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New Jersey Youth Soccer has been announced as an official Legacy Partner of the 2026 FIFA World Cup’s New York New Jersey Host Committee, underscoring its commitment to leveraging the global attention of the tournament to increase accessibility to the sport in New Jersey.

Collaboration between the groups began before the NYNJ Host Committee was officially formed. That early start positioned both groups to capitalize on unique moments. After the Copa America semifinal in 2024, hundreds of NJYS players had the opportunity to play at MetLife Stadium less than 24 hours after Lionel Messi and other world-class players competed on the same game field. Included in that event was a session dedicated to NJYS TOPSoccer, a program for players with disabilities.

By partnering, the organizations were able to extend the World Cup’s impact in the community beyond the final whistle at New York New Jersey Stadium.  “The FIFA World Cup inspired millions of people throughout our region, but its greatest success will ultimately be measured by what remains after the tournament concludes,” said Evan Dabby, CEO of New Jersey Youth Soccer. “We are honored to be recognized as a Legacy Partner of the NYNJ Host Committee and proud to have worked together to expand access to the game, create unforgettable experiences for young players, and strengthen communities across New Jersey. We look forward to continuing that work long after the final whistle.”

The NYNJ Host Committee has been a committed supporter of NJ Youth Soccer, appearing at such events as the NJYS Awards Celebration presented by RWJBarnabas Health and the Youth Soccer Summit held in partnership with the New York Red Bulls.

NJ Youth Soccer also partnered with the NYNJ Host Committee on several official FIFA World Cup initiatives that expanded access to the tournament while strengthening connections with New Jersey’s youth soccer community. The partnership began with the NYNJ Host Committee’s participation in the 2026 Youth Soccer Summit at Sports Illustrated Stadium, bringing together leaders from across the soccer community to support the continued growth of the game. Through this collaboration, hundreds of NJ Youth Soccer players from underserved communities were provided the opportunity to attend FIFA World Cup matches at New York New Jersey Stadium, creating once-in-a-lifetime experiences for young athletes.

The partnership also extended to fan engagement through programming at the Jersey Fan Hub at Sports Illustrated Stadium, where interactive soccer activities connected youth players and families to the excitement of the tournament. Beyond these collaborative initiatives, NJ Youth Soccer continued to bring the FIFA World Cup experience to communities across the state through signature events such as NJYS Day at American Dream and other local activations.

In addition, NJ Youth Soccer created opportunities to bring communities together through FIFA World Cup watch parties and community activations held across New Jersey. The organization hosted Ocean County’s FIFA World Cup Final Watch Party at ShoreTown Ballpark, home of the Jersey Shore BlueClaws, where families and fans enjoyed an interactive soccer festival featuring small-sided games, skills challenges, and youth programming before gathering to watch the Final.

NJ Youth Soccer has had a strong presence at many official NYNJ Host Committee events leading up to and throughout the FIFA World Cup, but the lasting impact of NJ Youth Soccer and its partnership with the NYNJ Host Committee will be measured not only by the tournament, but by the continued investment in communities and the growth of soccer across New Jersey for years to come.

To contact New Jersey Youth Soccer, please email communications@njyouthsoccer.com. Also make sure to follow us on social media: @NJYouthSoccer

Longtime New Jersey Soccer Leader Recognized for a Lifetime of Service to the Game

New Jersey Youth Soccer (NJYS) recently honored leaders and youth soccer players from across the state at the 2026 NJ Youth Soccer Day at the American Dream Mall. One of the day’s most memorable moments came during the PSE&G-sponsored Everyday Hero Recognition ceremony, as Charlie Inverso was recognized by the New Jersey Hall of Fame as an Everyday Hero.

The Everyday Hero recognition celebrates New Jersey residents whose dedication, leadership, and selfless service have made a lasting difference in the lives of others. For Inverso, the honor reflects more than three decades of commitment to developing players, mentoring coaches, and expanding opportunities for young people through soccer. 

A Legacy Built in New Jersey

Charlie Inverso’s influence on soccer has been felt across every level of the game, from youth fields throughout New Jersey to collegiate championships and the U.S. Soccer pathway.

Throughout his career, Inverso has helped elevate New Jersey’s reputation as one of the nation’s premier soccer states while remaining dedicated to the development of young athletes both on and off the field.

His coaching career is highlighted by an extraordinary 24-year tenure at Mercer County Community College, where he compiled a remarkable 434-46-14 record while leading the program to five national championships. His winning percentage remains the highest in the history of NJCAA men’s soccer, a testament to both sustained excellence and his ability to develop talent.

Following his historic success at Mercer, Inverso continued to shape collegiate soccer as an assistant coach at Rutgers University before becoming head coach at Rider University. There, he guided the program to multiple conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances while continuing to mentor student-athletes preparing for careers both inside and outside the game.

Developing the Next Generation

While his collegiate accomplishments are impressive, much of Inverso’s lasting impact has come through his dedication to player development.

For many years, he served as a Region I Olympic Development Program (ODP) goalkeeper coach, helping identify and develop some of the country’s top young players within the U.S. Soccer pathway. His work in goalkeeper education, scouting, and mentorship has influenced generations of players and coaches throughout New Jersey while raising the technical standards of the game across the region.

Inverso’s expertise also earned him opportunities on the national stage through U.S. Soccer, where he served as goalkeeper coach for the U.S. Under-15 Men’s Youth National Team and continues to contribute as a U.S. Soccer scout.

Making Soccer Accessible for Every Child

Perhaps the most meaningful chapter of Inverso’s career is his ongoing commitment to grassroots soccer.

As co-founder of Mooch Soccer, Inverso has dedicated himself to providing soccer opportunities, mentorship, and positive role models for underserved youth throughout the Trenton area.

The community initiative was built on a simple but powerful belief: that every child deserves the opportunity to experience the game regardless of financial circumstances.

Through Mooch Soccer, Inverso has helped create a safe, welcoming environment where young players can develop confidence, build relationships, and discover opportunities that extend well beyond the soccer field.

Since its founding, Mooch Soccer has positively impacted more than 1,000 children, helping many participants advance to collegiate soccer, professional clubs, and even national team programs.

Among its most notable success stories is Matthew Olosunde, who progressed from youth soccer in the Trenton area to the U.S. Youth National Team system, Manchester United, and ultimately the U.S. Men’s National Team.

A Lifetime of Leadership

Throughout more than three decades in the game, Charlie Inverso has consistently demonstrated that coaching extends far beyond wins and championships. Whether leading nationally ranked college programs, identifying future national team players, educating coaches, or creating opportunities for underserved communities, his career has reflected a commitment to service, inclusion, and player development.

His influence has touched thousands of athletes, countless coaches, and communities across New Jersey.

The New Jersey Hall of Fame Everyday Hero recognition celebrates those who quietly make a profound difference in the lives of others. Charlie Inverso’s lifelong dedication to soccer, and to the people the game serves, embodies that mission.

His career stands as a reminder that the greatest legacy in sports is not measured solely by championships, but by the lives changed along the way.

Congratulations to Charlie Inverso on being recognized as a New Jersey Hall of Fame Everyday Hero, an honor that reflects a lifetime devoted to growing the game and strengthening communities throughout New Jersey and beyond.

To contact New Jersey Youth Soccer, please email communications@njyouthsoccer.com. Also make sure to follow us on social media: @NJYouthSoccer

New Jersey Youth Soccer recently hosted a watch party for the FIFA World Cup Final in partnership with the Jersey Shore BlueClaws at ShoreTown Ballpark.

To celebrate the final, which was held in New Jersey, NJ Youth Soccer partnered with the BlueClaws and Ocean County Tourism to host a free watch party preceded by skills and games for hundreds of young soccer players running around the outfield. After that, families were able to watch the game between Spain and Argentina from the comfort of the stadium’s stands or from the field on the BlueClaws’ 1,854 square-foot video board.

“There’s a lot of talk about the momentum and the spirit of the game and what the World Cup has done, and I think this is really a testament to it,” said Evan Dabby, CEO of NJ Youth Soccer. “There were hundreds of kids and families on the outfield for this unique opportunity to watch a unique game. We know this doesn’t happen every day, but we do hope that this tournament and this game provide a launching pad for players and families to get a life-long fulfillment from the sport.”

Before kickoff, NJ Youth Soccer and the BlueClaws hosted a soccer skills day for kids between the ages of 6 and 13. Participants were split up into groups and separated into several different stations, practicing skills like dribbling, passing, shooting. There were also small-sided games and fun skills like kicking soccer balls onto a jumbo dart board.

Around the concourse, families were able to purchase concessions and merchandise, and children were able to play games and enjoy free inflatable rides. The experience brought together soccer players and fans alike, with one family of five excited to watch the big game in a ballpark like ShoreTown and six youth soccer players from the Force, a team from the Twin County Soccer Association of Brick, sharing what it was like playing in the morning clinic.

“My favorite part of the day was the obstacle course and hanging out with my best friends,” said Teagan, 9.

The teammates were split on who they wanted to win the World Cup, but the majority were pulling for Lionel Messi and Argentina.

As Ocean County’s official watch party, the day was a unique way of bringing soccer and baseball together. But the main idea was to bring people together and encourage kids to get involved in any sport, according to BlueClaws General Manager Bob McLane.

“I think youth sports are tremendous. I think diversity of youth sport is really important,” McLane said. “I know a ton of kids are so uber specialized these days, which I get. But to me, I think just giving kids the opportunity, because it was a free event, because there’s organizations like NJ Youth Soccer involved, and some of our other partners, it gives [parents] kind of a low impact way of introducing it to their son or daughter. I think all of those things are super important.”

Dabby said he’s looking forward to having the opportunity to do more with partners like McLane and the BlueClaws in the community.

“This World Cup is giving us unique opportunities, whether it’s a day like today with the Jersey Shore BlueClaws and partnering to bring hundreds of kids out to enjoy the game before watching the World Cup Final, or New Jersey Youth Soccer Day at the American Dream. Again, hundreds of people from the youth soccer community coming in, just using the game as a celebration – it’s a way to connect with the community.”

To contact New Jersey Youth Soccer, please email communications@njyouthsoccer.com. Also make sure to follow us on social media: @NJYouthSoccer

New Jersey Youth Soccer recently brought together some of the state’s top talent to crown the inaugural NJYS Open Cup Champions at the Jackson Justice Complex, marking the conclusion of an exciting new chapter for youth soccer in New Jersey.

“The NJYS Open Cup was created to bring together elite teams from every corner of the soccer community and provide a true statewide championship experience,” said Evan Dabby, CEO of New Jersey Youth Soccer. “These players and clubs embraced the opportunity to compete against top opponents in a meaningful and inclusive environment, and we are excited about the future growth of this event for years to come.”

Created as a statewide competition designed to unite teams from across the youth soccer landscape, the NJYS Open Cup introduced an open championship format that included clubs from leagues and platforms including the USYS National Championship Series, USYS National League, EDP, MLS NEXT, ECRL, and NAL. Beginning in November with more than 60 teams, the tournament provided a unique opportunity for teams to compete head-to-head in a true single-elimination competition for statewide bragging rights.

The championship atmosphere matched the intensity on the field. Every match reflected the passion and competitive spirit that defines New Jersey soccer.

“The NJYS Open Cup showcased the incredible depth and diversity of the soccer landscape across our state,” said Luis Robles, Vice President and General Manager Sporting for MLS NEXT who attended the finals. “To see teams from different leagues, platforms, and competitive environments come together in one tournament created an outstanding experience for the players and the broader soccer community. Congratulations to the teams from Cedar Stars Academy Bergen for earning the distinction of becoming the first-ever NJYS Open Cup champions.”

13U Boys
Champion: Cedar Stars Academy Bergen MLS Next Homegrown
Finalist: Real FA MLS Next Homegrown

14U Boys
Champion: Cedar Stars Academy Bergen MLS Next Homegrown
Finalist: Real FA MLS Next Homegrown

19U Boys
Champion: Cedar Stars Academy Bergen MLS Next Homegrown
Finalist: Cedar Stars Academy Monmouth MLS Next Homegrown

Real FA NJ showed its club’s talent with two teams reaching the NJYS Open Cup Finals. 

“We were proud to have two teams reach the Open Cup Finals and to be part of such a meaningful inaugural competition,” said Jon Kopytko of Real FA. “The NJYS Open Cup created a unique opportunity for players and clubs from across different leagues and competitive platforms to come together and compete in a true championship environment. Events like this help elevate the game in New Jersey and provide tremendous value and experience for the players.”

As the inaugural edition of the NJYS Open Cup comes to a close, the future potential is exciting. This year’s competition featured the 13U, 14U, and 19U Boys divisions, with NJ Youth Soccer planning to expand the tournament in future years to include additional age groups and girls divisions. 

“This was a great event and gave the opportunity to show the level of players and play from clubs outside the exclusive leagues,” said Lee Drury of Monmouth United SC.

What began as a vision to unite clubs from every corner of the soccer community concluded with unforgettable moments, deserving champions, and the foundation of what promises to become one of New Jersey’s premier youth soccer competitions.

The first chapter of the NJYS Open Cup has now been written, and the journey is only beginning.

This past weekend, New Jersey Youth Soccer brought together the top youth soccer talent in the state for the conclusion of its Spring 2026 State Cup Championships. Thousands of spectators lined the sidelines at Capelli Sports Complex in Tinton Falls on Saturday and Sunday, with families and friends rallying behind the players. With teams competing in the 15U-19U age brackets, 44 teams battled for the title of “State Champion” across the National Championship Series, Presidents Cup and Challenge Cup competitions. 

“What an incredible weekend celebrating our State Cup Champions. From the opening whistle to the final trophy presentation, the atmosphere was electric with passionate players, dedicated coaches, proud families, and spectators filling the sidelines all weekend long.

The level of competition, sportsmanship, and excitement on display truly showcased the very best of youth soccer. Congratulations to all of our champions and finalists for their hard work and determination throughout the season. Thank you as well to the referees, volunteers, staff, and supporters who helped make the event such a memorable experience.

Weekends like this are what make soccer so special. Unforgettable moments, championship celebrations, and an amazing community coming together around the game we all love.”

Bill Smith, President of NJ Youth Soccer

Celebrating Champions 

Thanks to ONit Creative Solutions, the Official Trophy Partner of New Jersey Youth Soccer, awards were presented to the champions and finalists to celebrate their achievements in style.

Notable Achievements

Old Bridge Thunder continued their incredible run, capturing back-to-back Presidents Cup titles over the past two years before adding a National Championship Series crown in 2026 to cement themselves among the state’s elite.

Several clubs enjoyed massive championship weekends, with NJ Nationals FC, Torpedoes SC, Cohansey Premier, and Manalapan SC each seeing two teams rise to the top and bring home State Cup championships.

One of the weekend’s best stories belonged to Passaic FC Academy, who made an unforgettable first impression in their State Cup debut by capturing the 18/19U Boys Presidents Cup Championship in their very first appearance in the competition.

Championship history was also on full display as Torpedoes SC – Red 18/19U Girls and East Greenwich SA – Kingsway Premier 17U Girls repeated as back-to-back Presidents Cup Champions. On the National Championship Series side, NJ Nationals FC – Elite 16U Girls continued their dominance by earning back-to-back National Championship Series titles.

Community Support

JAG Physical Therapy was onsite all weekend ensuring that players received the best pregame care and during any unfortunate injuries. Attendees also had the chance to grab Capelli Sports merchandise to commemorate this unique event. 

Record Breaking Digital Engagement

Digital traffic and engagement achieved record heights. Social reach increased by 63% from the 2025 Spring State Cup Finals, and the event surpassed 112% more views over the two-day event.

Spring 2026 State Cup Champions 

Congratulations to the teams that competed in this prestigious event. We commend the efforts of the players, coaches, and referees! 

National Championship Series Champions 

• 15U Boys: Cohansey Premier – Navy
• 15U Girls: Old Bridge SC – Thunder
• 16U Boys: JAE Academy
• 16U Girls: NJ Nationals FC – Elite
• 17U Boys: Cedar Stars Academy – North
• 17U Girls: NJ Nationals FC – Elite
• 18/19U Boys: Torpedoes SC – Red
• 18/19U Girls: Real FA

Presidents Cup Champions 

• 15U Boys: Morris United SC – STA
• 15U Girls: Cohansey SC – Premier
• 16U Boys: East Greenwich SA – Kingsway Premier
• 16U Girls: Washington United
• 17U Boys: NJ Santos FC Rush – Black
• 17U Girls: East Greenwich SA – Kingsway Premier
• 18/19U Boys: Passaic FC Academy
• 18/19U Girls: Torpedoes SC – Red

Challenge Cup Champions 

• 15U Boys: Match Fit Surf – South Jersey Liverpool
• 15U Girls: Sporting Club Premier of NJ – Roxbury
• 16U Boys: Lacey Soccer Club – Cedar Stars Academy
• 17U Boys: Manalapan SC – United
• 18/19U Boys: Manalapan SC – Vipers
• 18/19U Girls: Monroe Township Soccer Club – Wildcats

Looking Ahead 

Winners of the National Championship Series competitions (13U and above) are now afforded the opportunity to compete at the national level of the tournament. Winners of the Presidents Cup (12U and above) are afforded the opportunity to compete at the regional level of the tournament.  US Youth Soccer (USYS) Northeast Presidents Cup will be held in June 2026 and all national events will be held in July 2026.

Referee Mentorship 

The top youth soccer referees from the Garden State were selected for the Championship matches. The NJ State Referee Committee also organized US Soccer Referee Mentors to provide mentorship and guidance for the attending officials. Game film recorded from the Trace cameras onsite is also a valuable tool for post-game referee growth and education. 

About New Jersey Youth Soccer State Cups 

The National Championship Series is the country’s most prestigious national youth soccer tournament, providing winners from each state the opportunity to showcase their soccer skills against the best competition in the nation while emphasizing teamwork, discipline and fair play. 

The Presidents Cup provides a progressive, competitive environment to teams that might not otherwise get the opportunity to participate in a series of unique experiences highlighting competition, camaraderie and community. 

The Challenge Cup is the NJYS State Cup designed to create a challenging and enjoyable event for teams outside of the National Championship Series and Presidents Cup. 

To contact New Jersey Youth Soccer, please email communications@njyouthsoccer.com. Also make sure to follow us on social media: @NJYouthSoccer 

New Collaboration Expands Competitive Opportunities for Older Players with More than 100 Teams Across Nine New Jersey Counties

The Monmouth Ocean Soccer Association (MOSA) and Mid-New Jersey Youth Soccer Association (MNJYSA) have announced the launch of a combined youth soccer league for Spring 2026, encompassing boys’ and girls’ divisions for U15, U16, and U19. More than 100 teams are competing across nine counties in New Jersey.

By aligning their older age divisions, MOSA and MNJYSA are creating deeper brackets and more varied matchups for clubs as players progress through the teen years.

“In past years, the number of youth players can tail off as players get older, which may lead to reduced competition,” said Eric Offenberg, President of MOSA. “By combining our older divisions with MNJYSA, we’re essentially doubling the number of teams in these age groups and creating opportunities for teams to face opponents they may not otherwise see.”

Each age group will feature at least two flights, with some divisions expanding to four, for a total of 15 flights for the six age groups overall. Top teams in each age group will advance to playoffs in East Brunswick to determine an overall champion.

“Clubs have shown tremendous enthusiasm for this joint league,” said Tom Finn, President of MNJYSA. “We expect participation to continue growing in the years ahead.”

Games for the joint league began during the weekend of March 21–22 and will continue through June.

New Jersey Youth Soccer and Soccer Forward teamed up for a dynamic community event at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newark, introducing local youth to the NJYS Let’s Play! Program and celebrating soccer as a tool for growth, confidence, and inclusion. Soccer Forward, in partnership with New York Life, is growing the game in Newark and highlighting organizations expanding access for local youth. At this community spotlight event, a joint donation brought new soccer programming directly to the clubhouse, giving kids opportunities to play, learn, and develop through the sport.

Kids of all ages rotated through small-sided games, skill stations, and guided activities, fully engaged in building soccer skills, teamwork, and confidence in a safe and welcoming environment. Working alongside Soccer Forward, NJ Youth Soccer transformed the space into an interactive soccer playground, creating an energetic hub where every child could participate and experience the fun of the game firsthand.

The day featured appearances by USWNT alum Sara Hess, USMNT legend Tab Ramos, and Gotham FC defender Mandy Freeman, with Gotham FC serving as the World Cup Host Committee and helping activate multiple experiences throughout the event. The activation highlighted NJ Youth Soccer’s commitment to bringing high-quality soccer programming to the Newark community while emphasizing fun, inclusion, and youth development.

Thanks to a generous $10,000 contribution from New York Life, NJ Youth Soccer is able to expand Let’s Play! programming in Newark.

“We are thrilled for this support of New Jersey Youth Soccer and our Let’s Play! Program,” said Evan Dabby, CEO of NJ Youth Soccer. “This donation will allow NJYS to bring even more kids into the game, providing consistent opportunities for growth, skill development, and community engagement.”

The Let’s Play! Program is designed to make soccer fun, accessible, and development-focused. Beyond introducing fundamental skills, it encourages social-emotional growth, teamwork, and confidence-building, giving every participant a sense of belonging while learning to love the game. The Let’s Play! Program goes beyond simply introducing kids to soccer. It also focuses on integrating nutrition and providing life skills education (SEL) to support holistic youth development. By combining skill-building with social-emotional learning and healthy habits, the program ensures that kids gain confidence on and off the field.

Building on the success of this activation, NJ Youth Soccer is excited to continue its partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newark throughout the coming year, offering ongoing Let’s Play! sessions and clinics to expand access and create consistent opportunities for kids to engage in soccer and enjoy the physical and social benefits of the sport.

“Seeing these kids light up while learning and playing is exactly why we do this,” said Bree Cassidy, NJYS Program Manager. “With partners like Soccer Forward, New York Life, and Gotham FC, we’re able to bring the game to life in Newark—one activation, one player, and one community at a time.”

For more information on New Jersey Youth Soccer and the Let’s Play! Program, check out the program online or contact Breeana Cassidy at breeana@njyouthsoccer.com.

New Jersey Youth Soccer announced a new partnership with Trace, a leader in AI-powered soccer video, to launch a state-wide initiative providing advanced filming technology to its member clubs and teams.

Teams interested in requesting a FREE Trace camera and PlayerFocus™ Pro subscription can visit traceup.com/partner/njys to get started. Make sure to use code NJYSPRO at checkout. (Note: Code must be redeemed at checkout with a new camera.)

Trace, established in 2011, is leveraging AI technology to seamlessly identify, follow, and spotlight each player on the field, automatically delivering a personalized playlist of individual highlights for every player after each game. Additionally, Trace cameras are specifically designed to provide an enhanced viewing experience, allowing parents, coaches, and scouts to zoom in and follow a player throughout the match.

In a significant move to support player development across the state, NJ Youth Soccer and Trace have teamed up to offer every member team, from grassroots to competitive levels, a complimentary sideline camera and a PlayerFocus™ Pro subscription. Proof of membership will be required for each team via submission of an official NJYS roster at checkout.

“At New Jersey Youth Soccer, we are constantly looking for ways to provide our members with the best possible tools to succeed,” said Evan Dabby, Chief Executive Officer of NJ Youth Soccer. “By partnering with Trace, we are reducing the financial barrier to elite-level video technology. This initiative ensures that every NJYS member team, regardless of their level of play, has the opportunity to use video for development, recruitment, and capturing lifelong memories on the pitch.”

By providing automated videos to players, coaches, and parents, this partnership supports the NJ Youth Soccer mission to provide affordable and innovative resources that enhance the experience for every soccer community in New Jersey.

“Trace is honored to partner with New Jersey Youth Soccer to further their mission of connecting and empowering the youth soccer community,” stated Gentry Contreras, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Trace. “By providing automated video technology to NJYS players, coaches, and parents, we are supporting the tools necessary to inspire a lifelong passion for the game and help every athlete in the Garden State reach their full potential.”

To contact New Jersey Youth Soccer, please email communications@njyouthsoccer.com. Also make sure to follow us on social media: @NJYouthSoccer