Press Release

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.

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. And unlike like most other indoor leagues, New York Futsal has certified refs and heat in the gymnasiums.

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.

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.

The Long Island Junior Soccer League Helps Launch the Young Coaches Alliance

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

October 29, 2025-The Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL), the largest league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), has announced a new coaching initiative. Named the Young Coaches Alliance, the LIJSL is partnering with the American Soccer Club NY (ASCNY) and The Coaching Manual in serving coaches ages 18-30 who want to begin or further their development in coaching.

“I’m excited and proud to roll out this coach-centric program for young coaches in our area,” said John Fitzgerald, LIJSL Sporting Director and ASCNY Head Coach. “The collaborative commitment from the three organizations behind this project forms a solid foundation for the Young Coaches Alliance to be successful. We’ve been able to join coaching education, professional experiences, and coaching support, so that up-and-coming young coaches can have a positive and supportive start to their coaching journeys. This is a worthwhile venture that will solidly benefit the game.”

The goal is to provide a positive start for young coaching careers. The program offers several benefits including coaching education, experiential learning, access to a coaching app with training sessions and season plans plus mentoring. Some of the benefits are listed below:

• One tuition-free grassroots coaching education course

• Hands-on experiential learning with professional team

• Attend ASCNY training sessions

• Invitation to one free ASCNY home match, with total access

• Observe college training sessions

• Lessons on creating/structuring/preparing training sessions

• Three months free subscription to The Coaching Manual

• Mentorship

“American Soccer Club NY – ‘Fighting Tomcats,’ are proud to stand alongside the LIJSL and The Coaching Manual in shaping the next generation of coaches,” ASCNY General Manager Jim Kilmeade explained. “Through our soon-to-be-launched Sideline Club, we’re committed to creating pathways that not only elevate the game but also empower young leaders on Long Island who will carry the spirit of the sport forward. This initiative reflects our belief that investing in coaches is investing in the future of our players, our clubs, and our communities.”

“We’re proud to support this program,” said Terry Barton, CEO of The Coaching Manual. “At our core, we’ve always believed in the incredible coaching talent across the USA, and we’ve spent years helping it thrive. This initiative perfectly blends local delivery with a global mindset, giving young coaches the tools and knowledge to elevate the game and inspire the next generation of soccer talent.”

Application deadline: January 15, 2026 (candidates must be 18 years or older as of March 1, 2026)

The selection committee will pick 10 candidates for the program and you can apply here.

Welcoming Tom Frambach as Our Director of Marketing & Membership Programs

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

October 23, 2025-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is proud to announce the appointment of Tom Frambach as our new Director of Marketing & Membership Programs, a position newly created to enhance the association’s support for players, coaches, referees, clubs, and leagues across the state.In this role, Frambach will lead initiatives aimed at growing participation in the Beautiful Game, expanding educational and developmental opportunities and strengthening engagement throughout the Eastern New York soccer community.

A Washingtonville, NY native and longtime product of Eastern New York soccer, Frambach fondly recalls his early playing days—where he built lifelong friendships, learned valuable life lessons, and capped his youth career by winning a State Cup championship during his senior year of high school.

Frambach continued his soccer journey at SUNY Cortland, where he captained the men’s soccer team and earned a B.S. in Physical Education. He later completed his M.S. in Sports Management at East Stroudsburg University, serving as a graduate assistant coach and helping guide the Warriors to a PSAC Conference Championship and an NCAA Division II Tournament appearance.

During a summer internship with the New York/New Jersey MetroStars (now the New York Red Bulls) of Major League Soccer (MLS), Frambach was invited to train with the first team by then–head coachOctavio Zambrano, an opportunity that allowed him to experience the professional level firsthand.

After injuries brought his playing career to a close, Frambach turned to coaching—beginning as Head Men’s Soccer Coach at St. Andrew’s College (NC), where his team was recognized among the nation’s top 10 most improved programs. He later held assistant coaching roles with North Carolina State University (Division I) and SUNY Purchase (Division III).

Frambach’s passion for teaching led him deeper into youth soccer, coaching with CASL, North Carolina FC, and the North Carolina Olympic Development Program (ODP), Asphalt Green and DUSC before transitioning to leadership and management roles.

His management career includes serving as Director of Soccer at Asphalt Green (Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League), Sports Director at Club Fit, and nearly a decade as General Manager of Downtown United Soccer Club (DUSC), also part of the CJSL. Under his leadership, DUSC players advanced to U.S. Youth National Teams, MLS and NWSL clubs and collegiate programs across all levels of play.Reflecting on his journey, Frambach shared,

“Soccer is a microcosm of life. We all face challenges, but maintaining perspective reminds me that faith, family, and futbol are beautiful things we must cherish. I’m deeply grateful to the Eastern New York board for the opportunity to inspire a love of the game and positively impact the next generation—both on and off the field.”

Tom Frambach Hired By Eastern New York as Our Director of Marketing & Membership Programs

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

October 23, 2025-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is pleased to announce that Tom Frambach has joined us as Director of Marketing & Membership Programs, a new position created with the state association. In this role, he will focus on supporting our players, coaches, referees, clubs and leagues by developing and leading initiatives to grow the Beautiful Game plus expand programming and education.

Frambach is a native of Washingtonville, NY and a product of Eastern New York. He recalls fond memories as a youth player, forging lifetime relationships and learning significant life lessons through the game. He also highlighted winning the State Cup championship his senior year of high school with Eastern New York.

Frambach went on to captain the SUNY Cortland Men’s Soccer team and received a BS. Ed. in Physical Education at Cortland. Upon graduation, he was awarded a Graduate Assistant Position with the Men’s Soccer Program at East Stroudsburg University, helping to lead the Warriors to a PSAC Conference Championship and a Division 2 NCAA tournament berth. Frambach received an MS. Ed. in Sports Management from East Stroudsburg University and interned with the New York/New Jersey Metrostars of Major League Soccer (MLS) that summer. As an intern, former Head Coach Octavio Zambrano caught his eye during a pick-up session and extended an invitation to train with the MetroStars first team. MetroStars’ Tab Ramos and Clint Mathis were on international duty with the US Men’s National Team and former Ballon D’or winner Lothar Mattheus was rostered with the MetroStars and inactive, which gave Frambach the opportunity to train with the first team.

Eventually, injuries forced Frambach to move into the coaching ranks full-time and he landed his first head coaching position as Head Men’s Soccer Coach at Division 2 St. Andrew’s College in North Carolina, and under his guidance, the Knights were recognized as the top 10 most improved teams in the country. He held additional college coaching positions as Assistant Women’s Coach at Division 1 North Carolina State University and Assistant Women’s Coach at Division 3 SUNY Purchase.

A love for teaching positioned Frambach to get more involved in the youth game as a coach with CASL, North Carolina FC and the North Carolina Olympic Development Program (ODP) during his tenure in Raleigh, NC. He later transitioned from coaching to management.

On the management side, Frambach was Director of Soccer at Asphalt Green in the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL) from 2005 to 2008, Sports Director at Club Fit from 2008 to 2011 and General Manager for nearly a decade at Downtown United Soccer Club (DUSC), also in the CJSL, from 2012 to 2022.

Under his leadership, players have received numerous honors and gone on to represent US Soccer Youth National teams, professional clubs in MLS, NWSL and internationally, along with countless players participating in all levels of college and junior college soccer.

Frambach emphasized how much soccer has helped him grow as a person throughout his life.

“Soccer is a microcosm of life. There will be challenges that we all face. But perspective has helped me recognize that faith, family and futbol are beautiful things that we must cherish. I am grateful to the Eastern New York board for an opportunity to foster a love of the game and have a positive effect on the next generation on and off the field here in New York.”

Register For the NY Winter Tournament Kicking Off December 6

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

October 16, 2025-The Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL), the oldest league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) and all of American youth soccer, is pleased to announce the return of the NY Winter Tournament in partnership with Juventus Academy New York, continuing one of the city’s fastest-growing youth soccer traditions.

Open to all CJSL clubs as well as US Youth Soccer and US Club Soccer-affiliated teams from New York and New Jersey, the NY Winter Tournament gives players a rare opportunity to compete outdoors throughout the winter months.

This year, the competition will feature boys’ divisions from Under-9 through Under-16 and new girls divisions from Under-10 through Under-15 for the first time. Matches will be played primarily at Randall’s Island, Queens and Brooklyn, and with selected CJSL clubs also hosting matches. Play begins on December 6, runs through February, and concludes with playoffs on March 7–8 and the finals on March 14–15. First-place teams will receive championship trophies. Registration closes November 15, 2025.

Click here to register and view tournament details.

The NY Winter Tournament kicked off play in 2022. In 2024-2025, the tournament featured 70 teams, up from 50 the year before, and participation is expected to grow yet again for the upcoming 2025-2026 edition.

“Every year, the tournament grows in scale and competition,” said Giovanni Russo, Founder and President of Juventus Academy New York. “Our goal has always been to provide a professional, high-level winter platform where young players can continue to develop and compete even in the cold months. Seeing the enthusiasm and sportsmanship from so many clubs makes this collaboration truly special.”

Reflecting on the partnership, CJSL President Paul Kontonis emphasized the league’s commitment to elevating opportunities for players across the city. “The NY Winter Tournament has grown into a premier platform, paving the way for all-year soccer for boys and girls. This is a vision that the CJSL is committed to making a reality for every player in our community.”

The Long Island Futsal League Seeks Teams For Its 30th Anniversary Season This Winter

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

October 28, 2025-The Long Island Futsal League (LIFL) kicked off play in the winter of 1996-97 with tournaments at World Gym in Setauket and SUNY-Old Westbury. LIFL President John Branca saw through those tourneys that there was great enthusiasm for futsal on Long Island so league play began in January 1998.

The LIFL, sanctioned by the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), is seeking teams to play in its 30th anniversary season this winter. With over 200 squads, the LIFL is one of the largest futsal leagues in the United States and will utilize gyms in central Suffolk County on Saturdays and Sundays once again.

The league’s 8-week season kicks off the weekend of January 3 and 4, 2026. The team fee is as follows:

Boys-Under-7 and Boys-Under-8: $475
Boys-Under-9 to Boys-Under-12: $975
Boys-Under-13 to Boys-Under-19: $995

Girls-Under-7 and Girls-Under-8: $475
Girls-Under-9 to Girls-Under-13: $975
Girls-Under-14 to Girls-Under-19: $995

Team discounts available for clubs or trainers who register multiple squads. There is an additional $10 individual player fee, which is paid just once even if that player is rostered on multiple teams.

To register or for more info, please click https://lifutsal.com or phone John Branca at 631-790-7481. The registration deadline is December 1.

Futsal is a great skill-developer, demanding quick reflexes, fast thinking and pin-point passing that players utilize when they return to playing outdoor soccer in March. Soccer superstars such as Pelé, Zico, Maradona, Ronaldo, Messi and Marta grew up playing a version of the game and credit futsal with developing their skills. Brazil defeated Argentina, 2-1, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan to win the 2024 Futsal World Cup, which is held every four years just like the Men’s and Women’s World Cups.

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. And unlike like most other indoor leagues, the LIFL has certified referees and heat in the gymnasiums.

Marianne Volpe 5K and Pumpkin Fun Run in Baldwin on October 25

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

October 9, 2025-The 14th Annual Marianne Volpe 5K and Pumpkin Fun Run takes place on Saturday, October 25 at Baldwin Harbor Park.

Blood cancer support is important to the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) because of the life of Marianne Volpe. The Baldwin resident was 56 years old when she died of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL), an aggressive form of blood cancer, leaving behind her husband Jim, daughters Chelsea and Shaun, three brothers, five sisters and countless friends. There are many stories of extraordinary people like Marianne whose lives are cut tragically short by this horrible disease.

Marianne Volpe

Jim is a Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) and Eastern New York Hall of Famer, an ENYYSA Trustee who served as Director of the Eastern New York Olympic Development Program (ODP) for over a decade. Both Chelsea and Shaun grew up playing in the LIJSL, then played for Manhattan College and are still involved in the game today. The family started the Marianne Volpe 5K and Pumpkin Fun Run the day before Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and both the soccer and running communities have been helping out ever since.

More than $300,000 has been raised for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), which has helped advance 55 of the 65 blood cancer treatment options approved by the FDA since 2017. It’s the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding research towards cures for blood cancers. Since its inception in 1949, the Society has provided more than $1.2 billion to research specifically targeting blood cancers and its mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma.

Shaun, Jim and Chelsea Volpe

On Saturday, October 25, the kids’ half-mile run dubbed the Pumpkin Fun Run (for ages 10 and younger) is at 9:00 am and it’s free. The Marianne Volpe 5K starts at 9:30 am.

Click here to register for the 5K or simply to donate.

In addition to utilizing the website, you can also send a donation check made payable to The Leukemia & Lymphoma’s Society to: LLS Northeast Territory LLS – PO Box 22470, New York, NY 10087-2470

For more information about the Marianne Volpe 5K and Pumpkin Fun Run, please contact Jim Volpe at 516-805-3765.

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 United States Youth Soccer Association. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

Introducing the Green Badge to Help Support Young Refs Even More

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

October 2, 2025-Nobody yells at Student Drivers who are properly identified and the adult drivers around them show patience instead. That’s the concept behind the new Green Badge introduced by US Soccer. Those in the referee community, including myself, have advocated for this concept. This new badge, worn by all certified referees under the age of 18, becomes a key element of US Soccer’s ongoing #RespectTheCall campaign.

The Green Badge is one way of strengthening that culture by helping protect our most vulnerable referees: Youth refs, who also make up the largest portion of our referee community.

Young referees are often the most exposed to sideline pressure and verbal abuse. By providing a clear visual cue that an official is a minor, the Green Badge reminds players, coaches and spectators to show patience, encouragement and respect. The Green Badge creates safer spaces for young refs to learn, gain confidence and stay connected to the Beautiful Game.

• The Green Badge is now required for all refs under 18 at the time of certification or recertification

• Even if a ref turns 18 mid-season, he or she will continue to wear the Green Badge until the end of that registration year

• Everybody is expected to demonstrate respectful behavior to all refs but especially to those wearing the new Green Badge

Referees are vital to the game’s success and ensuring that officials of every age feel safe and valued is essential to continuing to grow soccer in the United States. The Green Badge is more than just a symbol, it’s a pledge from the soccer community to stand behind refs to not only survive but help them thrive.

« Previous Page