News

Breeana Cassidy, New Jersey Youth Soccer

New Jersey Youth Soccer is excited to announce the expansion of its Let’s Play! Program, launching at two additional locations this past fall with the Boys and Girls Club of Wayne and the Boys and Girls Club of Pequannock. Both programs offered six weeks of soccer sessions that not only covered the fundamentals of the game but also incorporated social-emotional learning (SEL) skills, health and wellness.

“The Let’s Play! Programs continue to grow and deliver tremendous value to the kids at all locations,” said Breeana Cassidy, NJYS Grant Program Manager. “While soccer is the focus, there are many additional benefits that come with our Let’s Play! Programs.”

The collaboration between the Boys and Girls Club and NJ Youth Soccer’s Let’s Play! Program has grown the excitement of soccer participation at the grassroots level within schools and organizations. The afterschool program helps cultivate a passion for soccer with these young athletes, all while enhancing social and emotional development while creating awareness of health and wellness in everyday life.

“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 and 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.”

The Let’s Play! Program, which piloted in Fall 2023 at Roseville Community Charter School in Newark, has now completed its first season in the second year of the program as well. This afterschool program ran for six weeks and provided up to 30 students with soccer instruction, as well as an emphasis on academic achievement and education. Coach Juan Alvarez led the sessions, where students not only enjoyed soccer but also focused on educational success.

“The collaboration between the NJYS Let’s Play! Program and Roseville Community Charter School has been truly exceptional and incredibly beneficial to our scholars,” said Dr. Dionne Ledford, RCCS Executive Director & Superintendent. “This program has provided students, who might not have had the chance to participate in a team sport like soccer, with that opportunity. We are thankful to NJ Youth Soccer for offering our students the chance to learn the game, while also emphasizing health and wellness. We are excited to continue this partnership!”

The Let’s Play! Program will take place in four locations this spring, including Freehold Intermediate School, Roseville Community Charter School, Boys and Girls Club of Wayne, and Boys and Girls Club of Pequannock. The spring program will run for six weeks in April and May, and it will focus on reducing negative behavior, improving mental health and well-being, and enhancing academic performance, all while fostering excitement around soccer.For more information, contact New Jersey Youth Soccer at breeana@njyouthsoccer.com. Also, don’t forget to follow us on social media: @NJYouthSoccer

Reigning NWSL Champions NJ/NY Gotham FC and Girls Leadership recently hosted a virtual parent workshop, Raising Resilient Athletes, in partnership with New Jersey Youth Soccer (NJYS). This event was made possible by Gotham FC’s Keep Her in the Game Program in partnership with NJYS, South Bronx United, Charter Oak Advisory, Girls Leadership and the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund. This webinar provided a unique opportunity for parents of NJYS players representing clubs from across the state, with over 70 parents in attendance.

The event was led by Girls Leadership Co-Founder and Co-CEO Simone Marean, and featured Gotham FC Goalkeeper and Leadership Group Member Michelle Betos, who has 15 years of professional soccer experience. They focused on the pressures young girls face in sports and how to foster resilience and a growth mindset. Marean led with a discussion of cultural expectations, and how girls often feel the need to embody qualities society deems appropriate for them.

When asked the question, “In your culture, what are the top three ways girls are expected to look and act?” participants voted that the top three answers were kind (65%), polite (48%), and smart (48%). Later in the workshop, Marean had parents answer the same question but in regards to Gotham FC players like Betos: “What are the top three ways Gotham FC players are expected to look and act?” With the same options given earlier, this time, the leading responses were confident (82%), strong (71%), and brave (50%). The striking difference in expectations reveals the incredible opportunity of having Gotham FC in our backyards – it opens up the possibilities of how a girl is supposed to look and act.

Betos emphasized the importance of parental support without harsh expectations through anecdotes about her own upbringing that showed how her parents focused on supporting their child’s passion for the game, rather than their own ambitions. She reminded parents that “kids watch how you support them,” and offered two key pieces of advice for athletes and parents. 

First, Betos stressed that children observe how parents behave and speak, and these interactions shape children’s views. Second, she shared her own experience with early failure in sports (e.g., getting cut from a team in second grade) and highlighted the importance of a growth mindset. At the time, she had an exaggerated reaction, telling her parents she should quit and never play again. But her mom reminded her that you can stop playing, or work harder, and offered the question, “What can you do differently?” Betos chose to listen to this advice, and it set her on a path to embrace failure as a chance to learn and improve, instead of shying away from challenges.

Marean also shared a story about her dad’s support of one of her endeavors – when she started a tap dancing team, and her dad attended her performance. After the show, he stated, “You looked so happy up there. I’ve never seen you look so happy.” She realized that he was celebrating not with the activity or success, but how it brought her joy, a valuable realization that has stuck with her into her own parenthood. Marean highlighted how societal norms often suppress emotional expression, leading to increased anxiety among young girls; finding joy is key. Participation in sports has been linked to lower rates of depression and anxiety, underscoring the importance of physical activity for mental well-being. The event also addressed the barriers girls face in sports, noting that they drop out at twice the rate of boys as teenagers due in part to the expectation of perfection. 

She shared the Courtney Martin quote: “We are the daughters of the feminists who said, ‘You can be anything,’ and we heard, ‘You have to be everything.’” Marean then emphasized how girls have more opportunities than ever, yet they (and their parents) can feel overwhelmed by trying to keep up with everyone around them, and lose sight of playing for the love of the game. To combat this, the Keep Her in the Game Program provides strategies for parents and coaches to support girls in overcoming these challenges. Key strategies include adjusting the focus from perfection to enjoyment in sports, promoting open communication about feedback and feelings, and teaching the importance of being a supportive teammate while navigating conflicts.

The call concluded by encouraging parents to engage in reflective practices around their beliefs regarding sports, support their child’s autonomy, and model healthy communication and conflict resolution. These activities aim to strengthen the relationship between parents and their athletes, fostering an environment where young girls feel empowered and valued.  At the end of the meeting, participants shared their thoughts, with attendee Heather Marzullo writing, “I loved the positivity tonight- joy was at the center of this presentation and how to empower our girls to keep up the joy on and off the pitch. Thank you!”

Through Gotham FC’s Keep Her in the Game, Girls Leadership will offer additional workshops in the future to NJYS members that will continue to advocate for a balanced approach to sports that prioritizes girls’ well-being, autonomy, and emotional health, helping them stay engaged and empowered in athletics. You can learn more about Keep Her in the Game, and sign-up for a mailing list to hear about future opportunities here: gothamfc.com/keepherinthegame

Resources from Girls Leadership:

Opportunity One: Adjust the Pressure

Activity: 

Pause, Self-reflect, or talk with your co-parent: 

– Why do we believe in sports? What makes this something we  value? 

– What is negotiable about sports for us? Where does she have agency? 

– What is non-negotiable? 

Opportunity Two: Support Coach Relationship

Activities: 

Practice hearing feedback and processing mistakes

Practice or role-play advocacy and self-advocacy: What do you need or want to change? 

Opportunity Three: Practice How To Be A Teammate

Activities:

Talk about the middle ground of relationships, classmates, acquaintances, teammates. Share your examples.

Model and talk about productive (in-person) conflict.

Practice your athlete asking specifically for what she needs.

Meredith Waropay, Contributing Writer

Millburn Soccer Club recently hosted a Special Topics Course presented by New Jersey Youth Soccer. The course featured interactive learning activities designed specifically for the needs of the club. It also covered planning, activity design and the structuring of training sessions for player development. A primary goal of the course was to teach about managing interactions as well as encouraging self-regulated learning and parent engagement.

The NJYS Coaching School focuses on continued education through State and US Soccer Coaching Certifications. The program strives to provide the needed training requirements for development as a soccer coach while helping NJYS members grow essential skills related to leadership and coaching.

NJYS Coaching School staff worked in advance with Millburn Soccer Club to plan the coaching education event based upon areas identified for the continued professional development of the organization’s staff. Attendees actively participated during the field session activities that offered opportunities for experiential learning. Lou Mignone, NJYS ODP Youth Coaching Director, led the Special Topics Course at Millburn, guiding attendees through a workshop-style session featuring small group interactions, brainstorming, role playing, large group discussion and instructor field session demonstrations.

“The program was great,” said Jakob Halpern, Co-President of Millburn Soccer Club. “As a club, we were thrilled with the suggestions on how to effectively communicate with players, and you could see Lou making an impression with our trainers. We would love to schedule more of these programs and open them up to a larger audience.”

Raph Viana, Director of Go 2 Soccer, also reflected on some of the areas of focus during the workshop.

“I found the program very worthwhile, mainly the interaction between coaches and parents,” said Viana. “I thought it was great to learn about the importance of keeping parents informed and engaged. I also liked the idea that themed weeks were also helpful in having players achieve specific goals throughout the year.”

NJ Youth Soccer recognizes that coaching development can play a significant role in shaping better environments and experiences for players across our state. Our staff looks forward to future initiatives of this nature to serve the coaching education needs of members.

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 

Zack Dabby, Contributing Writer

The Annual US Soccer Heroes Cup was recently hosted at Red Bull Arena, with New Jersey Youth Soccer fully supporting the event. First Responders, consisting of firefighters, police and EMTs, faced off against civilians from the New Jersey community for the memorial match.

The US Soccer Heroes Cup, which was founded by Alex Lalaoui, is now an annual tradition that honors fallen civilians and the heroes who bravely sacrificed their lives during the attacks of 9/11. Lalaoui is a respected member within the Hudson County area who has deep ties within the soccer community. It is only through his vision and perseverance that the special night happens. The event provided a unique opportunity to celebrate first responders, as they were featured in the pre-game ceremonies and honored on field during halftime of the Red Bulls match before taking the pitch at the end of the night for an exclusive exhibition match.

The Heroes Cup started off as a game between two local departments, Jersey City Fire and Jersey City Police, in 2008 at Giants Stadium when it was home to the New York/New Jersey MetroStars (rebranded to the New York Red Bulls in 2006). The event evolved in 2015, and instead of firefighters vs. police, it turned into first responders against civilians as a means of building a bridge between the two groups. Under this new format, interest grew, and the number of spectators quickly tripled. The goal of this match has always been to build trust and relations between the two groups. Additionally, the Heroes Cup aims to use the game of soccer to connect and inspire positive social change.  

“I have had the pleasure of partaking in the US Soccer Heroes Community Cup on four occasions, and each time, it’s an unforgettable event. Great players and coaches on both sides,” reflected Detective Sergeant Byron Aguayo with the Englewood Police Department.  “Great competition and great memories. Aside from playing, I have had the pleasure of partaking in the opening ceremony with the Englewood Police Department Honor Guard as well and must say that it’s an honor presenting the colors. Great event to be a part of, play on, and live firsthand.”

Throughout all the years of the Heroes Cup, the New York Red Bulls have been one of the match’s biggest supporters, and because of that, the Red Bulls have been a part of every match.

“The US Soccer Heroes Cup is one of the longest running events at Red Bull Arena,” said Ben Norowski, Manager of Group Sales with the New York Red Bulls. “Alex Lalaoui has dedicated significant time and resources into building what it has become today. We’ve been lucky to work with Alex to continue to grow the event, and we’re already looking forward to next season’s edition.”

The participating civilians helped the cause by promoting the game and selling tickets, which contributed to the large crowd that stayed after and supported the players until the end of the night. 

“It was an honor and a privilege to play in the Heroes Cup,” said Joshua Dooner, soccer player and Lieutenant at the NJ Juvenile Justice Commission. “I can’t say thank you enough to all involved. The organization, players, the New York Red Bulls, the staff and volunteers were all amazing, and I look forward to participating again in the future.”

The night of the Heroes Cup started off when the participants got honored at halftime on the field in front of an energetic crowd at Red Bull Arena. With thousands of fans showing their support, the players headed back through the tunnel to the locker rooms to prepare for the upcoming match. The players got the full experience in the locker room under the direction of the respected coaches that created the strategy and line-ups.

The Civilians were led by Richie Williams, a former coach with the New England Revolution, MetroStars and current coaching instructor for NJ Youth Soccer. On the other side, the First Responders were coached by Auke Wiersma, US Soccer and NJ Youth Soccer Coaching Educator, US Soccer A-License coach and Senior Director of the NJ Olympic Development Program. 

“On Saturday 9/7/24, US Soccer Heroes honored and remembered the failed victims of the 9/11 tragedy,” Coach Wiersma stated. “The First responders won the game, 2-1, but more importantly all players left it all out on the field. It exemplifies the determination, dedication and commitment the first responders show every day to make life for everyday citizens possible. It was a true honor to be their coach and to take the trophy home.”

The match started after the Red Bulls finished their game against Sporting Kansas City. The game was a competitive contest from the opening whistle. The First Responders, after constant pressure on their attacking end, knocked in the first goal to take an early lead. Just minutes later, with a long-distance chip, the First Responders got another first half goal for extra security.

This only made the game more competitive, and one chance after another, the Civilians tried to claw their way back into the game. Early in the second half, the Civilians scored to make a game of it. The back and forth continued with many scoring opportunities, but the First Responders were able to hold onto their lead and claim the Trophy for the third year in a row.

“My experience with US Soccer Heroes has been amazing,” said Victor Hurtado of the U.S. Marshals Service. “Getting together with different Law Enforcement Officers and taking the pitch with guys I met 15 or 20 years is a great feeling. Also, playing with civilians that played against me in my college years and be able to see them once again is an awesome feeling. US Soccer Heroes always finds a way to contribute to our communities in a positive way each and every day.”

SoccerCoachTV was onsite to capture all of the on-field and behind the scenes action. Led by Professor Shaun Green, one of the most watched and followed soccer coaches in the world, SoccerCoachTV is a major influencer in the online soccer community and is one of the most watched coaching platforms in the world. Click here to watch the footage.

“This event was only possible with the generous contributions from the many sponsors, donors and volunteers,” Alex Lalaoui said in closing. “It is a night that so many people look forward to all year long, and we look forward to make this celebration even bigger and better in the future to show our appreciation for all of those first responders who put themselves in harm’s way every day to protect all of our communities and families.” 

Moroccan International Airline and Surf Pro were lead sponsors for the US Soccer Heroes Cup. Additionally, there were numerous donors, including Hoboken PBA, Port Authority PBA, North Bergen PBA and Ocean City PBA. To learn more about the US Soccer Heroes Cup and to learn how you can support the event, contact Alex Lalaoui via email at coach.alex@icloud.com.

Zack Dabby, Contributing Writer

Cafu Was Joined by Brazil National Team and Gotham FC Defender Bruninha

World renowned Brazilian soccer star Cafu joined the players from the City of Hoboken’s Recreation Program for a free soccer clinic this past Sunday, where they participated in a series of small-sided games. One of the most legendary players in Brazil National Team history, Cafu is a UEFA Champions League winner, two-time FIFA World Cup champion and was also named the 1994 South American Player of the Year.

“Soccer has given me so much in life, and it is important to me to give back to the game,” said Cafu. “That is why I was so eager to give my time to this clinic and help the young players of tomorrow develop that passion.”

With help from professional trainers representing New Jersey Youth Soccer (NJYS) and the New York Red Bulls, the organized yet free-flowing games resulted in a fun and exciting night for all participants at Sinatra Park. Volunteer coaches from the City of Hoboken also helped lead the small-sided games after completing their NJYS State Certificate training earlier in the evening.

“The coaches from NJYS and the New York Red Bulls added great enthusiasm and experience to help the players get the most out of this outing,” said Evan Dabby, NJYS Executive Director. 

Brazil National Team and Gotham FC defender Bruninha also made an appearance at the event. The two Brazilian stars took the opportunity to sign and swap jerseys before providing autographs and taking photos with the players in attendance.

Hoboken’s recreational players also benefited from a number of giveaways. MLS GO, Major League Soccer’s recreational soccer program, donated jerseys to all participants. Cafu also donated and signed copies of his book written by journalist Mariah Morais, “Cafu Saga,” which tells the story of his determination to become one of the most celebrated players in world soccer history, while the NYNJ 2026 World Cup Host Committee provided participants with a branded drawstring bag.

“This clinic not only inspired our community but also showcased the incredible spirit and talent that Hoboken has to offer,” said Hoboken Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla. “By providing our children with the opportunity to learn from world-class players and experience the joy of soccer firsthand, we are nurturing their passion and encouraging a lifelong love of the game. Thank you to the Recreation Division and all the organizers who made this remarkable clinic possible, which will have a lasting impact on our youth.”

The success of the clinic can also be attributed to the Hoboken Police Department and Hoboken EMT Service for giving their time to ensure the safety of the event.

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