind the old LIJSL office in Plainview and since 2004, those fields have been called the Peter Collins Soccer Park. Under the longtime direction of Eastern New York Hall of Famer Ann Marie Toth and using the slogan of “Come Play With Me,” TOPSoccer grew on Long Island and there are now over two dozen LIJSL clubs with TOPS programs.

On the first Saturday in June, the LIJSL hosts the TOPSoccer Friendship Cup and barbecue at the Collins Soccer Park. Nearly 200 Special Children played under sunny skies on Saturday, June 6.

The LIJSL Manager of League Events, Stephanie Hernandez, stated, “The TOPSoccer Friendship Cup is one of the league’s greatest events, and the best part of my job. It went above and beyond expectations. The turnout was phenomenal and it was a wonderful day.”

“This was by far the best TOPSoccer Friendship Cup we ever had because of the LIJSL’s generosity. We had nothing but good vibes from everyone who participated,” Toth stated. “A special thanks to Stephanie and all her volunteers who were outstanding. Stephanie shows so much love for all our TOPSoccer athletes and her commitment is unbelievable.”

If you are interested in finding out more about TOPSoccer in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), please contact Pete Bussa at 516-456-5828 or pbussa27@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, 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/

All photos courtesy of the Long Island Junior Soccer League

South Bronx United to Host a World Cup Block Party

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

June 4, 2026-South Bronx United is having a party and the whole world is invited!

The innovative Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL) club is hosting a World Cup Block Party on Friday, June 19 from noon to 5:30 pm at Macombs Dam Park, a very short corner kick from Yankee Stadium. The block party is in connection with the USA-Australia game. Youth soccer clinics and mini-tournaments, Juneteeth celebration, art activities, a voter registration booth and food vendors are all part of the fun.

“We’re thrilled to get approval from the City of New York to move forward with our Bronx Block Party World Cup Festival on June 19, particularly in such an iconic location in front of Yankee Stadium,” South Bronx United President Andrew So said.

Tickets are free and all donation proceeds support South Bronx United’s Power of 11 campaign, which helps the club continue to do their great work in using soccer to bring about social change for more than 1,800 kids in the poorest Congressional District in the United States.

“The Festival is a wonderful opportunity to bring together the community and city while also celebrating Juneteenth and the feeling of unity that the holiday stands for. We also really needed more ways to bring the soccer celebration to the South Bronx community as sometimes the upcoming World Cup seems so close, yet so far away for local residents,” So stated. “I’m looking forward to a great turnout in support of the USA and the Bronx.”

For more info and to register, please 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/

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/

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/