Each year, New Jersey Youth Soccer chooses its NJYS Annual Awards presented by RWJBarnabas Health. New Jersey players, teams, coaches, referees, and volunteers are recognized for outstanding performances during the preceding year and/or contributions to youth soccer in the state. NJ Youth Soccer annual awards will be presented in the following categories. Applications can be submitted electronically by choosing the appropriate link found below.
Winners in the following categories will be honored at the 34th NJYS Annual Awards Dinner presented by RWJBarnabas Health held on Friday, February 2, 2024.
Coach Awards
Bob McNulty Coach of the Year (To Nominate a deserving Travel Coach apply here):
Bob McNulty was the first NJ Youth Soccer Director of Coaching. In 1972, he assembled an enthusiastic staff and began leading coaching courses throughout the state to license, train and develop as many quality recreation and travel coaches as possible. In Bob’s honor, NJYS recognizes travel level coaches who best demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to good sportsmanship, player and team development.
Recreation Coach of the Year (To Nominate a deserving Recreation Coach apply here):
Since 2004, NJ Youth Soccer has recognized a volunteer coach for outstanding service in the Recreation Program. This individual demonstrated a superior commitment to sharing the fun and enjoyment of the game of soccer while reinforcing these key attributes: sportsmanship, player development, personal coaching development, community, and involvement.
Referee Awards
Youth Referee of the Year (The Youth Referees of the Year are chosen by the New Jersey State Referee Committee):
The Youth Soccer Referee of the Year is awarded for outstanding overall officiating performance, strong individual work ethic, and dedication to the promotion of fair play and good sportsmanship by players, coaches, and fans.
Player Awards
Comeback Player of the Year Presented by JAG Physical Therapy (To Nominate a deserving player apply here):
NJ Youth Soccer is pleased to recognize the comeback player of the year to honor an individual who has overcome adversity or injury to excel beyond expectations as a soccer player.
Goal of the Year Powered by Red Bull New York (To Nominate a deserving player apply here):
NJ Youth Soccer is pleased to recognize an extraordinary goal scored by a NJYS player during the Seasonal Year prior to their nomination.
Save of the Year Powered by NJ/NY Gotham FC (To Nominate a deserving player apply here):
NJ Youth Soccer is pleased to recognize an extraordinary save made by a NJYS player during the Seasonal Year prior to their nomination.
Service Awards
TOPSoccer Volunteer of the Year Presented by RJWBarnabas Health (To Nominate a deserving volunteer apply here):
The NJ Youth Soccer TOPSoccer Volunteer of the Year of the Year award is awarded for extraordinary dedication and accomplishments through the exhibition of these key qualities: demonstrates patience, understanding, dependability and flexibility to adjust to changing on-field situations. These individuals promote continual player safety while assisting, guiding, directing, teaching and creating a fun and sociable experience for all participants.
Soccer Parent of the Year Presented by Soccer Parenting (To Nominate a deserving parent apply here):
The Soccer Parent of the Year award was created to highlight the pivotal role that parents play in the soccer experience. The vision of NJ Youth Soccer is to provide fun and safe experiences at all ages and abilities for the youth soccer community, and this award is one way to support that focus.
Liesel Krehan Volunteer of the Year (To Nominate a deserving volunteer apply here):
The Liesel Krehan Volunteer of the Year award honors those who are excellent role models for their community. Willingness to promote players and soccer, sound moral and ethical character and increasing the opportunity to participate in soccer are all characteristics of nominees for the Liesel Krehan Volunteer of Year award.
Recreation Program of the Year (To Nominate a deserving recreation program apply here):
NJ Youth Soccer is pleased to recognize a recreation program for its outstanding achievement and efficient and effective management of the ever-growing number of players playing at the recreation level.
Scholarships
Frank Bollaci Memorial Scholarship (candidates who were involved in Refereeing apply here):
The Frank Bollaci Memorial Scholarship was established by NJ YouthSoccer to honor his legacy. Frank was a long-time president of the South Brunswick Soccer Club, a coach, and a seasoned referee involved with the NJ State Referee Committee. Soccer had an immense impact on Frank’s life, along with a commitment to community service. One scholarship in the amount of $1000 will be awarded to a deserving applicant.
Brett Fenster Memorial Scholarship (candidates who have a love for soccer, arts and humanities apply here):
The Brett Fenster Memorial Scholarship was established by NJ Youth Soccer as a way to help our youth soccer players further their education. Brett played soccer from the age of five until he graduated from High School. He began participating in the recreation program in West Windsor and moved on to play travel and high school soccer. Brett’s love for the sport flourished along with his interest in the arts and humanity. Two scholarships in the amount of $1000 will be awarded to deserving applicants.
Allan Sinclair Memorial Scholarship (candidates who have a background in volunteering and community service apply here):
The Allan Sinclair Memorial Scholarship was established by NJ Youth Soccer in April of 2012 to honor the many facets of Allan Sinclair’s relationship with youth soccer. Al had an extensive career with NJ Youth Soccer, serving as President for almost 25 years; and Executive Director from 2008-2012. Al’s time and dedication to youth soccer was mostly done as a volunteer not only in the state, but also in the East Region. The funds for this scholarship were donated in his memory when he passed away in April of 2012. Two scholarships in the amount of $1000 will be awarded to deserving applicants.
Jeanine Willis Scholarship (candidates who have played in at least two New Jersey Youth Soccer State Cups can apply here)
The Jeanine Willis Scholarship Fund was established by NJ Youth Soccer to honor the numerous contributions Jeanine Willis made to youth soccer in the state of New Jersey and beyond. Jeanine was NJ Youth Soccer’s first Executive Director and also served as a member of the NJYS Board of Directors for a number of years. Jeanine was devoted to enriching the overall soccer experience for all NJ Youth Soccer players. Two scholarships in the amount of $1000 will be awarded to deserving applicants.
Winners in the following categories were honored at the NJYS Annual General Meeting.
NJYS Hall of Fame Inductee
(Application Closed)
Past Recipients
NJ Youth Soccer also acknowledges many of the state's players for their accomplishments at the state, regional, and national levels of US Youth Soccer events held throughout the year.
U.S. Youth Soccer National Championship Series
U.S. Youth Soccer Presidents Cup
NJ Youth Soccer Challenge Cup Champions
U.S. Youth Soccer East Region ODP Pool Team
Be sure to help our community celebrate all the achievements in youth soccer throughout the year in New Jersey!