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TOPSoccer

Staten Island TOPSoccer Hosts a Pre-Season Party

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

April 2, 2026-TOPSoccer, The Outreach Program for Soccer, is a recreational program for children and adults with intellectual, emotional or physical challenges that is offered through soccer leagues and clubs under the US Youth Soccer umbrella.

The TOPSoccer Program in the Staten Island Youth Soccer League (SIYSL) started two decades ago and, now under the enthusiastic and dedicated leadership of Jerrier Atassi, is one of the largest TOPS programs in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA).

On Saturday, March 28, Staten Island TOPSoccer had a pre-season party at Simply Gathered that was hosted by the Richmondtown Soccer Club and featured arts and crafts, pizza plus presentation of medals. Richmondtown has been very generous and also suppled uniforms last year to all the players and parents.

“We had a wonderful turnout of players and their parents plus TOPSoccer buddies for two hours of bonding and fun. These assistant coaches, the Hayes brothers––Joe Jr., Adriano and Carlo––and Mark Vrapi, have been helping for several years and were recognized by our league for their outstanding effort and dedication,” Jerrier explained. “Everyone was very excited and the parents were incredibly grateful. Our players had a wonderful time and are looking forward to starting the Spring Season in a few weeks.”

That season kicks off on Saturday, April 18 from 2 to 3 pm at the Owl Hollow Soccer Complex and continues on Saturday afternoons this spring. For more info about Staten Island TOPSoccer and to inquire about your child participating, please contact Jerrier at 917-636-3180.

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 Staten Island Youth Soccer League

Ella Schwartz Honored as the Eastern New York TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer AssociationFebruary 7, 2026-The 

Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased to announce that Ella Schwartz of the Plainview/Old Bethpage Soccer Club was honored as our 2025 TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year. 

TOPSoccer, The Outreach Program for Soccer, is for children and adults with intellectual, emotional or physical challenges, all under the US Youth Soccer umbrella. 

The ceremony took place at Eastern New York’s Hall of Fame Banquet on Saturday, January 24 at Marina del Rey in the Bronx.

From left to right: US Youth Soccer Chairperson Tina Rincon, Ella Schwartz, ENYYSA 2nd Vice President Bill Smith

Longtime club volunteer Peter Chavkin wrote in his nominating letter that “Ella was an active member of the Plainview/Old Bethpage Soccer Club since she was 4 and joined TOPS when she was 13. TOPS has taught her how to listen and patiently guide children with challenges. This is a rare talent for Ella to possess, yet she has it in abundance. Ella started working one-on-one with the youngest players to learn the program, and then she transitioned to working with the older, more physical players, teaching them advanced skills.

She is so skilled and caring that she is now responsible for teaching new trainers how to work with the players, showcasing how to communicate with children who barely speak and how to introduce more advanced teachings at the right time. She does this while being in charge of multiple players as well.”

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/

Eastern New York Honors Bob Kinney as Our 2025 TOPSoccer Coach of the Year

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer AssociationFebruary 6, 2026-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is proud to announce that the Smithtown Kickers’ Robert Kinney was honored as our 2025 TOPSoccer Coach of the Year at our Hall of Fame Banquet on Saturday, January 24 at Marina del Rey in the Bronx. 

TOPSoccer, The Outreach Program for Soccer, is for children and adults with intellectual, emotional or physical challenges, all under the US Youth Soccer umbrella.

From left to right: US Youth Soccer Chairperson Tina Rincon, Bob Kinney, ENYYSA 2nd Vice President Bill Smith

The Smithtown Kickers’ Ernesto Cabello wrote that “Bob started volunteering 13 years ago with the Smithtown Kickers TOPSoccer. He has elevated and expanded our TOPSoccer program by increasing the original Saturday program both in number of players and buddies over the last dozen-plus years. The players have increased from 15-20 to more than 60 registered players and the buddies have increased from around 20 to over 70-80 available buddies today.”

Bob coached his team to the gold medal at the 2021 Special Olympics, financed a summer camp, initiated indoor training in the winter and held many training sessions with Sachem. The TOPSoccer players that he coaches reach their potential under Bob’s positive guidance. 

He also coached two of his children from intramurals all the way up to travel soccer while they were in high school and he has been selected as the Smithtown Kickers’ Volunteer of the Year in the past.

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/

Ann Marie Toth Inducted Into the Eastern New York Soccer Hall of Fame

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

January 29, 2026-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased to announce that longtime volunteer Ann Marie Toth has been inducted into the Eastern New York Soccer Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony took place at our Hall of Fame Banquet on Saturday, January 24 at Marina del Rey in the Bronx.

Ann Marie has been Chairperson of the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) TOPSoccer program since 1979. She has also been TOPSoccer Chairperson for her club, the Plainview/Old Bethpage Soccer Club, since 1979 as well. That’s an amazing 47 years that she has been in charge of TOPSoccer, The Outreach Program for Soccer for children and adults with intellectual, emotional or physical challenges, all under the US Youth Soccer umbrella.

Under Ann Marie’s leadership, TOPSoccer has grown to 28 LIJSL clubs having programs and she is just as enthusiastic and at the fields every Saturday during the Spring and Fall Seasons today, even though she is now in her late 80’s. For all this volunteering, she was inducted into the LIJSL Hall of Fame back in 2005.

Ann Marie stated in her brief induction speech, “With a little patience and empathy, you can accomplish anything!”

Additionally, she was a member of the LIJSL’s well-respected Sportsmanship Committee and attended their very first meeting in 1980, served as a Plainview/Old Bethpage Soccer Club Trustee and was on the committee of the LIJSL Convention, which will be coming back this winter after being discontinued in 2020 because of Covid.

From left to right: ENYYSA Treasurer Andrew Seabury, Ann Marie Toth, Ann Marie’s husband and biggest supporter Kalman Toth, ENYYSA Registrar Mike D’Ambrosio

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/

TOPSoccer Integrates With Unified Players For the First Time on Long Island

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

November 20, 2025-Children With Special Needs playing soccer in an organized league first started in the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) in 1978 when the Huntington Boys Club and Massapequa Soccer Club separately started programs at a time when those with Special Needs playing sports is not as accepted as it is today. That was the first seeds of what is now TOPSoccer, The Outreach Program for Soccer, for children and adults with intellectual, emotional or physical challenges, all under the US Youth Soccer umbrella.

Three dozen Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) clubs now have TOPSoccer teams.

Smithtown TOPSoccer coach Bob Kinney, recently selected by Eastern New York as our 2025 TOPSoccer Coach of the Year, explained that “when Smithtown TOPSoccer player Steven Heimerle moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, I helped him find a new team through Emily Mohlin of the Special Olympics Long Island. Steven ended up playing on a Unified Soccer team, and enjoyed it so much that he contacted me to talk about it. Steven’s input on his experience led to several discussions within the Smithtown Kickers on how we could do something similar.” 

Unified teams consist of those with and without challenges playing on one squad. It’s inspired by the simple principle that playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding.

This led to a 3-day soccer camp last July at Moriches Fields in St. James where 12 TOPSoccer players were integrated with five college and adult players, all under the direction of Miquel Gasparin, the Smithtown Kickers’ Director of Boys Training.

“The camp was a huge success. The players enjoyed it tremendously and in the Unified setting, they were able to work on more refined soccer concepts like ball possession. Everyone did not want the camp to end and asked to do it again,” Bob stated.

At the Special Olympics’ Fall Games on September 20 at Cantiague Park in Hicksville, Bob met Michael and Kristen Carolan, who had been involved in Unified Sports in Florida and are currently volunteering with Huntington Boys Club (HBC) TOPSoccer. Together with Sachem TOPSoccer coach Brian Pontecorvo, they planned their first Unified event on Saturday, November 15 at Moriches Fields as the TOPSoccer Fall Season concluded.

Photos of Sachem vs. Smithtown in a TOPSoccer and Unified game

Unified players were on each team as Smithtown played against Sachem. The partner players’ goal was not to star on either squad but to aid each teammate in getting the ball down the field so everybody touched the ball and had a good time. For the more advanced TOPSoccer players, the higher level of play enabled them to be at their best while for the less experienced kids, they saw how soccer should be played and gave them ideas and a pathway to improve.

Bob concluded by saying, “Our partner players did a great job involving all the players plus helped them with positioning. Everyone had a great time and is very interested in pursuing Unified play when we resume next spring.”

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/

Volunteering With TOPSoccer Led to a Career in Special Ed

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

October 28, 2025-Jocelyn Davis always wanted to become a teacher. Then known as Jocelyn Grafstein, she started volunteering as a teenager with the Smithtown Kickers’ TOPSoccer Program for four years around the turn of the millennium. TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a US Youth Soccer initiative that gives the opportunity to play soccer to those who are differently-abled.

“I always wanted to be a teacher and I think that Smithtown TOPSoccer is what sealed the deal to become a Special Ed teacher,” Jocelyn explained. “It truly is what I was meant to do and I absolutely love it!”

Smithtown TOPSoccer, now run by Bob Kinney, was led by Ronnie Whalen and Sue Rapp when Jocelyn was a teen. For her Senior Project at Smithtown High School in 2001 (before the community was divided into East and West high schools), Jocelyn organized a TOPSoccer tournament that May with up to 10 teams and 150 athletes having fun at the New York Avenue School. Helping Jocelyn pull this off were Ronnie and Sue, Jocelyn’s teenage friends plus her parents, Howard and Mary Pat Grafstein.

Howard was Jocelyn’s longtime coach with the Smithtown Kickers in the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL), the largest league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA).

“Dad was my coach forever!” Jocelyn said. “During this time, I babysat for families who were part of TOPSoccer which helped solidify that this is what my calling is and I absolutely love working with the kids!”

Jocelyn is now a Bronx resident, has been a Special Ed teacher for 21 years with the past 19 years at PS/MS 194 in the Bronx.

“I volunteer for a program called Autism on the Seas where I spend my school and summer breaks helping families with Special Needs children and adults have a nice vacation with assistance from this non-profit organization.”

Jocelyn coached lacrosse for a decade at the Ursuline School and Eastchester High School, she coached soccer at Ursuline plus ran a soccer program at the Bronx YMCA for six years.

She took up the whistle and has been refereeing US Soccer youth games plus school games in the Bronx and Westchester consistently for the past five years, and her involvement with soccer came full circle when she refereed the Special Olympics on October 11 on Randall’s Island.

Interested in also volunteering with TOPSoccer like Jocelyn did or even starting a program? Then contact Lauren Lee, Eastern New York’s TOPSoccer Director, at llee@enysoccer.com or 516-538-7303 and she will tell you how to get started.

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/

A Very Special Day!

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

September 26, 2025-Soccer continues to develop in the United States and just one example is Children With Special Needs are now using organized plays on restarts.

The Special Olympics’ Fall Games were played at Cantiague Park in Hicksville on Saturday, September 20 under beautiful, sunny skies.

The Special Olympics offer 30+ individual and team sports for people with intellectual challenges in over 170 countries. It was founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver and the first event was held at Soldier Field in Chicago on July 20, 1968, just six weeks after her brother Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated.

A decade later in 1978, two Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) clubs, the Huntington Boys Club (HBC) and Massapequa Soccer Club, separately started programs for Children With Special Needs. That was the beginning of what is now known as TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer), a US Youth Soccer initiative that gives the opportunity to play soccer to those who are differently-abled.

While both the Special Olympics and TOPSoccer focus on participation, fun and fundamentals, no standings are kept in TOPSoccer while the Special Olympics give out gold, silver and bronze medals. 

Over 400 athletes participated in the Special Olympics’ Fall Games in soccer, softball, cross country, bocce and golf. Players from the athletic program of nearby SUNY-Old Westbury College added to the scores of volunteers and made the day even more festive.

Nine teams from Long Island, New York City and the Hudson Valley participated in the soccer competition, the largest number ever. Those nine squads were seven Special teams and two Unified Teams (consisting of those differently-abled and not). Some players at the Special Olympics were from TOPSoccer programs of the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA).

A good time was had by all, including with the refs from the Long Island Soccer Referees Association (LISRA) who officiated the Fall Games just as they have been doing for nearly three decades.

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/

Staten Island TOPSoccer Concludes the Spring Season With Smiles

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

July 3, 2025-The Staten Island Youth Soccer League (SIYSL), the southernmost league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), has a vibrant TOPSoccer Program. 

TOPSoccer, The Outreach Program for Soccer, is a recreational program for children and adults with intellectual, emotional or physical challenges that is offered through soccer leagues and clubs under the US Youth Soccer umbrella. Staten Island TOPSoccer started nearly two decades ago and is now being led by the very enthusiastic Jerrier Atassi.

TOPSoccer in blue and St. Charles Diamond Strikers in red.

Jerry had some additional help on Saturday, June 21 as players from the Girls-Under-12 St. Charles Diamond Strikers came to Owl Hollow Fields to hand out trophies their club donated to the TOPSoccer players.

“I want my players to see that there is more to life than Snapchat, TikTok and shopping at the mall,” stated Diamond Strikers head coach Chris Haynes. “We played an informal game and my Diamond Strikers and the TOPSoccer players had an amazing time, even though it was hot! The trophies we handed out put a smile on their faces.”

For more info about Staten Island TOPSoccer or to register your child, please contact Jerrier Atassi at jerrier.atassi@gmail.com

With over 100,000 youth soccer players––both boys and girls––and more than 25,000 volunteers, the non-profit Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) stretches from Montauk Point, Long Island to the Canadian border. Members are affiliated with 10 leagues throughout the association, which covers the entire state of New York east of Route 81. ENYYSA exists to promote and enhance the game of soccer for children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 19 years old, and to encourage the healthy development of youth players, coaches, referees and administrators. All levels of soccer are offered––from intramural, travel team and premier players as well as Children With Special Needs. No child who wants to play soccer is turned away. ENYYSA is a proud member of the United States Soccer Federation and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

The Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League to Start a TOPSoccer Program

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

January 23, 2025-The origins of Special Children playing soccer can be traced back to the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) in 1978. Today, the Capital District Youth Soccer League (CDYSL), Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League (HVYSL), Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) and Staten Island Youth Soccer League (SIYSL) in Eastern New York all have Special Children’s programs, which is now known as TOPSoccer, The Outreach Program for Soccer.

TOPSoccer is a US Youth Soccer initiative that offers children and adults with intellectual, emotional and physical challenges the chance to play soccer in a supportive and structured environment.

Now, America’s oldest soccer league, the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL), is getting in on all the fun. New York City originals since 1933, the CJSL is happy to announce that registration is now open for their new TOPSoccer Program.

Whether you’re registering as a Participant or a Buddy, this is an event you won’t want to miss!

CJSL 1-Day TOPSoccer Pilot Event
Sunday, February 23, 2025 from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm
At the SoccerRoof in Sunset Park (14b 53rd St, Brooklyn, NY)
For Boys and Girls players, 7–12 years old
Entirely FREE of charge

Wear:

·       Soccer cleats or sneakers

·       Shin guards (if possible)

·       Weather-appropriate athletic wear for indoor soccer (player T-shirts will be provided!)

Bring:

·       A soccer ball (if you have one, otherwise the good folks of the CJSL will provide one)

·       Water for breaks

Register

·       Participant Registration: REGISTER HERE

·       Buddy Registration: REGISTER HERE 

Buddy Details:

·       Buddies must be in 6th grade or older.

·       Responsibilities include assisting players, keeping them engaged and ensuring they have fun!

·       Buddy Training: Required online and before the pilot event.

Buddies will receive a letter for Volunteer/Community Service hours, perfect for meeting school requirements. Encourage the older players in soccer clubs to join this very rewarding experience!

For more info, please contact the CJSL at 718-491-4009.

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/