This fall, New Jersey Youth Soccer is proud to pilot a Student Mentorship Program, officially announcing six of its members to the program. Those students are Melanie Lockwood, a junior at Montclair State University; Elvis Cuevas, a freshman from Rider University; Kyleigh Brunotte, a junior at Immaculata University; Jessica Smith, a sophomore at Ocean County College; Diego Roderiguez, a senior at Caldwell University; and Evan Rosenstock, a senior at Montclair State University.
Melanie Lockwood is majoring in psychology at Montclair State University, where she is on the path to becoming a therapist. The New Jersey native first attended Ocean County College as a freshman, where she served as captain of the women’s soccer team and helped them become 2022 NJCAA Region 19 Champions. Prior to college, Melanie spent her youth years playing for NJYS Member Club Jersey Shore BOCA and at Southern Regional High School in Stafford Township.
Elvis Cuevas is a former NJYS athlete who played on the PSA National 05 Boys Team, competing throughout the country as a youth player.
“I knew I wanted to participate in a program that has given me so many incredible memories and opportunities,” said Elvis. “I plan to enjoy and take chances on and off the field with this program.”
Kyleigh Brunotte is majoring in communication at Immaculata University. Kyleigh was a player for NJYS member club Twin County Soccer Association in Brick, New Jersey during her youth years.
“I am grateful for my family and coaches who have made soccer so enjoyable for me, and I look forward to furthering my soccer knowledge to make the game even more enjoyable for future generations with the Student Mentorship program.”
Jessica Smith is a former NJYS player, who competed throughout her youth years. Jessica currently attends Ocean County College, where she also was a part of the team that won the 2022 NJCAA Region Championship.
Diego Rodreguiz is majoring in sports management at Caldwell University. He also helps assist soccer training sessions in his free time.
“I am excited to learn the functionality of a sports organization background,” said Diego.
Evan Rosenstock is majoring in business administration at Montclair State University. Evan grew up playing for Howell United Soccer Club. Evan also continues to referee for Howell and Freehold travel teams both in, MOSA and EDP.
“I am most interested in learning different areas of the program, which includes an abundance of topic areas within NJ Youth Soccer,” said Evan.
This new initiative by NJ Youth Soccer is dedicated to using youth soccer as a vehicle for professional development and career opportunities. This developing program plans to educate students on additional leadership and growth opportunities, on and off the field.
“We look forward to a great first year with our pilot program, and we hope to leverage the scalability of this model in the future,” said Breeana Cassidy, NJYS Grant Program Manager. “NJ Youth Soccer is motivated by this unique opportunity to increase career development and provide services by introducing this opportunity to students who are in high school and college.”
The NJYS Student Mentorship Program provides students with an opportunity to establish a career-themed experience in NJ Youth Soccer Events. The practical experience at NJ Youth Soccer Events includes NJYS State Cups (Fall and Spring), NJYS Annual Awards Dinner Presented by RWJBarnabas Health, NJYS Annual General Meeting and the NJYS Let’s Play! Program.
The core of the Student Mentorship Program is an umbrella of three NJYS Services:
In addition to these mentoring services, the Student Mentorship Program also provides a scholarship opportunity and stipend travel to NJ Youth Soccer Events for the student members within the program. This initiative also provides the opportunity of receiving free training (e.g. coaching education).
“We are thrilled to support the program with an Innovate to Grow grant, as programs that focus on mentorship and economic empowerment are in line with our vision that soccer can positively impact lives and communities,” said Melissa Radke, Director of Grants & Member Programs at US Soccer.
NJ Youth Soccer is still looking to accept more students into its Student Mentorship Program for the fall! Students who are interesting in taking part should submit their inquiry (please include a resume) to breeana@njyouthsoccer.com.
About U.S. Soccer’s Innovate to Grow Fund
Recognizing the vital role that its member organizations play in the growth of soccer in the U.S., U.S. Soccer established the Innovate to Grow (ITG) Fund in 2017 to help U.S. Soccer member organizations launch new and innovative programs designed to grow participation in their markets, providing up to $3 million of funding total per year. Since its inception, ITG has granted over $9.8 million in funding through 145 awards to U.S. Soccer members across the country, as well as provide COVID-19 relief and recovery funds during 2020 and 2021. Learn more about U.S. Soccer’s members at https://www.ussoccer.com/organization-members.