The 2023 NJYS Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Saturday, February 11th. During this meeting, elections will be held, in accordance with the NJ Youth Soccer Bylaws, for open positions on the Board of Directors (Executive Committee and Members-At-Large).
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
We are thrilled to announce Skip Gilbert, CEO of US Youth Soccer (USYS), and Skye Eddy, founder of the Soccer Parenting Association as our keynote speakers at this year’s Annual General Meeting.
Skip Gilbert is the CEO of US Youth Soccer (USYS) the largest youth soccer organization in the country with more than 2.5 million registered players. Using the broad reach of 54 State Associations, USYS develops and supports programming to fulfill its vision to bring communities together through the power of soccer, making lifelong fans of the sport. Gilbert has served in leadership roles with several Olympic organizations over the course of his career including the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), the United States Tennis Association (USTA), USA Triathlon, USA Swimming and US Soccer. He currently is the Board Chair of the Association for Chief Executives for Sport (ACES) and previously served in the same capacity for the National Governing Bodies Council (NGBC).
A true team player and leader, Gilbert played soccer for the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the NASL, the US Olympic Development Team, and in England, Holland, and Hong Kong. He is a licensed soccer coach and was elected into the University of Vermont and the Lawrenceville School Athletic Hall of Fame. Gilbert joined USYS in January of 2020 and resides in Lakewood Village, TX with his wife Jenifer. They have three children.
“Having played most of my youth club soccer in New Jersey, it’s an honor and a privilege to return to the state and be a part of the AGM,” said US Youth Soccer CEO Skip Gilbert. “Evan Dabby and his team deliver on NJYSA’s mission of providing fun and safe soccer experiences for the Garden State youth soccer community. I’m excited to spend time at the AGM to celebrate their successes from this past year and learn firsthand the organization’s plans for growth and innovation.”
Skye Eddy is the founder of the Soccer Parenting Association with a mission of inspiring players by empowering parents. Skye is a sought after speaker for parents, coaches, clubs, and players. A former professional player, Skye was a collegiate and youth All-American goalkeeper, Defensive MVP of the Final Four (1993) and State Champion track athlete. Skye has coached extensively in the youth and collegiate games. An MBA graduate of the University of Richmond, Skye has earned her USSF "B" License, the USSF National Goalkeeper License, the USSF Grassroots Instructors License, and is a sought after Coach & Parent Educator and Club Consultant. Her keynote address “How Soccer Can Connect and Inspire” will help us celebrate our incredible soccer community while highlighting the role each of us can play to ensure it continues to build even stronger.
“Soccer has a unique ability to connect and inspire and I look forward to bringing my messages around these ideas to the New Jersey AGM,” said Soccer Parenting Founder Skye Eddy. “New Jersey Youth Soccer Association is one of our longest-standing and most successful partnerships. Over 50 clubs in New Jersey have embraced our messaging of trust and collaboration between parents and coaches and the result is a strong community committed to improving the game. I can’t wait to connect with club and league leaders in February!”