Eastern NY Youth Soccer Association

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TOPSoccer

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/

Top 10 Reasons Why Over 100,000 Kids Play Soccer in Eastern New York

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

January 7, 2025-Over 100,000 children and teenagers, from the East End of Long Island to the Canadian border, play soccer in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA). Although some have gone on to play professional soccer plus in the World Cup and Olympics, all have learned the value of teamwork, perseverance, sportsmanship and getting along with others through the life lessons they have learned on our soccer fields. Here are the Top 10 Reasons why we have so many players:

1. State Cup. Eastern New York has two levels of the State Cup––the State Open Cup and the Challenge Cup––so every premier and travel team in Eastern New York has a chance to win a state championship. Both competitions try to schedule games against local opponents as much as possible for this springtime competition. Chris Armas won the State Cup while competing for the Brentwood Bandits and went on to play and coach professional soccer. He had 66 caps while playing for the US Men’s National Team and will be inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame on May 3.

2. National Championship. For ambitious teams looking to play against top competition and possibly win a national championship, they can do it through the State Open Cup as it’s part of the National Championship Series. After winning the State Open Cup, they would move on to Regionals and potentially Nationals. Or they could become a national champ through the US Youth Soccer National League. The top teams earn advancement to the Regionals as well as a chance to earn a coveted spot in the National Tier of the Leagues Program. 

Crystal Dunn in the gray dress surrounded by her adoring fans. Photo courtesy of Crystal Dunn.

3. Olympic Development Program. ODP is considered the highest level of competition in each state association. Every year, players must be re-evaluated by the ODP professional staff of coaches for a position on each age-specific team. The identification process ends each summer with the most elite players within the East Region competing for a position on the regional team. Players are then identified by US Soccer staff coaches for possible entry to the national team program. Yet even those players who do not make the regional or the national teams often use ODP as a springboard to college scholarships and even on to professional soccer. Current US Women’s National Team players Sam Coffey, Crystal Dunn, Claire Hutton and Phallon Tullis-Joyce played in Eastern New York ODP as teenagers.

TOPSoccer at the Burr Road Soccer Complex in Commack, Photo courtesy of the Long Island Junior Soccer League.

4. TOPSoccer. This is a wonderful program for Children With Special Needs. Special Children playing soccer in an organized league actually started in Eastern New York back in 1978 when the Huntington Boys Club (HBC) and Massapequa Soccer Club separately started programs in an era when Special Children playing sports is not as accepted as it is today. Craig Ludin, who has Down’s Syndrome and has been playing for HBC since he was a young boy, received so many medals in the Special Olympics that he was inducted into the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame over a decade ago. Craig’s teammate John Cronin started a very successful local business, John’s Crazy Socks, with his father Mark. Volunteers are always needed for this great program and you do not know what happens until you begin. The Manhasset Soccer Club’s Owen McCormack will be honored this month by US Youth Soccer as the National TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year for 2024.

Photo courtesy of New York Futsal.

5. Futsal. Futsal is the only version of indoor soccer approved by FIFA, soccer’s world governing body. The surface, ball and rules together favor ball control in small spaces and futsal is increasingly cited in the discussion on how to improve player development, particularly in the winter months here in Eastern New York when outdoor fields can be frozen and unplayable. Both New York Futsal and the Long Island Futsal League play under the Eastern New York umbrella and both are very active with league play this winter. 

6. Risk Management. To protect our players, Eastern New York conducts background checks on coaches and referees before they participate in our games. They must pass this background check every two years to continue to be involved in our competitions. Eastern New York also provides awareness education to coaches and referees, communicating information regarding field and player safety.

7. Coaching Education. Under the supervision of Eastern New York Director of Coaching Tim Bradbury, the coaching licensing curriculum provides all soccer coaches, from the beginner to the advanced, with up-to-date theoretical and practical knowledge so that Eastern New York coaches can help our players develop to their full potential. Coaches can earn state and national coaching credentials plus the courses offer valuable information and current coaching trends state-wide, nationally and internationally. All courses are available in both English and Spanish.

8. SAT and ACT Prep Courses. Eastern New York provides exclusive, free access to acclaimed SAT and ACT prep courses from eKnowledge, which is normally a $250 value. These courses can be taken online or via DVD, which makes them ideal for our busy student/athletes. Contact Siokbee Usaraga at siokbee@eknowledge.com

9. College Scholarships. Every summer, Eastern New York awards college scholarships to help defray the cost of college for deserving high school seniors. Five Eastern New York leagues––Capital District Youth Soccer League, Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League, East Hudson Youth Soccer League, Long Island Junior Soccer League and the Staten Island Youth Soccer League––all have separate scholarship programs as well.

10. Support of All Leagues, Players, Coaches and Refs. Eastern New York provides insurance for all its competitions, hosts referee certification and recertification, promotes member leagues and helped secure a new turf soccer field at Big Bush Park in Woodside that started play in autumn 2023.

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/

Manhasset’s Owen McCormack Selected as the National TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year

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

December 3, 2024-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is thrilled to announce that our TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year, Owen McCormack, has been selected by US Youth Soccer as the National TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year. Owen will be honored at the US Youth Soccer Workshop in Chicago and the Eastern New York Hall of Fame Banquet in New York City, both in January.

TOPSoccer stands for The Outreach Program for Soccer, providing an opportunity for children with intellectual, physical and/or social characteristics that may require modified educational practices and services in order to develop to their potential. 

Owen has volunteered with the Manhasset Soccer Club’s Adaptive Program since the 9th Grade, the earliest that the club allows student volunteers. Due to his dedication to TOPSoccer, he was appointed Director of Student Volunteers in the 10th Grade. Owen recruits volunteers from Manhasset High School’s varsity and junior varsity soccer programs as well as the rest of the student population.

The Manhasset resident is responsible for creating the schedule at the start of the season and communicates with students and their families to ensure that every child with special needs receives the attention they deserve. During practices, Owen takes the initiative in guiding new volunteers. His positive energy and inclusive nature has helped build strong relationships with players and their families.

Additionally, Owen reaches out to a special education teacher in a neighboring school district to offer her students participation in Manhasset’s Adaptive Program as there, unfortunately, is no such program in her town. 

In addition to being a leader with TOPSoccer for the past three years, Owen is a leader at Manhasset High School, volunteering as the Student Government Class Treasurer in the 9th, 10th and 11th Grades and organizing events promoting school spirit, fundraising and community engagement. Owen also volunteers at St. Francis Hospital and for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). He was selected as team co-captain of the 2024 LLS Student Visionaries of the Year Campaign on Long Island.

Owen grew up playing in the Manhasset Soccer Club in both the intramural and travel team programs, has been a player for Eastern New York’s Olympic Development Program (ODP) for the past three years and also currently plays for the East Meadow Soccer Club and Manhasset High School.

This is the second time in the past six years that a teenager from Eastern New York has been selected as National TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year as Jessica Lee received this huge honor in 2019.

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. 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/

Morgan Salmon Thanks TOPSoccer in Acceptance Speech as Northeast-10 Conference Woman of the Year

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

June 19, 2024-Morgan Salmon of West Hempstead has been honored by the Northeast-10 Conference as the Woman of the Year and Soccer Defensive Player of the Year as well as a United Soccer Coaches All-American.

Morgan’s playing time at Adelphi University consisted of starting 51 of her 53 career games at the pivotal center back position. The Panthers, under her captaincy, not only returned to the NE10 Championship final in 2023, but captured the school’s first NCAA Division 2 East Region Championship in 20 years. Her final start as a Panther came at the NCAA Division 2 National Championship, where Morgan played all 90 minutes of the team’s semifinal game against Washburn University.

Morgan completed her bachelor’s degree this May in Nursing, maintaining a 3.854 cumulative grade-point average along the way. In her acceptance speech as the Northeast-10 Woman of the Year, she thanked Lauren Lee, the TOPSoccer Chairperson of the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA).


Morgan said, “I would like to thank West Hempstead TOPSoccer and Lauren Lee. West Hempstead TOPSoccer is the outreach program for soccer which allows individuals with special needs the opportunty to play soccer, whether that is a mental or physical disability. I started volunteering with this program in 2013 so I grew up with these kids, they’re neighborhood kids, and as much as you would think that I taught them, they have truly formed me into the person I am.”

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 onto http://www.enysoccer.com/

Staten Island’s Growing TOPSoccer Program Has Kicked Off Its Spring Season

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

April 30, 2024-Over three dozen registered players and countless volunteers make up TOPSoccer in the Staten Island Youth Soccer League (SIYSL), the southernmost league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA).

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 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, who coaches 39 registered players from ages 4 to 29.

They play every Saturday at 3 pm at Owl Hollow Fields, having kicked off on April 20 and continuing until June 8.

“I would like to recognize our volunteer coaches: James and Matthew Funk; Carlo, Joseph and Lessa Hayes; Mark and Stella Vrapi; my wife Loraine Atassi plus multiple parents,” Jerrier said.

For more information and to register your son or daughter, please contact him at jerrier.atassi@gmail.com 

If you live outside Staten Island and would like to register your child with a club closer to you or want info on how to start a program, e-mail ENYYSA TOPSoccer Chairperson Lauren Lee at llee@enysoccer.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 LIJSL’s Vibrant TOPSoccer Program Has Kicked Off Its Spring Season

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

April 16, 2024-The 10 leagues of the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) are in full swing and that also means the TOPSoccer Spring Season has also kicked off. 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 clubs under the US Youth Soccer umbrella. The Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) is the largest league in Eastern New York and also has the largest TOPSoccer program with 28 LIJSL clubs participating:

Special Children playing soccer in an organized league started first in the 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. Using its longtime slogan of “Come Play With Me,” there are two big highlights of the LIJSL TOPSoccer Spring Season:

• Commack Festival/Tournament on Saturday, May 18 at the Burr Road Soccer Complex in Commack

• LIJSL Barbecue and Festival/Tournament on Saturday, June 1 at the Peter Collins Soccer Park in Plainview

Commack Festival/Tournament action

Additionally, the senior TOPSoccer teams will be traveling to play at other club’s home fields on occasion during the Spring Season.

For more information and to register your son or daughter, please contact LIJSL TOPSoccer Chairperson Ann Marie Toth at 516-694-3567. If you live outside Long Island and eastern Queens and would like to register your child with a club closer to you or want info on how to start a program, contact ENYYSA TOPSoccer Chairperson Lauren Lee at 516-538-7303.

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 Staten Island Youth Soccer League hosts their TOPSoccer Luncheon

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

November 28, 2023-The Staten Island Youth Soccer League (SIYSL), the southernmost league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), held its end of the Fall Season TOPSoccer Luncheon on Saturday, November 18 at the Manor House. TOPSoccer stands for The Outreach Program for Soccer, providing an opportunity for children with intellectual, physical and/or social characteristics that may require modified educational practices and services in order to develop to their potential.

TOPSoccer2_for_Web

Under the guidance of Jerrier Atassi, 27 kids are registered with SIYSL TOPSoccer. The children range from ages 7 to 19 and are on various levels of the spectrum.

“Some players are very capable while others need additional care and handling but we tend to everyone’s needs,” Jerrier explained. “Thanks to several volunteer coaches from high schools as well as all the parents who assist.”

TOPSoccer3_for_Web

SIYSL TOPSoccer is busy at the same time as the rest of the league, during the Fall and Spring Seasons. TOPSoccer plays on Saturdays, 3 pm for one hour at Owl Hollow Fields.

For more info, to register your child or to volunteer, please contact Jerrier at 917-636-3180 or 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 United States Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/