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New Jersey Youth Soccer is pleased to offer scholarship opportunities for New Jersey students to assist in the cost of higher education. All college-bound seniors who played in the NJ Youth Soccer system are encouraged to apply for one or more of the four annual scholarships that are available.

To be considered for a scholarship, candidates must submit an online application to the NJ Youth Soccer State Office by December 8, 2025. Students may apply for more than one of the scholarships that are available, but they cannot be awarded more than one scholarship. Recipients of the scholarships will also be honored at the NJYS Awards Celebration Presented by RWJBarnabas Health on Sunday, February 1, 2026.

Frank Bollaci Memorial Scholarship

Candidates who were involved in refereeing are encouraged to apply for this scholarship.

The Frank Bollaci Memorial Scholarship was established by NJ Youth Soccer to honor his legacy. Frank was a long-time president of the South Brunswick Soccer Club, a coach, and a seasoned referee involved with the NJ State Referee Committee. Soccer had an immense impact on Frank’s life, along with a commitment to community service. One scholarship in the amount of $1000 will be awarded to a deserving applicant.  Apply today.

Brett Fenster Memorial Scholarship

Candidates who have a love for soccer, arts and humanities are encouraged to apply for this scholarship.

The Brett Fenster Memorial Scholarship was established by NJ Youth Soccer as a way to help our youth soccer players further their education. Brett played soccer from the age of five until he graduated from high school. He began participating in the recreation program in West Windsor and moved on to play travel and high school soccer. Brett’s love for the sport flourished along with his interest in the arts and humanity. Two scholarships in the amount of $1000 will be awarded to deserving recipients. Apply today.

Allan Sinclair Memorial Scholarship

Candidates who have a background in volunteering and community service are encouraged to apply for this scholarship.

The Allan Sinclair Memorial Scholarship was established by NJ Youth Soccer in April of 2012 to honor the many facets of Allan Sinclair’s relationship with youth soccer. Al had an extensive career with NJ Youth Soccer, serving as President for almost 25 years and Executive Director from 2008-2012. Al’s time and dedication to youth soccer was mostly done as a volunteer not only in the state, but also in the East Region. The funds for this scholarship were donated in his memory when he passed away in April of 2012. Two scholarships in the amount of $1000 will be awarded to deserving applicants. Apply today.

Jeanine Willis Scholarship

Candidates who played in at least two NJYS State Cups are encouraged to apply for this scholarship.

The Jeanine Willis Scholarship Fund was established by NJ Youth Soccer to honor the numerous contributions Jeanine Willis made to youth soccer in the state of New Jersey and beyond. Jeanine was NJ Youth Soccer’s first Executive Director and also served as a member of the NJYS Board of Directors for a number of years. Jeanine was devoted to enriching the overall soccer experience for all NJ Youth Soccer players. Two scholarships in the amount of $1000 will be awarded to deserving applicants.  Apply today.

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 has expanded its Innovate to Grow (ITG) initiative with the addition of Union City Soccer Club as the newest participating program. Union City Soccer Club joins a growing list of community partners that are helping bring the game to more young players across the state.

The Innovate to Grow Fund, introduced by the U.S. Soccer Federation, provides financial support for new programs in underserved soccer communities and works to expand the sport at the grassroots level. NJ Youth Soccer collaborates with recreation departments and community programs to deliver resources that strengthen local soccer, improve player development and coaching knowledge, and increase parent engagement.

Beyond supporting individual players, the ITG initiative is helping communities grow the overall participation and visibility of soccer. By supplying essential equipment, from balls and cones to full team kits, NJ Youth Soccer ensures that programs have the tools needed to welcome new players and maintain consistent, high-quality programming. This resource support helps smaller recreation departments and grassroots clubs expand their reach, engage more families, and create safe, inclusive environments for youth development.

“The highlight of our programming has been watching players grow not only in their technical ability, but in their confidence and love for the game,” said William Shapiro, the lead point for Union City Soccer Club. “Moments like seeing our youngest players connect their first successful passes in a game, or older players showing leadership by mentoring younger ones, remind me why we do this work.”

Shapiro further emphasized that “NJYS provides a wealth of support, everything from coach education, player development programs, and administrative guidance to best practices in safety and governance. For Union City Soccer Club, these resources are game-changing.”

Through ITG, each program receives tailored support, which may include uniforms, equipment, coaching education, clinics, and registration fee reimbursements. By reducing barriers such as cost and access, NJ Youth Soccer is helping communities build a foundation for long-term growth while creating greater opportunities for player success, both on and off the field.

Moreover, ITG fosters stronger community connections by empowering local leaders, coaches, and volunteers with the training and guidance necessary to sustain programs year-round. By investing in people as well as equipment, NJ Youth Soccer strengthens the capacity of communities to continue offering accessible soccer opportunities long after initial funding and support.

“Innovate to Grow goes far beyond the game itself,” said Breeana Cassidy, NJYS Program Manager. “It’s about opening doors for every child to play, learn, and belong. When we invest in these programs, we’re not just growing soccer, we’re strengthening communities, building connections, and creating lasting opportunities that make the game accessible to all.”

As the program continues to expand across New Jersey, NJ Youth Soccer remains committed to breaking down barriers, promoting equity in youth sports, and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to participate, develop, and thrive in soccer.

For more information about our Innocate To Grow Program, contact Breeana Cassidy atbreeana@njyouthsoccer.com.

New Jersey Youth Soccer is pleased to announce a partnership with Clym, an all-in-one digital compliance solution that helps organizations improve website accessibility and navigate an evolving landscape of consumer data privacy regulations. This collaboration is designed to make it simple for NJ Youth Soccer to support its membership with tools that help facilitate compliance with website accessibility and data privacy regulations while promoting an inclusive online experience for all visitors.

“Soccer brings people together, and that sense of inclusion should carry through every touchpoint of our organization,” said Evan Dabby, CEO of NJ Youth Soccer. “Partnering with Clym allows us to create a digital environment where members  feel welcome and supported.”

By working with Clym, NJ Youth Soccer reinforces its commitment to equal access, both on and off the field of play. With Clym’s member-specific pricing, clubs and organizations can qualify for a complimentary or low-cost solution to improve their website’s compliance with various regulations.

“It is our pleasure to partner with NJ Youth Soccer to create a greater digital experience for website visitors,” said Johnathan Brabson, Referral Partner Manager at Clym. “As a soccer dad, coach, fan and player, the game should be available to as many people as possible, no matter their background or challenges. The digital space is the first place for information, and NJ Youth Soccer wants to support their members whenever they visit the website.”

Partnering with Clym aligns directly with NJYS’s objective to create a welcoming environment, providing members with the resources needed to enhance their digital transparency and inclusivity.

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 

New Jersey Youth Soccer is proud to announce the launch of its College Affiliate Program, designed to connect college students and universities with meaningful opportunities to engage, collaborate and develop professionally within the youth soccer community. The program officially kicks off this fall with Seton Hall University as the first college to join the initiative.

Rooted in the NJYS vision to establish soccer as the preeminent sport in New Jersey that unites, grows and inspires a lifelong passion for the game, the College Affiliate Program serves as a direct extension of that commitment. By strategically connecting higher education with youth soccer development, the program engages college students in meaningful, hands-on opportunities that cultivate the next generation of leaders. Through collaboration, experiential learning and community engagement, the initiative helps expand access, build leadership, strengthen local connections and inspire lifelong participation in soccer across the state.

The College Affiliate Program provides students with unique, hands-on experiences across NJYS operations, allowing them to build practical skills while contributing to the growth and development of youth soccer across New Jersey. Participating students will have opportunities in a variety of areas, including event management, communications, marketing, leadership development and grassroots soccer programming.

“We are thrilled to be working with New Jersey Youth Soccer,” said B.J. Schecter, Executive Director of Seton Hall University’s Center for Sports Media. “Our students will have the opportunity to produce content on multiple platforms in a fast-paced setting. New Jersey Youth Soccer aligns perfectly with our goals of giving students experiential learning opportunities at premier events.”

Program Opportunities Include:

Career Development Program: Students participate in leadership webinars, mentorship initiatives and career preparation workshops, equipping them with tools and knowledge to pursue careers in soccer-related fields, sports management and nonprofit leadership.

Internships: Students gain practical experience working directly within NJYS business operations, including marketing, public relations, sponsorship and event management. These internships offer exposure to all facets of running a statewide youth sports organization.

Digital and Media Engagement: Students create and curate content for NJYS digital platforms, including photos, videos, reels and feature stories. Coverage includes major events such as the NJYS Awards Celebration, State Cup Finals, Let’s Play, TOPSoccer, FootGolf Championships and Growing the Girls Game. Students may also conduct interviews with players, coaches and award winners, assist with podcast preparation, and develop professional media skills in a real-world setting.

Students will have the chance to participate in grassroots programs and community initiatives that foster inclusion, accessibility and a lifelong love of soccer for players of all ages and abilities, giving them the opportunity to re-engage with the sport they knew as youth players while contributing to its growth in their communities.

As the program continues to grow, NJ Youth Soccer will showcase the community impact at Seton Hall University and highlight ways students can engage directly with NJYS initiatives, gaining hands-on experience while supporting soccer programs across the state. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to be fully immersed in NJ Youth Soccer’s community and grassroots efforts. This includes assisting with local clinics, supporting outreach programs and participating in events that promote inclusion, accessibility and a lifelong love of soccer for players of all ages and abilities. Students will gain firsthand experience working alongside NJYS staff and volunteers, helping bring soccer programs to communities across the state while learning how a statewide youth sports organization operates. As the program grows and develops, there will be opportunities for students to participate in new initiatives, expanded events and innovative programs, further enhancing their experience and contribution to youth soccer in New Jersey.

“Our goal is to create a bridge between the college community and youth soccer,” said Breeana Cassidy, NJYS Program Manager. “By working alongside students, we’re helping them gain real-world experience while strengthening programs that serve thousands of players across the state. We want students to leave the program with both professional skills and a deeper appreciation for the power of youth sports in building community.”

NJ Youth Soccer looks forward to expanding its College Affiliate network in the coming academic year, providing even more opportunities for students across New Jersey to engage, learn and make an impact through the game.

For more information about becoming a College Affiliate or collaborating with NJ Youth Soccer, contact Breeana Cassidy at breeana@njyouthsoccer.com.

At the heart of New Jersey Youth Soccer’s mission, to connect and empower the youth soccer community, is a commitment to creating opportunities that help young people grow both on and off the field. This mission comes to life through the expansion of the Innovate to Grow (ITG) programs, which continue to bridge connections across communities while empowering players, referees and future leaders through the game.

NJ Youth Soccer is proud to recognize the continued growth of its Recreation Referee Program, Career Development Program and Let’s Play! Program, with additional locations and participants joining the initiatives this fall. Each of these programs reflects the organization’s core mission by uniting local clubs, schools and community partners under a shared goal of fostering development, confidence and lifelong engagement in soccer.

Recreation Referee Program

NJ Youth Soccer continued another year of its Recreation Referee Program, with 12-member soccer clubs participating over the fall season. Each club hosted its own program, where candidates learned the basics of officiating, the Laws of the Game, uniform and equipment requirements, and received ongoing education. The curriculum also emphasized Respect, Positivity, Experience and Laws of the Game to make refereeing more approachable for young aspiring referees.

The Recreation Referee Program also sponsors young referees to become U.S. Soccer Grassroots Referees and join the state’s competitive referee pool.

“Our Recreation Referee Program gives the opportunity to the kids participating in each club to start a path to refereeing,” said Breeana Cassidy, NJYS Grant Program Manager. “This program breaks down the basics of refereeing in small-sided games, helping kids gain confidence and experience in a fun and supportive environment.”

Career Development Program

This NJYS Career Development Program provides college students with professional development and career exploration opportunities through youth soccer. This fall season, NJ Youth Soccer anticipates 10 students will participate.

The program educates students about leadership and growth opportunities through webinars and in-person events, both on and off the field. Students are provided opportunities to network with industry professionals, connect with peers and gain real-life experience by assisting at NJYS events, giving them hands-on exposure to how sports organizations operate. These experiences help students build valuable skills, explore potential career paths and develop professional confidence.

“I am very appreciative of the opportunity the Career Development Program has given me to participate in and understand the amount of work that goes into various events hosted by NJYS, as well as connect with like-minded peers,” said Melanie Lockwood, a past Career Development Program participant.

Let’s Play! Program

This fall, NJ Youth is running six Let’s Play! Programs across the state. Let’s Play! is an after-school initiative designed to provide a safe, character-building, community-supported program that promotes social and emotional growth while addressing health and wellness. The program aims to reduce negative behavior, improve mental health and well-being, and boost educational achievement, all while fostering excitement for the game of soccer.

The Fall 2025 program locations are Roseville Community Charter School, Freehold Intermediate, Boys & Girls Club Wayne, Boys & Girls Club of Pequannock, Boys & Girls Club of Garfield and Boys & Girls Club of Mercer. Sessions are held one day per week for six to eight weeks from September through October.

“This opportunity allowed us to extend a program to our 3rd and 4th Grade After School members, as well as invite our Recreational Soccer participants, something we’ve never been able to do before,” said Dan Dipsey, Unit Director of the Boys & Girls Club. “The new equipment and personalized soccer balls sparked excitement among our members. While some were initially hesitant to step out of their comfort zones, the structured curriculum made it easy for us to break into smaller groups, encouraging more participation. By week 3, the difference was clear. Members were eager to participate and showcase the new skills they had learned. We love seeing our members stay active and embrace healthy lifestyles, and thanks to NJYS, we were able to expand our programming in ways we hadn’t previously been able to. During our final session, we celebrated their achievements by handing out shirts and medals, marking the success of the program.”

Committed to Growing the Game

NJ Youth Soccer remains committed to growing the game while fostering development both on and off the field. By expanding locations for the Recreation Referee Program, Career Development Program and Let’s Play! Program, NJ Youth Soccer continues to invest in the future of players, referees and leaders across the state.

“Expanding these programs allows us to reach more communities and provide even greater opportunities for growth,” said Breeana Cassidy, Program Manager. “We are proud to support young referees, players and future leaders in developing skills, confidence and a lifelong love of the game.”

“When we first started these programs, we were small—just a few clubs and a handful of participants,” Cassidy added. “Through careful planning, partnerships and a focus on community impact, we have grown year after year. It’s incredible to see how far we’ve come, and even more exciting to see the opportunities we are now able to provide for so many more young people across New Jersey.”

To learn more about these NJYS programs, contact Breeana Cassidy, Program Manager, at breeana@njyouthsoccer.com.

New Jersey Youth Soccer is pleased to announce a new partnership with Athlete Narrative, a leading platform designed to streamline the college recruitment process for high school athletes. This collaboration will provide NJYS members with access to a powerful tool to support their pursuit of collegiate soccer opportunities.

“We are committed to providing our players with the best possible resources as they navigate their soccer journey,” said Evan Dabby, CEO of New Jersey Youth Soccer. “Our partnership with Athlete Narrative offers a valuable tool to help our athletes stay organized, proactive and informed throughout the complex college recruitment process. We believe this platform will significantly enhance their opportunities to play at the next level.”

Athlete Narrative offers a comprehensive recruiting tool that helps high school athletes build a professional online presence and effectively communicate with college coaches. Their innovative app consolidates athletic information into a personalized Radar Page, or digital portfolio, making it easier for athletes to showcase their abilities and academic achievements.

“Athlete Narrative began with two dads who freaked out when their kids hit recruiting age. The truth is, unless you’re in the top 1%, the college recruiting system is broken,” said David Hitz, Chief Operating Officer of Athlete Narrative. “We decided to fix it. We asked scouts how they prefer first contact. A thoughtful email was the universal answer. We asked parents what they needed – ‘Help my child without being a jerk.’ We asked athletes what they wanted – ‘Make it like TikTok or Instagram.’ We created something simple and powerful that works.”

Key features of the Athlete Narrative platform include:

• AI-Assisted Email Generation: Athletes can quickly generate personalized emails to send to college coaches, with AI technology drafting messages based on the athlete’s information and targeted school.
• Targeted Outreach: The platform boasts a regularly updated database of coach contacts across various collegiate levels (NCAA divisions, NAIA, JUCO), enabling users to target specific schools and divisions.
• Radar Page (Digital Portfolio): This feature allows athletes to display their stats, achievements, videos and academic highlights in a single, shareable online profile.

As part of this relationship, NJYS players can receive a 14-day free trial of the Athlete Narrative platform, which is regularly available for $15 per month. Interested players can learn more and join Athlete Narrative by visiting the dedicated NJYS registration portal online.

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 

Over the summer, the Premier League brought a series of community events to local clubs during its Premier League Summer Series. Among the first to benefit from this groundbreaking initiative were Piscataway Soccer Club and Kearny Thistle United, two New Jersey Youth Soccer (NJYS) member clubs that hosted player clinics and coaching workshops led by Premier League Community Coaches.

A Partnership with Global Reach and Local Impact

The events were part of a newly announced three-year partnership between the Premier League, the State of New Jersey and the U.S. Soccer Foundation. The program is designed to develop more than 500 local soccer coaches and provide vital coaching and sports development resources to over 10,000 youth players across the state, particularly in underserved communities.

“The Premier League is proud to support the development of the game at all levels, and during the Summer Series, we were delighted to continue our legacy of supporting coaches and young players in the NJ Youth Soccer local communities,” said Nick Perchard, Director of Community at the Premier League.

Bringing the Program to Life in New Jersey

In Piscataway, Community Coaches from the Premier League, Everton, Manchester United and West Ham United led three events over two days hosted by Piscataway Soccer Club. The program included two evening coaching workshops for 25 local coaches, where participants received professional insights, new training exercises and a Premier League-branded training kit. During the day, two player training clinics were held for 11U and older players, each welcoming 40 participants. Players rotated through three different stations led by Premier League coaches, developing new skills while also receiving Premier League-branded gear to take home.

For Kearny Thistle United, the partnership provided a well-designed youth clinic along with the chance for coaches to learn directly from Premier League ambassadors. The sessions emphasized both skill development and the broader life lessons of the game.

Coaches’ Perspectives

The impact of the events was best captured by those who participated.

“This experience was excellent,” stated one coach who took part. “I came in not knowing what to expect but left with so much that I can use to help me become a better coach. The trainers were engaging and knowledgeable. Great time.”

 “I love the fact that we got this opportunity to learn from the Premier League ambassadors,” shared another coach. “This was a fantastic experience that I would love to experience many more times. I greatly appreciate it all.”

A Meaningful Experience for Local Clubs

For Piscataway Soccer Club, the opportunity was extremely memorable, as noted by Chuck Myers who serves on both the NJYS and Piscataway SC Boards.

“Ultimately, it was incredibly worthwhile,” he reflected. “I learned a lot about the goals of both the Premier League and the U.S. Soccer Foundation, and Piscataway SC definitely benefited from the experience.”

Myers further emphasized the value of adding the Premier League’s workshops to the broader coaching education landscape in New Jersey, alongside existing NJ Youth Soccer courses and US Youth Soccer supported programs.

Looking Ahead

As the Premier League Summer Series drew fans to MetLife Stadium, these community events showcased the tournament’s lasting legacy in New Jersey. By combining international expertise with local passion, the partnership is strengthening the grassroots game and inspiring the next generation of players and coaches across the Garden State.

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 

Pioneering the Future of Brain Health in Sports with AI-Powered Screening Technology

New Jersey Youth Soccer, representing more than 120,000 players ages 5 to 19, today announced a strategic partnership with HitCheck, a leading mobile app that monitors athletes’ cognitive performance and screens for signs of concussion.

HitCheck transforms standardized neurocognitive testing into a fast, engaging seven-minute mobile assessment that can be completed on a smartphone or tablet. The test evaluates nine key brain functions commonly affected by concussions. When a head injury is suspected, athletes complete a post-injury test, which is compared against their personal baseline scores to help inform medical decisions. A 22-question symptom survey is also included to track recovery progress.

“Our vision is to create a sports landscape where brain health screening is a priority across all levels of play,” said Mike Piha, CEO and Co-Founder of HitCheck. “Partnering with New Jersey Youth Soccer, one of the largest youth soccer programs in the country, sends a powerful message about the importance of protecting young athletes from the long-term impacts of sports-related concussions.”

Through this partnership, NJ Youth Soccer and HitCheck reaffirm their shared commitment to athlete safety, equipping trainers and healthcare professionals with real-time data that supports early detection, objective decision-making and effective return-to-play protocols.

“This partnership enhances our ability to promote player safety and long-term brain health by leveraging HitCheck’s quick and easy concussion assessment app,” said Evan Dabby, CEO of NJ Youth Soccer. “We are proud to make HitCheck the Official Sideline Concussion Test of New Jersey Youth Soccer as part of our ongoing commitment to keeping athletes safe.”

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 

About HitCheck
HitCheck digitizes neurocognitive testing methods using AI, delivering short mobile assessments that help detect changes in brain performance following potential concussions. Each test measures areas such as memory, reaction time, balance, and executive function. With subscribers in six countries, HitCheck partners with organizations including Stanford University, Iowa State University, Howard University, Baylor Scott & White Health, American Youth Football, and the NFL Alumni Association. Learn more at hitcheck.com/how-it-works or contact info@hitcheck.com.