Christine Gloth, NJ Youth Soccer
New Jersey Youth Soccer is proud to officially recognize Benedict Nematadzira (Westfield Soccer Association) and Alexa Stein (Manalapan Soccer Club) as recipients of this year’s Allan B. Sinclair Memorial Scholarship. Each year, this scholarship is awarded to one male and one female player in the NJYS system who demonstrated great leadership and a commitment to community volunteer activities.
The Allan B. Sinclair Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the many contributions that Allan B. Sinclair made to youth soccer. Sinclair had an extensive career with NJ Youth Soccer, serving as NJYS President for nearly 25 years before working as the NJYS Executive Director from 2008-2012. His time and dedication to youth soccer was done mostly as a volunteer, not only in the state but also in the region.
Benedict Nematadzira feels that each volunteer opportunity gives him the privilege to implement the life skills of teamwork, communication and dedication, which are all things he learned from playing soccer. His extensive volunteer resume includes being President of the National Honor Society and Treasurer for the Musical Club of Westfield, as well as being a member of the Westfield High School Community Service Club and Westfield Winners “Soccer Buddy” Program. While maintaining these volunteer commitments, Nematadzira was also named Offensive Player of the Year for the Westfield High School Boys Soccer Program. Additionally, he continues to achieve excellent grades while managing his other responsibilites.
“The opportunity to play has opened up countless doors for myself and others,” said Nematadzira. “I am thankful to NJ Youth Soccer for recognizing the effect of the game.”
Alexa Stein has an impressive volunteer resume as well, including time as Co-President of her local Community Emergency Response Team, a volunteer buddy with Challenger Sports, a Blood Drive Ambassador and as a team captain for Dermer Dreams, which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting hunger. She participates in these activities while also maintaining outstanding grades in school and playing on the Freehold Township High School Girls Soccer Team. She expands her involvement in soccer by being a youth soccer trainer and referee as well.
“I am so honored to be the recipient of the Allan B. Sinclair Memorial Scholarship,” said Stein. “I truly love volunteering in my community, and I am grateful to New Jersey Youth Soccer for this recognition.”
NJ Youth Soccer recently held its 2024 NJYS Annual Awards Dinner Presented by RWJBarnabas Health, where many players, coaches and guests of the soccer community were on hand at the Pines Manor in Edison, N.J. With more than 1,000 attendees, the event saw a capacity crowd for the annual celebration.
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