Message from our President
Welcometotheinauguralissueof ENYYSANextSteps,amonthlysnapshot createdtohelpourleagues,clubs,coaches, referees,andfamiliesstayalignedand informed.Inside,you’llfindkeylinks, upcomingopportunities,andhighlights fromacrossEasternNewYork.Thankyou forthetime,care,andcommitmentyou bringtocreatingpositivesoccer environmentsforourplayers.
Richard Christiano ENYYSA President
“To promote and enhance youth soccer across Eastern New York, supporting development, education, and safe participation from recreational to premier levels.”
Reigning NWSL Champions Gotham FC announced a new partnership with the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) and its Member Leagues, bringing together organizations dedicated to expanding access to the sport and supporting youth players across the region.
Through this collaboration, ENYYSA players, families, coaches and administrators will have increased opportunities to connect with Gotham FC through matchday access, special events, clinics and year-round programming designed to enhance the youth soccer experience.
“This partnership is an exciting opportunity to expand the reach of Gotham FC and continue investing in the future of the game across Eastern New York,” said Brian Walsh, Gotham FC head of youth soccer. “ENYYSA plays a vital role in developing players and supporting communities throughout the region, and together we look forward to creating impactful programming and memorable moments that inspire the next generation.”
Ann Marie Toth RECOGNITIONSPOTLIGHT
OFTHEYEARAWARDS
Our annual “Of The Year” Awards honor the coaches, volunteers, administrators, and rising referees who make a lasting impact in Eastern New York Youth Soccer. We invite you to submit nominations and help us honor those who go above and beyond in service to the game. Local and statewide honorees may also advance for regional and national recognition.
Nominations are typically open at the start of the fall season, with a deadline around October 15, so be sure to look to submit in September and early October.
Award categories include: Competitive, Coach of the Year, Boys & Girls, Recreational Coach of the Year, Boys & Girls, TOPSoccer Coach of the Year, TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Administrator of the Year
Submission details can be found here
nn Marie Toth has been a driving force behind
APRILIS Volunteer Appreciation Month
Thankyou, Volunteers
We are incredibly grateful to the volunteers who make youth soccer possible. Your time, dedication, and passion create a positive environment for every player and help our community thrive. Giving your time through youth soccer can have a lasting impact on players, families, and the community around you From coaching and mentoring to helping with events and special programs, volunteers are the heart of the game at the local level. No matter how you choose to get involved, your support helps create opportunities, build connections, and make soccer a more welcoming experience for all.
ProgramSpotlight
WhatisTOPSo
US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a recreational sports program for children and adults with intellectual, emotional, or physical disabilities offered only through local US Youth Soccer-affiliated soccer clubs. TOPSoccer provides people with diverse abilities an opportunity to play soccer in a structured environment that is safe, fun, supportive, and inclusive.
Highlight TOPSoccer
StatenIslandTOPSoccerHosts aPre-SeasonParty
The Staten Island Youth Soccer League’s TOPSoccer program began two decades ago and, under the leadership of Jerrier Atassi, has grown into one of the largest in Eastern New York
On Saturday, March 28, Staten Island TOPSoccer held a pre-season party at Simply Gathered, hosted by Richmondtown Soccer Club. The event featured arts and crafts, pizza, and medal presentations. Richmondtown also generously provided uniforms last year for all players and parents.
“We had a wonderful turnout of players, parents and TOPSoccer buddies for two hours of bonding and fun,” Jerrier said He also recognized assistant coaches Joe Jr , Adriano and Carlo Hayes, along with Mark Vrapi, for their years of dedication and support
The spring season begins Saturday, April 18, from 2 to 3 p m at Owl Hollow Soccer Complex and continues on Saturday afternoons For more information or to ask about participation, contact Jerrier at 917-636-3180
WhyEasternNYODP?
The Eastern New York Olympic Development Program offers players a chance to be challenged, evaluated, and inspired in a competitive training environment designed to support long-term growth From local identification to regional and national opportunities, ODP provides a clear pathway for players who want to push themselves, represent Eastern New York, and experience the game at a higher level.
HOSTEDBYEASTERNNYYOUTH SOCCER
AUGUST 9-NOV 22, 2026
Theblendedformatcombinesanonlineexperience,assignments,smallgroupmeetings,independentlearning,andanin-personmeeting overthecourseof4months.MusthaveDLicenseforatleast6monthsandaccesstoaU13+teamforthedurationofthecourse.
AFRIMS SPORTS PARK - COLONIE, NY
CLICENSE DLICENSE
MARCH 30-MAY 17, 2026
Thisblendedformatcombinesanonlineexperience,assignments,smallgroupmeetings,independentlearning,andanin-personmeeting overthecourseof2months Musthavecompleted(2)GrassrootsIn-Personand(1)GrassrootsOnlinecourse
GOSHEN, NY - HOSTED BY TOBAR SC
JULY 6-OCTOBER 5, 2026
Thisblendedformatcombinesanonlineexperience,assignments,smallgroupmeetings,independentlearning,andanin-personmeeting andsummativeassessmentinterviews MusthaveaBLicenseandminimumofone(1)yearexperienceinaclubtechnicalleadershiprole
SUFFOLK COMMUNIY COLLEGE - SELDEN, NY
COACHINGINSIGHTS
CREATINGEFFECTIVE,PLAYER-CENTERED LEARNINGENVIRONMENTS
Great soccer coaching goes far beyond organizing drills and managing games. The most effective coaches create environments where players feel valued, stay highly engaged, and develop both technically and personally. The following Best Practices outline a player-centered approach that promotes learning enjoyment, and long-term development.
Create an Engaging Learning Environment
One of the most important principles in coaching is maximizing player involvement Avoid traditional approaches that rely heavily on running laps, standing in lines or long lectures. Players learn best through active participation.
LATESTNEWS fromENYSOCCER.COM
BY RANDY VOGT
Teams from the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League, Big Apple Youth Soccer League and Metrokids Youth Soccer League got together on Sunday, March 8 at Flushing-Meadows Park to play in the first-ever Kontonis Esperanza Cup “The Kontonis Esperanza Cup was named for the late Paul Kontonis, whose vision as President of the CJSL was rooted in unity, opportunity and community,”
FrankiePampinSelectedastheNationalBoys CompetitiveCoachoftheYear
The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very proud to announce that Frank Pampin, our 2022 Boys Competitive Coach of the Year, has been named the 2025 US Youth Soccer National Boys Competitive Coach of the Year In 2022, the Jackson Heights resident also received Regional Boys Competitive Coach of the Year so National honors complete a rare trifecta
Four remarkable individuals are being recognized for their extraordinary contributions to Long Island soccer Pete Bussa who founded Oceanside United's TOPSoccer Special Needs Program Efi Domb, who left a lasting mark as a beloved coach, trainer, and award-winning referee. Steve Padaetz gave over 30 years of leadership to Oceanside United and continues serving the community today with the Massapequa Soccer Club Jim San Filippo has volunteered with the Levittown Soccer Club for more than 40 years as coach, referee, President, and mentor
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