Christine Gloth, NJ Youth Soccer
The 2024 New Jersey Youth Soccer Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Club Development Workshop was recently held at the Pines Manor in Edison, N.J. The event’s format focused on engagement and interaction with membership, leveraging multiple breakout sessions on a variety of relevant topics such as the FIFA World Cup 2026™, US Soccer Foundation Programs, US Soccer Ecosystem Update, Generating Revenue through Sponsorships and Partnerships, NJYS President’s Office Hours, Youth on Board, Engaging the Latino and Hispanic Communities, US Youth Soccer Grassroots Resources, NJYS Recreation Referee Program, Tryouts: Advocating for Policy Change, Gotham FC Office Hours, Let’s Play!, Marketing your Program, Club Toolkit and MLS GO.
With approximately 150 attendees representing league leadership, club leadership, NJYS Professional Team, Board of Directors, official partners and special guests, participants dedicated the day towards improving the youth soccer landscape and community in New Jersey. In addition, NJ Youth Soccer unveiled elements of its strategic planning, including its mission and vision.
“It was exciting to introduce our new mission and vision that we have worked so hard on creating,” said Jess Yeager, NJYS President. “We feel that we have been living by these words for quite some time but now we can truly put them into action for all to see and benefit.”
NJYS Mission: To connect and empower the youth soccer community.
NJYS Vision: To establish soccer as the preeminent sport in New Jersey that unites, grows and inspires a lifelong passion.
The program was highlighted by keynote speakers Lauren Nathan LaRusso, Co-Host City Manager of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee, and Meg Kane, Host City Executive of Philadelphia Soccer 2026. Their presentation continued in the breakout where the topics explored the types of youth soccer events that could be hosted by the FIFA World Cup Host Committees, pressing issues facing youth soccer where the World Cup Host Committees could assist, and the outcomes and legacy in youth soccer that leadership hopes to be achieved as a result of hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
“Engaging the soccer community continues to be a critical part of our focus,” said LaRusso. “We value the partnership we have with NJ Youth Soccer and its more than 100,000 players throughout the state. The AGM and Club Development Workshop was a great opportunity to interact with and hear from youth soccer leaders in a way that positively influences our future planning.”
Yael Averbuch-West, General Manager for Gotham FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), former member of the US Women’s National Team and a product of the NJ Youth Soccer system, was also in attendance. She discussed the future of Gotham FC as they build upon their winning culture after becoming NWSL Champions in 2023. She shared how the best players throughout the country want to play right here in New Jersey and she wants NJYS to be there to see it. She continued her discussion with league and club leaders during her breakout session, Gotham FC Office Hours.
The AGM featured many NJ Youth Soccer official partners including BAND, etrainu, Gotham FC, Hudl, JAG Physical Therapy, New York Red Bulls, SCORE Sports, Sports Connect and Sport Lines. BAND was utilized to share updates and information throughout the meeting, and the app gave attendees opportunities to comment, ask questions and provide feedback during the event. The BAND app also gave access to the meeting’s presentations, videos and photos. Gotham FC and the New York Red Bulls generously gifted attendees with a ticket to a home game to show appreciation for their leadership and commitment to their respective communities.
“The participation from so many clubs, leagues, partners and special guests from the soccer community genuinely helped us live out our newly introduced mission statement,” said Evan Dabby, NJYS Executive Director. “The connections established should help drive us toward long-term growth that empowers soccer communities throughout the state.”
In addition to LaRusso, Kane and Averbuch-West, the event hosted many other special guests including Kyle Albrecht, Senior Director of Properties for Major League Soccer; Ciarra Arzdorf, Manager of Member Relations at US Soccer Federation; Alex Bard, Senior Director of Safe Places to Play at US Soccer Foundation; Dr. Sari Rose, Senior Manager of Grassroots for US Youth Soccer; and Garrett Shea, President of SSEC, NJYS Sponsorship Consulting Agency.
“Each year we find the NJYS AGM to be one of the most informative and well-organized events of the year,” said Rob Marino, Next Level Soccer Academy Co-Founder & Administrative Director. “For us, it is a great time to network with other club leaders, connect with the NJYS staff and leadership, and listen to topical presentations from guest speakers and vendors. It is something we certainly look forward to attending every year.”
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
1st Vice President: Bill Smith
3rd Vice President: Nelson Ramirez
Treasurer: Chris Savino
Member at Large: Eric Offenberg
Member at Large: Rico Scardelletti
Member at Large: Anthony Sciorilli
The 2024 NJYS Annual General Meeting and Club Development Workshop was noted as a complete success and an exceptional experience by attendees. All guests and participants came together to collectively plan for the future of youth soccer in New Jersey, and the common goal of achieving the new NJYS Mission and Vision was evident by all.
To find out more 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