Breeana Cassidy, NJ Youth Soccer
New Jersey Youth Soccer is pleased to announce the continuation of its Evelyn Gill Memorial Scholarship. Evelyn Gill was a Past President of NJ Youth Soccer who served three terms as NJYS President, and she was inducted into the NJYS Hall of Fame in 2022.
“To us, there is no more incredible honor one can receive than to be recognized for the good deeds you did in life after you have passed,” said Evelyn’s children, Jim and Scott. “Mom was a tireless volunteer for the soccer community, a visionary leader and a strong believer in our youth. It is the greatest honor that mom’s name will continue to be connected to helping NJ Youth Soccer players develop a love for the beautiful game.”
New Jersey Youth Soccer has selected the Mooch Soccer Program as the recipient of the Evelyn Gill Scholarship. Located in the Trenton area, Mooch Soccer focuses on giving kids access to recreation soccer in their community. The program has grown to over 150 kids who participate each season, and it creates a competitive soccer environment for the local community. This year’s scholarship will support the soccer participation of the 150 kids by providing registration, uniforms and coaching education.
In 1996, Evelyn Gill was selected as Secretary of the US Youth Soccer Board of Directors. She held the role until she was elected as Vice President of the US Youth Soccer Board of Directors, continuing in that position for the next 14 years. Evelyn was also on the US Soccer Board of Directors, as well as its Disabled Athletes Committee and Credentials Committees. She also spent time serving on the US Soccer Governance Taskforce. In 2015, Evelyn was inducted into the US Youth Soccer Hall of Fame.
“Evelyn gave so much of her time to youth soccer and had such an impact on so many that it is quite difficult to quantify the impact she has had,” said Jess Yeager, NJYS President. “Her legacy lives on with her past inductions into the Halls of Fame for US Youth Soccer and New Jersey Youth Soccer. The Evelyn Gill Leadership Award was created by US Youth Soccer to honor those who show the same passion she had for youth soccer. We are grateful to have had her lead us, and it is in her honor that we dedicate a scholarship in her name for the most vulnerable children in New Jersey. Her spirit continues to move us in a direction to do more for those who need us most.”
In addition to her contributions on a national and statewide level, Evelyn was heavily involved locally within the Mercer County area. She was an avid supporter of the Mooch Soccer Program and served on its Board of Directors. In 2017, Evelyn was also inducted into the Mercer County Soccer Hall of Fame. She was a coach and advocate for youth soccer in this area for over 40 years. In addition to her many soccer accomplishments, Evelyn was also an advocate and leader within the community. In 1985, she founded PEI Kids, which is a community-based nonprofit organization that serves the most vulnerable children in the Greater Mercer County Community.
“The very first time I ever met Evelyn was the night of her being elected the NJYS President. I had no idea what to expect from my new supervisor,” said Evan Dabby, NJYS Executive Director. “Reflecting back, I can sincerely state that the experience far exceeded anything I could have dreamed. Her knowledge, insight, determination and compassion are without compare.”
Carlos Cordiero, FIFA’s Senior Advisor on Global Strategy and Governance and former President of US Soccer, was a close colleague and dear friend to Evelyn Gill.
“I’m deeply honored to support a cause that was very close to Evelyn’s heart, and to further her legacy growing community youth soccer in New Jersey,” said Cordiero.
The Evelyn Gill Memorial Scholarship will provide annual support to recipients who are creating a pathway to success in the soccer community. Recipients of this scholarship will honor her legacy by their commitment to community initiatives, which promotes key values that were important to Evelyn.
To find out more information about New Jersey Youth Soccer or to contact us directly, please email communications@njyouthsoccer.com. Also make sure to follow us on social media: @NJYouthSoccer