New Jersey Youth Soccer

LOGIN

News

NJYS Announces Seton Hall as First Member of College Affiliate Program

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.

NJYS Expands Innovate to Grow Programs Across the State

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.

NJYS Partners with Athlete Narrative to Enhance College Recruitment

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 

USCSA And WAGS Announce U.S. Soccer All-Female National B License

The United States Consortium of State Associations (USCSA) and Women and Girls in Soccer (WAGS) have teamed up to launch the first ever All-Female U.S. Soccer National B License Course for youth soccer coaches.  This all-female offering demonstrates the strong collaboration between WAGS and the 16 State Association members of the USCSA to increase female participation in sports, further highlighting their dedication to empowering women in coaching. 

The U.S. Soccer National B License Course is a high-level coaching program designed to challenge and elevate coaches who are dedicated to advancing their expertise and leadership in the game. This opportunity not only provides female coaches with access to top-tier education but also creates a supportive, collaborative environment where women can learn, share and grow together in their professional journeys.

“WAGS is privileged to sponsor our first-ever All-Female National B Course, advancing our mission to empower and support female coaches in their educational journey,” said Kerry Diederich, WAGS Executive Director. “We look forward to our collaboration with the USCSA and its 16 State Association members to provide this pathway to higher license for female coaches, ensuring their personal goals in soccer can be realized. Fulfilling this initiative also reflects the long-standing vision of our Chairwoman, Lula Bauer, who has long championed expanding access to the highest-level coaching education for women in the game.”

Women and Girls in Soccer (WAGS) is a 50-year-old charitable organization dedicated to empowering girls and women through soccer, with roots as one of the first all-girls soccer leagues in the United States, founded in the Metro DC area. Today, WAGS officially partners with the USCSA, which has a mission to maximize the potential of its member State Associations by building a highly effective network that fosters collaboration, shares resources and reduces costs. WAGS’ goal is to sponsor, develop and provide educational and character-building programs that benefit girls and women while promoting a lifelong passion for soccer. WAGS has also led from the front in female coach education initiatives, hosting the first All-Female Coach Education D License in partnership with U.S. Soccer in 2018.

The USCSA’s participation in this effort is also thanks to a Growing the Girls Game grant from U.S. Soccer’s Innovate to Grow initiative. 

“As we continually work to enable coaches to acquire and further develop knowledge, and skills, we recognized the importance of empowering more female coaches to gain further coaching qualifications,” said Evan Dabby, USCSA President and CEO of New Jersey Youth Soccer. “Through this collaboration with Women and Girls in Soccer (WAGS), enabled by the significant support from US Soccer, our goal is to expand upon that ambition to create more opportunities for women in the sport.”

Registration for the six-month course is now open (click here to access the U.S. Soccer Learning Center listing) and will remain open through November 14th, 2025. The course begins in January 2026 and will be hosted by New Jersey Youth Soccer.

  • In order to be considered for this course, candidates must complete the Formsite application first (click here). This Formsite application is also listed on the U.S. Soccer Learning Center course registration page.
  • All accepted applicants will be notified by December 8th. Once accepted, the coach will have until December 22nd to register for the course.
  • This course status is listed as “Invitation Only” in the U.S. Soccer Learning Center.

The National B License Course runs for six months and follows a blended learning format. It includes two in-person meetings and, on average, one virtual meeting per week. The online portion features live webinars with guest speakers, individual meetings with assigned coach educators, and independent learning assignments. The in-person sessions emphasize small group activities and individualized field work.  

The course is sponsored by WAGS and USCSA, and it guarantees placement for at least one member coach from each of the USCSA’s 16 State Associations. Coaches accepted into the course will receive full reimbursement of the $2,900 course registration fee upon successful completion of the program, courtesy of the Jill Ellis Scholarship Fund and sponsorship from WAGS and the USCSA. Travel expenses, including hotel accommodations and meals for the in-person component, are the responsibility of the course candidate. A travel stipend may be made available. If so, details will be communicated to candidates.

New Jersey Youth Soccer is a founding member of the United States Consortium of Soccer Associations, which was established in early 2024 with a vision to create a highly functioning network of state associations focused on growing soccer participation.

To learn more about the USCSA, visit ConsortiumOfSoccerAssociations.org. Also make sure to follow our official LinkedIn page. Further, we encourage you to visit WAGS online and follow them on social media: @wagsinsoccer

About WAGS
WAGS is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Its mission is to provide opportunities to sponsor, develop, or provide educational and character-building programs for the benefit of girls and women through teaching and promoting an interest in the game of soccer. WAGS is on the web at womenandgirlsinsoccer.org. WAGS Tournament is on the web at wagstournament.com.

Premier League Partnership Brings Community Soccer Events to NJYS Clubs

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 

NJYS Partners with HitCheck to Advance Player Safety and Concussion Detection

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.

PDA Hibernian E64 Advances to USYS National Championship Semifinals

The US Youth Soccer National Championships Presented by New York Life recently concluded at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, with PDA Hibernian E64 finishing the competition as national semifinalists. New Jersey Youth Soccer was well represented at the USYS National Championships, with a total of 11 teams advancing to compete at the national tournament.

PDA Hibernian E64 opened group play at the USYS National Championships with three consecutive victories, winning their bracket on a cumulative 3-0-0 record and 9-5 goal differential. That set up a semifinal contest with JaHbat B06 Premier 1 (Illinois), where PDA Hibernian E64 fell by a razor-thin 1-0 decision. The New Jersey side appeared to have scored a late equalizer in the 87th minute, but the offside flag nullified the goal. PDA Hibernian E64 continued to fight all the way to the final whistle in the encounter, eventually capping off their incredible season as national semifinalists.

Also representing New Jersey in Orlando were The Football Academy NJ Black (14U Boys), Cedar Stars Academy E64 (14U Boys), NJ Premier (14U Girls), The Football Academy NJ Silver (14U Girls), The Football Academy NJ Black (15U Boys), NJ Nationals Elite (15U Girls), Future SA E64 (16U Boys), NJ Nationals Elite (16U Girls), PDA Hibernian Danubia (17U Boys) and Cedar Stars Academy E64 (19U Boys).

Hosted by US Youth Soccer, the National Championships Presented by New York Life is the country’s most prestigious national youth soccer tournament. The competition provides winners from each state with the opportunity to showcase their soccer skills against the best competition in the nation while emphasizing teamwork, discipline and fair play. 

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 

Every Kick Counts Unites Community to Support Soccer Players with Disabilities

New Jersey Youth Soccer recently hosted its inaugural Every Kick Counts event, a FootGolf fundraiser sponsored by RWJBarnabas Health, bringing together more than 50 players, families, and volunteers to support the NJYS TOPSoccer Program. Held at the Bel-Aire Golf Course in Wall Township, the event celebrated inclusion, community, and fun through FootGolf — a blend of soccer and golf — for players with disabilities.

Every Kick Counts is a new NJYS initiative created to raise funds and awareness for TOPSoccer, a community-based training and team placement program for young athletes with mental or physical disabilities. The program currently serves nearly 1,000 players across the state. The day was full of memorable moments, including a special appearance by Tab Ramos, former U.S. Men’s National Team captain, who joined players on the course, signed autographs, and posed for photos. 

“What matters is not the experience I had but the experience the kids had,” said Ramos. “Being out on the course, running around and kicking the ball into the holes was really exciting for them. It made my day, and I’m sure it was a special day for them as well.”

A Youth-Led Vision

The vision behind Every Kick Counts came from Zack Dabby, a high school student and passionate advocate for inclusive soccer. In 2020, Dabby started volunteering in a program called Challenger Sports. Like TOPSoccer, Challenger Sports is a program in which volunteers get paired up with a kid who has special needs. Together, the pair engage with peers, playing sports throughout the year, creating a bond between the two kids.

It was through Challenger Sports that Dabby met Jack Costantino. When they met, Jack was a 6th grader with autism attending Howell North Middle School. Over the last four years, Dabby and Costantino built a special relationship, through Challenger Sports and spending time together outside of it. Through this event, Dabby brought together two very important and personal things, soccer and helping others. Over eight months, Dabby committed nearly 100 hours to organizing the event, from developing the logo and digital assets, to recruiting sponsors, managing the budget, and producing an Event Operations Guide.

“I had so much fun playing and helping the players enjoy the day,” said Dabby. “My hope is to grow this initiative and replicate it with other state associations across the country.”

Dabby collaborated closely with many individuals and professionals developing this program. The professionals with US FootGolf and US Youth Soccer helped Dabby develop the brand identity and educational materials for Every Kick Counts.  

Laura Balestrini, CEO of US FootGolf, added, “FootGolf’s inclusive nature makes it a perfect vehicle for awareness and connection. We’re honored to support Every Kick Counts.”

Dabby also worked with staff at NJ Youth Soccer to launch registration and donation platforms and led outreach efforts to the Challenger Sports program and TOPSoccer communities statewide.

Community at Its Core

Among the many supportive and smiling faces at the event was Jonathan Yee, NJYS TOPSoccer Chair, who helped champion this initiative. Yee served as a buddy and reflected on the event.

“Playing a round with brothers Noah and Tyler was so much fun! From birdies to Pokémon Go chats, the spirit of the day was incredible. I look forward to this event becoming a staple.”  

Constantino, a 16-year-old participant from Howell, shared “Every Kick Counts was really, really fun. The best part was kicking the ball really high. I got to run like Saquon Barkley!” 

Jack’s mother, Michelle Constantino, added “This event was phenomenal. It brought players and buddies together in a beautiful way. The connection between Zack and Jack, two young people learning from each other, was powerful.”

The event was made possible by generous contributions from sponsors and donors. RWJBarnabas Health served as the title sponsor, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive, community-driven health and recreation. 

“It was inspiring to see so many kids with special health care needs participating in such a fun, meaningful event,” said Justin Edelman, SVP of External Communications & Corporate Partnerships at RWJBarnabas Health. “TOPSoccer aligns perfectly with our mission of compassionate care and inclusive opportunity.”  

Bill Ross, East Regional Representative for US Youth Soccer, emphasized the broader potential.

“The event was wonderful,” he stated, “I’d love to see this blueprint shared nationally, both for the impact on the program and the joy it brings to the players.”  

Monmouth County Parks System was also a key partner in hosting the event, with supportive and welcoming staff who helped ensure its success.

Every Kick Counts' Inaugural FootGolf Fundraiser Unites Community to Support Soccer Players with Disabilities

Sponsors and Donors

In addition to RWJBarnabas Health, event sponsors included the New York Red Bulls, Ray Catena Auto Group (Lexus, Audi, Mercedes) and SCORE Sports. Hole sponsors included WeDo and Toyota. Donations and in-kind support were provided by Wegmans (food and snacks), MLS GO and the NYNJ World Cup Host Committee (t-shirts), PRIME (beverages), Print2Go (signage), Central Jersey Pools and Gotham FC.

To keep up with the latest information from Every Kick Counts, make sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram!

NJYS Hosts First-Ever FootGolf Championships at Crystal Springs Resort

Photos: Kaitlyn Cioc

New Jersey Youth Soccer made history by recently hosting the first-ever NJYS FootGolf Championships, welcoming U11/U12 and U13/U14 boys and girls to the beautiful Crystal Springs Resort in Hamburg, NJ. This exciting new event brought together more than 140 players from across the state for a fun and competitive day of FootGolf, a unique hybrid sport that blends the precision of golf with the skills of soccer. The strong turnout highlighted a growing interest in alternative soccer experiences.

“This event exceeded our expectations, and the feedback we heard from participants was overwhelmingly positive,” said Evan Dabby, CEO of NJ Youth Soccer. “Crystal Springs was an incredible partner in the event, and NJ Youth Soccer looks forward to future success and events at this first-class venue.”

The championships featured four age groups, with each division competing in its own round. While the focus was on participation and community, players also had the chance to compete for awards. The top scorers were recognized for their performance with prizes and medals, adding a fun and rewarding element to the day. Winners from age divisions were invited back to the beautiful Crystal Springs Resort this October to attend the 2025 U.S. FootGolf Open. Players also had the chance to test their skills in contests like longest drive and closest to the pin, adding an extra layer of excitement and competition to the experience.

“I had a really fun time going through all the courses and challenges,” said Gigi Violante, U11/U12 girls player. “The toughest part was walking up the hills throughout the course, but I loved meeting new players. It was exciting to make new friends while playing together and cheering each other on.”

“The most fun part of the day was almost getting a hole-in-one,” said Gabriella Case, U11/U12 girls player, who traveled all the way from Albany, New York. “It came so close, and everyone around me was really excited. I’ve never gotten one before, so that moment was really special.”

“Since opening New Jersey’s first FootGolf facility in 2014, we have enjoyed watching this sport grow,” said Chris Mulvihill, Crystal Springs Resort Chief Marketing Officer. “Today, our Resort has two FootGolf courses and has been selected for the third time as the host site of the U.S. FootGolf Open. And now, we are very pleased to partner with New Jersey Youth Soccer on this inaugural event to host the next generation of FootGolfers and help continue the growth of the game.”

The year’s event benefited from tremendous support from the highest levels of FootGolf. U.S. FootGolf provided its support from the national office, helping with marketing, operations and competitive support.

“Partnering with New Jersey Youth Soccer marks a groundbreaking moment for FootGolf in the U.S., introducing youth to the sport and paving the way for future growth,” said Laura Balestrini, President of the American FootGolf League. “We’re excited to nurture young players’ passion and skills, shaping the next generation of FootGolf enthusiasts and champions.”

Mark Woodward, a seasoned FootGolf professional and Team USA athlete, played a hands-on role at the NJYS FootGolf Championships by welcoming players and parents at the first tee. He guided players through how FootGolf works, explained the rules and scoring, and shared helpful tips to get them started.

“I’ve been playing FootGolf for 11 years and have represented Team USA at two World Cups and two Ryder Cups,” said Woodward. “I decided to participate and help with this event because growing the game at the youth level is so important. It’s exciting to be here at the NJYS FootGolf Championships, there’s great energy, and the kids are clearly enthusiastic. I’m looking forward to seeing them out on the course.”

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

NJYS Announces Sator Soccer as Official Goal Provider

New Jersey Youth Soccer is proud to announce its newest official partnership with Sator Soccer (Sator Sports, Inc.), naming their company the Official Goal Provider of New Jersey Youth Soccer.

A trusted leader in the soccer community for nearly three decades, Sator Soccer aims to support and empower teams nationwide in reaching its full potential through its full line of high-quality, competitively-priced AGORA® soccer goals and innovative training equipment. Driven by a strong commitment to growing the game, Sator Soccer consistently champions teamwork, development, and success at every level of play.

“We are excited to welcome Sator Soccer as our Official Goal Provider,” said Evan Dabby, Chief Executive Officer of New Jersey Youth Soccer. “Their long-standing reputation for quality and their dedication to advancing the sport align closely with our values and our mission to serve players, coaches, and clubs across New Jersey.”

Through this partnership, NJYS members will gain exclusive access to special pricing and offers on AGORA® soccer goals, nets, and goal accessories. More details on these member benefits will be announced soon.

“We’re proud to partner with New Jersey Youth Soccer as their Official Goal Provider,” said Mark Rayos, Director of Marketing at Sator Soccer. “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to supporting the growth of the game at the grassroots level. By providing NJYS members with access to our trusted AGORA® goals and training equipment, we’re not just delivering quality gear — we’re investing in the development of players, coaches, and communities across New Jersey.”

This partnership reflects a shared vision between NJ Youth Soccer and Sator Soccer to elevate the soccer experience by providing safe, durable, and affordable equipment for the next generation of athletes.

To learn more about Sator Soccer, visit www.satorsoccer.com.