Aleksei Roschko, NJYS Contributor
The 2023 NJYS Annual General Meeting (AGM) was recently held on Saturday, February 11th, at The Pines Manor in Edison, N.J. The format that was unveiled focused on engagement and interaction with membership, leveraging multiple breakout sessions on a multitude of relevant topics such as Sideline Conduct, Coach Education, State Cups, USYS University and League America, Registration Services and Policies, Innovate to Grow Grant, ODP and Young Olympians Program, Risk Management, Tryouts and Advocating for Change, Marketing, Discipline and Appeals, and TOPSoccer.
With more than 150 attendees representing league leadership, club leadership, NJYS Staff, Board of Directors, official partners and special guests, participants dedicated nearly six hours towards improving the youth soccer landscape and community in New Jersey.
“Ever since the strategic change to our bylaws, we envisioned the AGM as an opportunity to talk with and learn from our members,” said Jess Yeager, NJYS President. “COVID restrictions stalled that vision for the last two years, but we finally were able to act on this potential and believe the future of this event will only improve.”
Elections were held, in accordance with the NJ Youth Soccer Bylaws, for open positions on the Board of Directors (Executive Committee and Members-At-Large). The following individuals were named to a two-year term:
Election Results
President: Jess Yeager
2nd Vice President: Andrew Bondarowicz
Registrar: Casey Becht
Secretary: Jen Marcella
Member at Large: Dana Lopes
Member at Large: Chuck Myers
Member at Large: Jonathan Yee
The program was also highlighted by two keynote speakers in Skye Eddy, founder of the Soccer Parenting Association, and Skip Gilbert, CEO of US Youth Soccer.
Eddy is the founder of the Soccer Parenting Association, which has a mission of inspiring players by empowering parents. Her keynote address “How Soccer Can Connect and Inspire” showcased our incredible soccer community while highlighting the role each of us can play to ensure it continues to build even stronger.
“New Jersey Youth Soccer Association is one of our longest-standing and most successful partnerships,” said Eddy. “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.”
Gilbert is the CEO of US Youth Soccer (USYS), which is the largest youth soccer organization in the country with more than 2.5 million registered players. His keynote address highlighted the broad reach of the 54 USYS State Associations. Gilbert explained how USYS develops and supports programming to fulfill its vision to bring communities together through the power of soccer, making not only lifelong fans of the sport but growing the opportunity to play soccer at all ages.
The AGM featured many NJ Youth Soccer official partners including YouthSoccer101, HEADCHECK Health, Score, Kwik Goal, Veo, JAG-ONE Physical Therapy, RWJBarnabas Health, StackSports, SportsRecruits, Gotham FC, New York Red Bulls and Gipper.
The event also hosted many special guests. Lauren Nathan-Larusso, Senior Counsel for the Office of the Governor, Bruce Revman, representing New York in the World Cup 2026 host city efforts, and Meg Kane, Host City Executive for Philadelphia 2026, presented and led a discussion about collaborating with the youth soccer community. The short-term goal is to simply establish a network of individuals and businesses that can connect with soccer fans. Long term, as planning for 2026 picks up in NY/NJ and Philly, we may work together on a plan to interact with and maintain contact with the organizers of these events (e.g., the Host Committee). In order to support the legacy efforts, we seek to increase member involvement in World Cup tournaments.
To find out more about New Jersey Youth Soccer or to contact us directly, please email [email protected]. Also make sure to follow us on social media: @NJYouthSoccer