Meredith Waropay, NJ Youth Soccer
New Jersey Youth Soccer is proud to honor Wayne and Carol Cordiner with Distinguished Service Awards. Serving on the NJYS Board of Directors since 1993, both made significant contributions to youth soccer programming throughout the state and impacted hundreds of thousands of young players through those efforts. After retiring last year, Wayne and Carol recently spoke with us to reflect on some of their accomplishments and experiences.
Wayne Cordiner first got involved with NJ Youth Soccer by coaching several recreation and travel soccer teams in Freehold. He held many board positions with Freehold Soccer League, some of the most notable being Recreation Commissioner, Referee Assignor and Jersey Coast Travel Representative.
“I enjoyed watching how players were able to develop better skills in the various programs,” he reflected. “I had the pleasure of seeing a young referee become a World Cup Referee. I saw recreational players develop to the level of travel player, college player and even a few pro players.”
Wayne previously served as both Shore Area Recreation Commissioner and Shore Area Travel Commissioner. Additionally, he was very involved in the Olympic Development Program (ODP), having taken on the position of US Youth Soccer Eastern Regional ODP Tournament Representative.
While reminiscing about his time at NJ Youth Soccer, Wayne recalled his favorite memory.
“Attending a USYS AGM in Scottsdale, Arizona, a former travel player I had the pleasure of coaching many years past recognized me, and we reminisced about our team. She had been invited to the AGM as a representative for a major soccer equipment supplier.”
“I was extremely fortunate to have many great coaches and office staff who made my job easy, whether it was State Cup or ODP,” Wayne continued. “I enjoyed each new season where returning players came out looking for more from the beautiful game. I was happy to see fresh players trying to advance their skills and play up to the level of their soccer idols.”
Carol Cordiner first became involved with NJ Youth Soccer after attending a workshop in Kentucky where she learned about USYS TOPSoccer, a program that gives people with disabilities the opportunity to learn soccer in an inclusive environment. She immediately became increasingly more involved with TOPSoccer.
“I was so impressed with the program I viewed that I knew this was the path I wanted to go on with NJYS,” Carol recalled. “From there, I signed up to take the required certification course. Shortly after, NJYS approached me to take over the role as the chairperson with the state’s TOPSoccer Programs.”
Carol played a vital role in starting TOPSoccer Programs in other states as well. She attended many regional conferences to present about TOPSoccer’s impact. She also presented for the NJYS Board of Directors about TOPSoccer’s regional expansion.
When asked about her favorite memory as part of NJ Youth Soccer, she responded, “Attending area TOPSoccer Festivals and seeing the interaction between coaches, players, buddies, parents and our pro players from Red Bull and Gotham FC.”
“Collaborating with the professional team at NJYS made it very easy to communicate our registrations, safety protocols and current opportunities for additional coaches, players and buddies to become part of the TOPSoccer Program,” she continued. “I am honored to have had the opportunity to participate with the NJYS community and value all of the many wonderful people involved whose paths I crossed.”
Jess Yeager, NJYS President, applauded Wayne and Carol’s commitment to NJ Youth Soccer and the youth game beyond our state’s borders.
“Wayne and Carol both gave their time and never asked for anything in return,” he remarked. “Wayne advocated for ODP and supported the NJYS professional team. He helped grow the State Cups as 1st Vice President and left a strong program for the next person. Carol’s belief in the value of TOPSoccer gave many disabled athletes the opportunity to participate. New Jersey Youth Soccer is in a better place today because of their efforts.”
Wayne and Carol currently reside in a lakefront home in Mississippi with their family, but they continue to remain connected to youth soccer.