Eastern NY Youth Soccer Association

SECOND TOP LOGO (THE ONE ON THE RIGHT)

Press Release

All-Female Ref Crews Officiate the WPSL East Regional Final Four

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

July 17, 2024-Over 3,000 certified referees officiate the 100,000-plus players of the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA). But while females make up nearly 50% of our players, the percentage of female referees to overall refs is much smaller. Eastern New York’s referee shortage would be over if the number of female refs increased to nearly 50%, just like our players.

From left to right: Tatjana Budesheim, Cheryl Aronson, Stephanie Overton and Ashley Prevet before Clarkstown’s 4-1 win over Niagara 1812 in the WPSL East Regional Semifinal.

Our top young female refs were in the spotlight as three all-female referee crews were assigned by Brendan Mullarkey and Brian Baer for the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) East Regional Finals played at SUSA’s Orlin & Cohen Sports Complex in Central Islip on July 13 and 14.

Mullarkey stated, “Everything went very smoothly and the refs did very well.”

From left to right: Stephanie Loehr, Tatjana Budesheim, Stephanie Overton and Cheryl Aronson before Reading United’s 2-1 victory over SUSA in the WPSL East Regional Semifinal.

There are many reasons to become a referee and/or assistant referee, from staying involved with the game, getting exercise, meeting new people, earning money, etc. Plus you are your own boss and decide when you are available to ref. The reasons for reffing are as diverse as the people who make up our referee ranks.

Eastern New York seeks new Grassroots Referees and the certification class consists of both online and classroom learning. For more information, log on to https://enysreferee.org/how-to-become-a-referee/. If you have any questions, e-mail questions@enysreferee.org

From left to right: Ashley Prevet, Stephanie Overton, Jennifer Dumaine, Stephanie Loehr and WPSL Associate Commissioner-East Shelley Dougherty before Clarkstown’s 4-2 win past Reading United in the WPSL East Regional Championship Game.

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/

Boys-Under-12 B/W Gottschee Academy Blue Win the Regional Championship

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

July 16, 2024-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) salutes B/W Gottschee Academy Blue who won both the Boys-Under-12 State Cup and Regional titles recently.

Back row: Coach Andreas Kalpaxis, Alexander DiClerico, Lev Hermann, Sidney Bai-Scanavino, Filip Rzedzian, Teo Freund, Viktor Hnatiuk, Yaseen Zaghdudi, Christopher Cardona, Oliver Milanja
Front row: Christian Reyes, Teo Contreras, Leonardo Atis, Colin Palazzo, Brandon Piña, Moussa Azala

B/W Gottschee Academy Blue won all five games in the State Cup, outscoring their opponents 30-2. They shut out their clubmates, B/W Gottschee Academy White, 4-0, in the State Cup final on June 1 at Stringham Park in LaGrange. It was the 72nd state championship that B/W Gottschee teams have won since the Queens club’s founding in 1951. 

“Football is a simple game that tends to get complicated by odd tactics and over-coaching. Our focus as a club is to give players the ability to decide games on their own,” coach Andreas Kalpaxis explained. “The ball should always be their priority. Mastering control, handling the ball in tight spaces and taking on defenders without hesitation. Give the players the tools to master the ball and let them create their own solutions on the pitch.”

B/W Gottschee Academy Blue then won four games and lost one, outscoring the other teams, 19-5, during Regionals in West Virginia from June 27 to July 2. They shut out Beadling North Red of Pennsylvania West in the final, 3-0, to give the B/W Gottschee club its 13th Regional title.

“Our boys excelled at Regionals and deserved to be crowned champions,” Coach Kalpaxis concluded.

With over 100,000 youth soccer players––both boys and girls––and more than 25,000 volunteers, the non-profit Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) stretches from Montauk Point, Long Island to the Canadian border. 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/

Honor Your Best and Hardest-Working Members

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

July 20, 2024-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is asking that each member, club and league turn their attention inwards to their volunteers in an effort to acknowledge those whose contributions have truly made a difference. 

We’re seeking nominations for a variety of awards to demonstrate our appreciation for the hours of devotion these valued individuals donate to our players. 

Eastern New York will select a person in each category who will receive our recognition at the Hall of Fame Banquet next winter and will also be forwarded as our candidate for additional recognition at the National level. Last year, we received a nomination in nearly every category because our members took the time to nominate somebody.

The entries MUST be on a specific form and be completed as comprehensively as possible or they cannot be considered. These forms are attached below. 

Awards will be presented in the following categories: 

Girls Competitive Coach of the Year

Boys Competitive Coach of the Year

Girls Recreational Coach of the Year

Boys Recreational Coach of the Year

Volunteer of the Year

Administrator of the Year

TOPSoccer Coach of the Year

TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year

Young Female Referee of the Year

Young Male Referee of the Year

Nominations for the above awards must be received at the Eastern New York office on or before September 27, 2024 to be considered. The address is Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association, 167 Nassau Boulevard, Garden City South, NY 11530 or the material can be e-mailed to Randy Vogt at enypublicrelations@enysoccer.com

As with everything else, your nominees have to be in it to win it! Please take the opportunity to recognize the best and brightest through this great awards program.

With over 100,000 youth soccer players––both boys and girls––and more than 25,000 volunteers, the non-profit Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) stretches from Montauk Point, Long Island to the Canadian border. 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/

Boys-Under-14 East Coast FC Regional Qualify For Nationals

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

July 15, 2024-East Coast FC Regional won both the Boys-Under-14 State Cup and Regional titles as they have become one of the best youth soccer teams in New York State.

“We would like to dedicate the State Cup and the Eastern Regional Championship to our beloved club mentor, Joe Misso, who was born in 1945 and passed away earlier this year,” East Coast FC coach John Kokkoris stated. “Joe always said, ‘What you put into it is what you get out of it,’ and that is what our club is built on.”

In the State Cup, they won all six games, outscoring their opponents 23 to 1. Hector Santiago scored the only goal of the final as they topped Just Play Soccer Premier, 1-0, at Stringham Park in LaGrange on June 1. 

“The majority of our team has been together from the beginning, some even as young as five and six years old. They have grown up together and learned from past experiences, always showing persistency in reaching their objectives,” Coach Kokkoris said. “Their mentality has been top level from such a young age and it’s been special watching them mature and develop over the years.”

The Long Island side continued to impress at Regionals, winning four games and losing one, outscoring their opponents 10 to 5.

“In order to prepare for Regionals, we actually had a friendly with the Stony Brook LGN Thunder back in New York,” Coach Kokkoris explained. “After that friendly game, we told the boys that with the quality the two groups have, we wouldn’t be surprised if we met in the finals and that’s exactly what happened.”

The only goal of the Regional final was scored by Saul Peraza with three minutes left as East Coast got by Stony Brook LGN, 1-0, between the two teams from the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) on July 2 in West Virginia. 

Kokkoris continued, “Before the Regional Final, Stony Brook LGN coach Tim Graham and I met up and watched the USA play against Uruguay in the Copa America and traded some playful banter. Congratulations to Stony Brook LGN and their fantastic program.”

Back row, left to right-Coach John Kokkoris, Mitchell Levi, Alex Jung, Ryan Silva, Kaden Gallagher, Hudson Wu, Jesus Sorto, Team Manager Fina Lugris
Middle row, left to right-Saul Peraza, Andrew McCormack, Hunter Chilelli, Mayer Kaufman
Front row, left to right-Alejandro Lugris, Lennix Batres, Roi Lago, Hector Santiago, David Figueroa, Nico Leguizamon, Caedan McCord, Michael Keesee

East Coast FC Regional will represent Eastern New York as they play for the national championship from July 23 to 28 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Reunion, Florida.

“We are going to treat Nationals like we do any other event. Nothing changes, with 100% concentration and 100% hard work in every training session,” Kokkoris concluded, “These boys are on a mission!”

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/

Samantha Graf is Honored With the Masotto-Driscoll Scholarship

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

July 12, 2024-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is pleased to announce that Plainview resident Samantha Graf is receiving the Masotto-Driscoll Scholarship. 

At Plainview/Old Bethpage High School, Samantha was involved in student government all four years and was Senior Class President. An Honor Roll Student all four years as well, she was in the Business Honor Society, English Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and a Moot Court Winner in addition to participating in the Mock Trial Club and Marching Band. Her community service includes teacher’s assistant, Holiday Helper, Senior Citizen Prom Senior, Citizen Internet Learning, Holocaust Remembrance Night and Valentine’s Day Veterans Cards.

Samantha played in Eastern New York’s Olympic Development Program (ODP) in addition to club  and high school soccer. In her essay, she wrote that “My dedication to soccer spans many years, starting from my early childhood and continuing into my high school years. Soccer has not only been a sport for me but a source of joy, discipline and personal development. The lessons I’ve learned on the field such as teamwork, resilience and sportsmanship have translated into other areas of my life, including academics and leadership roles.”

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. 

We wish Samantha well in studying and playing goalkeeper at Marist College in Poughkeepsie 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/

Alyssa Deutsch Receives the Masotto-Driscoll Scholarship

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

July 11, 2024-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is pleased to announce that Islip Terrace’s Alyssa Deutsch 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. 

Alyssa was an AP Scholar at East Islip High School. She had four consecutive years of four straight quarters on the High Honor Roll, with a Mastery in Science and Mastery in Math, Art Honor Society and World Language Honor Society plus is working towards the Seal of Civic Readiness. She was also selected the 2023 Homecoming Queen.

Alyssa played four years of varsity soccer with East Islip High School, winning a Suffolk County championship along the way. She competed for Stony Brook LGN in club soccer, captaining her side to several league titles and two cups. One of her most memorable experiences was playing on a girls team that competed against boys squads and made it all the way to the semifinals in Spain’s Mundialito Tournament.

The many local groups that Alyssa volunteers with includes the past four years with the East Islip Soccer Club’s TOPSoccer Program for children with special needs.

We wish Alyssa well in studying and playing soccer at SUNY New Paltz 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/

Caitlin Hess Receives the Jack Bauman Scholarship

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

July 10, 2024-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased to announce that Patterson’s Caitlin Hess 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.

Caitlin was a National Honor Society Member at the Mother of Grace Divine School, a Catholic online learning program designed for students who want a faith-based classical education. She was a National Honor Society Special Project Leader and also volunteered for Birthright of Greater Danbury.

In her essay, Caitlin wrote that “I have learned to embrace all challenges as opportunities for growth as a person. I especially embraced this philosophy in my senior year as I took upon a leadership role in the National Honor Society as a group service project leader and coordinator. My participation in the National Honor Society, the Town of Poughkeepsie Soccer Club and volunteer positions have played an integral part in forming my current leadership skills. Furthermore, these organizations have given me opportunities to participate more fully in giving back to my community.”

Caitlin played soccer for 14 years in the Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League (HVYSL).

We wish Caitlin well in studying nursing at Ohio’s Franciscan University of Steubenville 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/

Michael Iemma Receives a Livio D’Arpino Scholarship

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

July 9, 2024-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased to announce that Bethpage resident Michael Iemma 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.

At Plainedge High School, Michael was a  member of the National Honor Society the past two years and had a weighted GPA of 3.7 out of 4.0. He received All-County soccer honors in 2021, ’22 and ’23 plus was the Red Devils’ MVP in 2021.

He has been playing with Eastern New York’s Olympic Development Program (ODP) from 2018 to today and made the National ODP Team three times, including currently. He started playing with the Plainedge Soccer Club when he was four years old and also competed for East Meadow, Massapequa and the Long Island Rough Riders.

Additionally, Michael is a certified referee who received the Long Island Soccer Referee Association (LISRA) Ace of Initiative Award last winter and a LISRA Scholarship last month.

In his essay, he write that “Soccer has been a major part of my life growing up and has taught me valuable lessons that will follow me for the rest of my life. Soccer taught me about competitive spirit, hard work, teamwork, sportsmanship, positive attitude, failure and how to bounce back from it, just to name a few.”

We wish Michael the best studying and playing soccer at Methodist University in Fayetteville, North Carolina 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/

Diego Flores Receives a Livio D’Arpino Scholarship

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

July 8, 2024-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased to announce that Nesconset’s Diego Flores is receiving a Livio D’Arpino Scholarship. 

Diego wrote is his essay that “I have seen that by leading by example and living your values first-hand allows you to impact the lives of so many people. As an incoming college athlete and aspiring nurse, I’m excited to find my role in society and put myself in a position to bring about change, serve the needs of others and implement the same trust, respect and accountability that I was lucky to have been provided by my community and my peers.”

At Smithtown East High School, Diego was a member of the Math Honor Society, Science Honor Society and French Honor Society while maintaining a weighted GPA of 4.28. He has been the Bulls’ starting goalkeeper since 2021 and was honored three times as both All-Conference and All-County, named Long Island Boys Soccer Goalkeeper of the Year, received the News 12 Long Island Scholar-Athlete Award and also was a Ray Perez Scholarship Recipient.

Diego has played for Eastern New York’s Olympic Development Program (ODP) since 2019 and been a member of the National ODP Team since 2022, playing in the Dallas Cup’s Boys-Under-17 final in 2023.

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 award is based on success in high school as well as community service.

We wish Diego the best pursuing a nursing degree and playing soccer at Southern Connecticut State University starting this fall.

With over 100,000 youth soccer players––both boys and girls––and more than 25,000 volunteers, the non-profit Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) stretches from Montauk Point, Long Island to the Canadian border. 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/