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ODP Tryouts: Registration Now Open

New Jersey Youth Soccer is excited to announce open tryouts for our 2025–2026 Olympic Development Program (NJODP), open to players born between 2009 and 2014. NJODP is a nationally recognized USYS identification program for motivated players seeking to compete at the highest levels of the game. Players selected for the state team will have the opportunity to be considered for US Youth Soccer East Region Teams, with the potential for national and international competition.

Tryout Information

Stage 1 (Open Tryouts):

  • Dates: July 19, 20 and August 2, 3
  • Location: Friendship Field-Bordentown FC (455 Ward Ave, Chesterfield, NJ 08515)

Stage 2 (Invite-Only):

  • Dates: August 16, 17
  • Location: Friendship Field-Bordentown FC (455 Ward Ave, Chesterfield, NJ 08515)

CLICK HERE FOR SCHEDULE INFORMATION

Registration

A one-time $25 registration fee covers participation in all four Stage 1 tryout dates. This fee includes an official ODP tryout t-shirt, and if selected, covers attendance at Stage 2 tryouts.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR ODP TRYOUTS

Selection Process

NJODP will select elite male and female players from each age group to join the final state team that trains and competes throughout the 2025–2026 season.

Evaluation Criteria

Players are evaluated in four key areas:

  • Technical Ability
  • Tactical Awareness
  • Athleticism
  • Character & Attitude

All evaluations are conducted by licensed NJYS ODP coaching staff.

Program Overview

Selected players will participate in:

  • 6 Training Sessions
  • 5 Tournaments
  • 3 Educational Seminars on Mental Toughness, Tactical Awareness and College Recruitment

Each player will receive a comprehensive evaluation at the end of the season.

College Exposure

NJODP provides exposure to college coaches via:

  • Staff and Event Presence
  • Tournament Scouting
  • A Dedicated College Recruitment Webinar for 2009, 2010 and 2011 Age Groups

Club Neutral Program

ODP complements, and does not compete with, club soccer. The schedule is carefully designed to reduce conflicts with club commitments, enhancing your child’s development without disruption.

Pathway to Regional and National Teams

Players begin at the state level and may be selected to attend the East Region ID Camp based on performance throughout the year. Top performers are considered for inter-Regional and National Events.

If you have any questions, please email odp@njyouthsoccer.com.

NJ Youth Soccer Crowns Spring State Cup Champions

New Jersey Youth Soccer brought together the top youth soccer talent in the state for the conclusion of the Spring 2025 State Cup Championships. With teams competing in the 15U-18/19U age brackets, 44 teams battled for the title of “State Champion” across the National Championship Series, Presidents Cup and Challenge Cup competitions. 

Thousands of spectators lined the sidelines at Maria Gatta Park in Oceanport on Saturday and Sunday, with families and friends rallying behind the players. This year’s event marked the largest attendance of spectators for the Spring State Cup in recent memory. In addition, it is estimated that over 1,000 additional viewers tuned in to Hudl TV to support their teams via the Hudl Focus Flex live stream.  

“We are so proud of the effort from every team that competed in the State Cup Finals,” said Bill Smith, President of New Jersey Youth Soccer.  “We are thankful for the support of our members, partners, staff and the State Cups Advisory Board in our mission to deliver a memorable championship experience.”

Notable Achievements 

  • The Football Academy 15U Boys Black team won their third New Jersey Youth Soccer State Cup. The team has also qualified for their second National Championships event this summer.  
  • Ocean Township Soccer United Warriors Red are Presidents Cup Champions after earning their second title. 
  • North Jersey FC participated in State Cup for the first time, earning two Challenge Cup championships.

Celebrating Champions 

Thanks to Wilson Trophy, the Official Trophy Partner of New Jersey Youth Soccer, awards were presented to the champions and finalists to celebrate their achievements in style. Champions had the bonus opportunity to place their club atop of the division’s custom bracket board that detailed their team’s Championship journey in a bracket-style layout.  

“We are thrilled that the Ocean Twp United SA Warriors have won the NJYS Presidents Cup championship for the second time in two years,” said Coach Ron Critelli. “The boys unwavering determination and exceptional skill on the pitch have cemented their status as a force in New Jersey Youth Soccer. Both Coach Darren Spurrier and I could not be more proud of our players’ outstanding performance and commitment to excellence. We look forward to representing New Jersey once again at the upcoming Regionals in June, where the Ocean Twp United SA Warriors will have the opportunity to showcase their talent and tenacity on the national stage and continue the run for a national title.”

Community Support

JAG Physical Therapy was on site all weekend ensuring that players received the best pregame care and during any unfortunate injuries. FIFA Club World Cup’s activation team connected with teams, activated on the ground and brought the global game to the New Jersey Youth Soccer scene. Attendees also had the chance to grab SCORE Sports merchandise to commemorate this unique event. PRIME provided hydration on-site.

Record Breaking Digital Engagement

Digital traffic and engagement reached new heights. Social engagement increased by more than 200% from the Fall State Cup Finals, and the event reached almost 200% more views over the two-day event.

Spring 2025 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: The Football Academy Black 
  • 15U Girls: NJ Nationals Elite 
  • 16U Boys: SC Vistula Garfield
  • 16U Girls: Wall Spirit 
  • 17U Girls: NJ Premier 
  • 18/19U Boys: Players Development Academy 
  • 18/19U Girls: Morris United Soccer Club STA 

Presidents Cup Champions 

  • 15U Boys: East Greenwich Kingsway Premier 
  • 15U Girls: NJ Nationals Legacy Black
  • 16U Boys: Monmouth United SC Premier 
  • 16U Girls: FC Berna Legacy Gold 
  • 17U Boys: Ocean Township United Soccer Warriors Red 
  • 17U Girls: Torpedoes SC Red 
  • 18/19U Boys: NJ Stallions Sevilla
  • 18/19U Girls: RUSA Blue

Challenge Cup Champions 

  • 15U Boys: North Plainfield Soccer Elite City 
  • 15U Girls: SC Vistula Garfield Cash Red 
  • 16U Boys: Medford SC Lightning 
  • 16U Girls: Wall SC Pride 
  • 17U Boys: North Jersey FC
  • 17U Girls: Ocean Township United Soccer Revolution 
  • 18/19U Boys: North Jersey FC 

Looking Ahead 

Winners of the National Championship Series and Presidents Cup competitions (12U and above) are afforded the opportunity to compete at the regional level of their respective tournaments. Both the US Youth Soccer (USYS) Eastern Regionals and USYS Eastern Presidents Cup will be held in June 2025. Regional winners could advance to the national events in July 2025. 

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 Hudl Focus Flex cameras is also a valuable tool for post-game referee growth and education. 

About the 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 

NJ Youth Soccer Debuts Inaugural Leagues Cup

New Jersey Youth Soccer recently hosted its inaugural Leagues Cup in Marlboro and Toms River, with the event showcasing champions of the various NJYS community-based leagues such as MOSA, Morris County Youth Soccer Association (MCYSA) and Mid-New Jersey Youth Soccer Association (MNJYSA). Both boys and girls teams in the 11U and 12U age groups came together, continuing NJ Youth Soccer’s commitment to providing meaningful competitive experiences for players across the state.

“The inaugural Leagues Cup was a special day for NJ Youth Soccer. Seeing teams from across New Jersey come together to compete, connect and represent their leagues made it clear how strong and united our soccer community truly is,” said Bill Smith, NJYS President. “This event was about more than just trophies. It was about celebrating the players, coaches, clubs, leagues and families who make youth soccer thrive throughout our state.”

The Journey to the Leagues Cup Championships

Each team earned its spot in NJYS Leagues Cup via a successful journey through its league season or league tournament. Champions or qualifiers from these events were then invited to participate in the NJYS Leagues Cup, which featured a one-day showcase of games. Matches were generously hosted by Marlboro Soccer Association and Toms River FC.

NJ Youth Soccer and its member league are proud to recognize and congratulate the 2025 Leagues Cup Champions and Finalists:

  • 11U Boys Champion: Hazlet United SA Lightning (MOSA)
  • 11U Boys Finalist: Plainfield SC Kid Stars Red (MNJYSA)
  • 11U Girls Champion: Wall SC Southampton (MOSA)
  • 11U Girls Finalist: Berkley Heights SC Chaos (MNJYSA)
  • 12U Boys Champion: Complete Athletic Training (MNJYSA)
  • 12U Boys Finalist: Berkley SA Blast (MOSA)
  • 12U Girls Champion: Berkley Heights SC Galaxy (MCYSA)
  • 12U Girls Finalist: Hanover SC Honey Badgers (MNJYSA)

“I was happy to attend the Inaugural Leagues Cup tournament last weekend at both sites,” said Tom Finn, MNJYSA President. “The teams I watched were evenly matched, and families expressed appreciation of the format and opportunity to compete in this inaugural competition.”  

Looking Ahead

MOSA, MCYSA and MNJYSA, in partnership with NJ Youth Soccer, now turn their attention to planning the 2nd Annual Leagues Cup event in 2026, which will also welcome Northern Counties Soccer Association (NCSA) into the expanded field of competition. 

New Jersey ODP Competes in ENY ODP SubRegional Tournament

New Jersey ODP recently took part in the Eastern New York SubRegional Tournament in Albany, New York. This annual event brought together a range of talented youth athletes, with boys and girls teams from the 2008 to 2013 birth years competing in a weekend filled with high-level soccer. Several ODP State Associations were represented at the event, including Eastern New York, New York West, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and New Jersey.

“We wanted to put together another tournament to prepare for the ID tournament and give our kids and our neighbor’s kids a second chance to be identified. We have been lucky enough to have states like NJ, Mass, CT, NH, NYW and ME to support us,” said Jim Volpe, Eastern New York ODP Director. “We made it as affordable as possible. We just wanted to give the kids one more opportunity. The moral to the story is we can do anything if we all work together. It has been my privilege and pleasure to work with all of you on this event.”

The Eastern New York SubRegional offered valuable match experience, allowing players to showcase their abilities in a competitive environment and further their development in preparation for future ODP events.

“Having competition at the ODP level allows the NJ ODP players to learn and develop individually in a good team setting,” added Auke Wiersma, NJYS ODP Training Director. “To have the opportunity to play with and against players at those excellent levels surely makes the players better. They can bring the experiences back to their clubs, making ODP an invaluable part of their and others’ soccer and life development.”

New Jersey Youth Soccer and New Jersey ODP would like to extend their gratitude to Eastern New York ODP for their hospitality and for organizing such a well-run tournament. We also want to thank the dedicated players, families and coaches who made the trip to Albany and made it such a rewarding weekend.

Capacity Crowd Attends the 2025 NJYS Awards Dinner Presented by RWJBarnabas Health

Photos: Cos Lymperopoulos

A Night to Remember

New Jersey Youth Soccer recently hosted its 2025 NJYS Awards Dinner Presented by RWJBarnabas Health, where players, coaches and members of the soccer community attended the annual celebration at the Pines Manor in Edison, New Jersey. This year’s event saw a record-setting audience of more than 1,000 attendees.

“As NJ Youth Soccer offers a full line-up of competitive, recreation and inclusive programs for kids of all ages and levels, RWJBarnabas Health is delighted to serve as a longstanding partner,” said Justin Edelman, Senior Vice President, Corporate Partnerships, RWJBarnabas Health. “The Awards Dinner continues to be a highlight of the soccer calendar, and it is inspiring to see NJYS recognize so many individuals who make a meaningful impact in communities across the state.”

Along with hundreds of players, parents, award recipients and scholarship winners, a number of VIPs and special guests were also in attendance to celebrate the evening. Jess Yeager (President of NJ Youth Soccer), Skip Gilbert (CEO of US Youth Soccer) and Alecko Eskandarian (MLS Vice President, Player Relations and Player Development) delivered the opening remarks. Other distinguished guests in attendance included Tab Ramos, National Soccer Hall of Fame and NJYS Hall of Fame Member; Dr. Jason Krystofiak, RWJBarnabas Health Medical Director for Sports Medicine and Rutgers Athletics Team Physician; John Gallucci, CEO of JAG Physical Therapy; Dave Jervis, Senior Director of Youth Programs & Academy Business Operations for the New York Red Bulls; Nan Vogel, former Senior Vice President of Partnerships, Game Day Experience & Community/Social Impact for Gotham FC; Tony Meola, National Soccer Hall of Fame and NJYS Hall of Fame Member; as well as John Harkes, National Soccer Hall of Fame and NJYS Hall of Fame Member.

“This is where we all started, at events like this,” said Meola. “We have always had an affinity for New Jersey and the players who come out of here for obvious reasons. Truth be told, we have developed so many great players over the years, whether it has been college players, youth national team players, full national team players. There is something about the love of the game in this state that other states could only wish that they had.”

Jenna Lemoncelli, the event emcee, also helped to give the crowd an unforgettable evening. A sports and entertainment reporter at the New York Post, Lemoncelli also works as an in-game host for local professional sports teams including the New York Red Bulls, New Jersey Devils and previously the New York Sirens.

NJYS Hall of Fame Honors and Award Winner Tributes

To cap off the evening, Steve Shilling was inducted to the NJYS Hall of Fame. He was joined on stage by close friends, colleagues and fellow NJYS Hall of Fame inductees including Tab Ramos, John Harkes, Tony Meola, Glenn Crooks, Barry Towbin and Kevin Dearman. A special video tribute was created and shared with the crowd as well.

The award winners were also honored with video tributes from notable figures in the soccer community, such as John Harkes; Lauren LaRusso, Co-Chair of the NY/NJ World Cup Host Committee; Sasha Kliesjtan and Bradley Wright Phillips of the whip-around show, MLS 360; Eric LeGrand, New Jersey Hall of Fame member and recipient of many accolades such as The Jimmy V Award; Ash Hammond, CEO of the International Federation for Cerebral Palsy Football and Director of Training for Cerebral Palsy Soccer; Cindy Cone, FIFA World Cup champion and US Soccer President; and Kari Seitz, Vice President of Refereeing at US Soccer.

NJ Youth Soccer also revealed its Goal of the Year Powered by the New York Red Bulls and Save of the Year Powered by Gotham FC. Each of the winners will be invited to a home match at Sports Illustrated Stadium this season where their goal and save videos will be displayed on the arena video board. 

“I started being involved in this event 10 years ago, 300 people, a really great event. But here we are now with a capacity crowd of a thousand-plus, and we have to thank RWJBarnabas Health for playing a key role in this event’s growth,” said Evan Dabby, CEO of NJ Youth Soccer. “They got involved several years ago and really helped support us at all levels. This night is just a unique youth experience, and it would not be possible without our partners.”

A Celebration of Champions

Throughout the evening, more than 20 NJYS State Cups Champions, including US Youth Soccer Regional and National Champions, were honored. The Football Academy Black 13U Boys was recognized for their many remarkable achievements. They have won four consecutive State Cup Championships, and they are two-time USYS Eastern Regional Champions who became first-time National Champions last year. Cedar Stars Academy North 19U Boys was also noted for their claim for the oldest trophy in all of youth sports, The McGuire Cup. Each team was recognized with a team parade and photos on stage in front of the crowd, as well as being featured in their own personal Red Carpet Interview.

“Tonight is my first time coming to this event, I am blown away,” said Nan Vogel of Gotham FC on an in-house recording of Greetings From The Garden State Podcast. “The level of energy, how excited the kids are, all the different costumes and outfits and sunglasses, it’s so great to see how much fun they’re having and that they’re all celebrating each other.”

The podcast where Vogel was featured, Greetings From The Garden State, is led by host Mike Ham and was recording throughout the event. The show gave the award-winning players and legendary figures in attendance an opportunity to speak on the evolution of youth soccer in New Jersey.

Red Carpet Interviews

Renee Washington, Sidra Khan, Matthew Olaya and Sydney Rettino led the interview festivities on the Red Carpet during the NJYS Awards Dinner Presented by RWJBarnabas Health. Washington is a former New Jersey ODP player, three-time All American and Soccer Hall of Famer at LaSalle University, and currently co-host of FOS Today, the daily studio flagship show at Front Office Sports in New York. Sidra Khan is a social media and digital content creator for the NBA as well as a Rutgers University graduate student. Matthew Olaya and Sydney Rettino are student journalists from Youth Media Forward, an initiative of the Centre for Sport and Human Rights that works with teenage journalists from FIFA World Cup 2026 host cities, including New York/New Jersey. 

Exclusive ODP Meet-And-Greet

The New Jersey Olympic Development Program (ODP) was represented by USYS ODP Interregional players in attendance. These players and parents were treated to a special Meet and Greet with former New Jersey ODP and U.S. Men’s National Team player Alecko Eskandarian, who highlighted meaningful takeaways with respect to his development as a player from youth to professional levels. Eskandarian further emphasized the importance of taking accountability and responsibility for one’s own development and performance as players strive toward reaching their full potential. Following an official announcement being released earlier in the week, there was also a special opportunity to celebrate and recognize Madelyn Conklin and Stevie Ornsby on their selections to the USYS ODP National Team.

Social Media Giveaways and Partner Activation

Players also had the opportunity to win giveaways from many NJYS partners and donors as part of a social media campaign during the event. Attendees posted their best photos and videos from the night on social media for a chance to go home with a free gift from RWJBarnabas Health, New York Red Bulls, JAG Physical Therapy, SCORE, Gotham FC, Crystal Springs Resort, Major League Soccer and US Soccer.

A Team Effort Behind the Scenes

The 2025 NJYS Awards Dinner presented by RWJBarnabas Health was made possible due to the tremendous hard work and enthusiasm from a team of more than 30 NJYS staff, volunteers and student mentors. Their collective effort created an unforgettable night for all attendees.

To find out more 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 Expands Let’s Play! Program to New Locations

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

New Jersey ODP Hosts 2024 NJYS Friendlies

New Jersey Olympic Development Program (ODP) recently hosted its 2024 NJYS Friendlies Tournament, providing a platform for New Jersey ODP players to compete against Eastern New York ODP teams and top club teams from New Jersey and New York.

The tournament featured multiple games throughout the day, offering competitive matchups for boys’ and girls’ divisions in age groups ranging from 2008 to 2013. Matches were held at premier locations across New Jersey, including Jackson and Oceanport.

“The NJYS Friendlies allowed coaches to observe players in a game setting for the first time this season,” said Homere Breton, NJYS ODP Team Management and Young Olympians Coaching Director. “From the touch, we noted a wonderful display of players becoming acclimated with each other, while they tweaked their individual strengths and weaknesses.”

The NJYS Friendlies aim to prepare NJODP teams for the winter season, where they will participate in high-level tournaments across Maryland, Eastern Pennsylvania, Virginia and North Carolina.

“Our coaches were able to use inclusive language, give constructive feedback and provide encouragement to create a supportive environment,” said Alex Lalaoui, NJYS ODP Coaching Director.

New Jersey Youth Soccer and New Jersey ODP would like to express their gratitude towards Eastern New York Youth Soccer for taking part in these NJYS Friendlies. We also want to thank all the families and players who came out to support this event.

“We now have a very promising foundation from which we can work,” concluded Breton. “The talent is there and those who are willing to commit to the program will have the opportunity to be identified for East Region selection.”

The Olympic Development Program is an identification system linked to the United States Soccer Federation and US Youth Soccer. The program offers its players a pathway that could lead to representation of the Regional and U.S. Youth National Teams. Originally established in 1977, ODP was the first program in the country designed to identify potential youth national team players. ODP players begin initially in the local sector before progressing to the state, regional and possibly national levels. By playing with like-talented athletes, ODP offers the opportunity for players to advance in their personal development and to be scouted by college coaches.

For more information about New Jersey ODP, please email odp@njyouthsoccer.com. Also, make sure to visit the program online and like the official New Jersey ODP Facebook Page.

NJ Youth Soccer to Host U.S. Soccer National B Course

New Jersey Youth Soccer is excited to announce that it will host a U.S. Soccer National “B” License Course for the first time, starting in July 2025.

Registration for the U.S. Soccer National “B” Course will open in January and run from July 8th through December 21st, 2025.  The in-person portion is planned for Monmouth County, and additional details will be announced along with the course registration once it opens in January 2025.

“This initiative continues our effort to offer courses to our membership whose goals are in line with our focus on creating better, safer, player-centered training and competitive environments that will develop the player on and off the field,” said Rick Meana, NJYS Director of Coaching.

NJ Youth Soccer is focused on the process of continued learning through State and US Soccer Coaching Certification. Our state association is committed to providing all coaches, from beginner to advanced, with education tailored to their experiences and the needs of the players we serve. The Coaching License Pathway consists of a series of courses designed to meet the specific needs of a coach at every step of the way. NJ Youth Soccer believes education is a journey, and our goal is to provide the necessary tools, guidance and mentorship a coach requires. 

If you would like more information on eligibility and admission criteria for the U.S. Soccer National “B” Course, please contact communications@njyouthsoccer.com.

Fall 2024 State Cup Championships: Preview, Players to Watch, and Matchups

The 2024 NJ Youth Soccer State Cup Championships are set to kick off this weekend in Oceanport, New Jersey. This event will feature the best youth soccer teams from across the state, competing in various divisions from the 11U to 14U age groups. With more than 600 teams starting the journey, only 48 remain in the running for a championship title. These teams will battle it out in the National Championship Series, Presidents Cup, and Challenge Cup at Maria Gatta Community Park.

The Journey to the State Cup Championships

The Fall 2024 State Cup started in early September with action-packed matchups. More than 550 games have been played across the tournament, with over 2,200 goals scored. The majority of divisions required a four-game path to reach the finals, making each team’s progression well-earned.

What’s at Stake?

Teams competing in the National Championship Series and Presidents Cup have more than just state titles at stake. Winners will move on to their respective Regional Championships in June 2025, and then have the opportunity to vie for a National Champion title in July 2025.

Referees and Mentorship Program

The top youth soccer referees from the Garden State will officiate the Championship matches. These officials have been handpicked by the NJ State Referee Committee and will receive mentorship and guidance from US Soccer Referee Mentors. This event serves not only as a competition for the players, but also as an identification and educational opportunity for referees.

Players to Watch at the Fall 2024 NJYS State Cup Championships

Keep an eye on these standout players this weekend. They have emerged as key contributors to their teams’ success and top goal scorers across the tournament:

  • Angel Soto Jr. (Pasco SC, 14U Boys Presidents Cup)
  • Bilal Williams (Morris United SC, 11U Boys National Championship Series)
  • Dominick Knevals (Madison SC, 14U Boys Challenge Cup)
  • Jack Merrill (Monmouth United SC, 11U Boys Presidents Cup)
  • Lorenzo Guevara Diaz Hermosillo (The Football Academy, 12U Boys National Championship Series)
  • Mason Cominski (The Football Academy, 14U Boys National Championship Series)
  • Maxwell Demant (Princeton FC, 12U Boys Challenge Cup)
  • Montarius Johnson (Next Level SA, 12U Boys Challenge Cup)
  • Preston Silva (Steel United NJ, 13U Boys Challenge Cup)
  • Samuel Quiroz:Ruiz (Harrison FC, 11U Boys Presidents Cup)
  • Yariel Espinoza (RCD Espanyol de Barcelona, 12U Boys Presidents Cup)
  • Ashley Perron (FC Copa Academy, 12U Girls Challenge Cup)
  • Grace McCandless (Bridgewater SA, 12U Girls Presidents Cup)
  • Isabel George (Real FA, 11U Girls Presidents Cup)
  • Julianna Batista (Middletown SC, 12U Girls Presidents Cup)
  • Katelyn Carben (Jackson SC, 13U Girls Challenge Cup)
  • Nara Calloway (Scotch Plains Fanwood SA, 11U Girls Presidents Cup)
  • Noemi Gately (Cedar Stars Academy Monmouth , 11U Girls National Championship Series)
  • Olivia Venezia (Torpedoes SC, 12U Girls National Championship Series)
  • Samantha Sole (Match Fit Academy, 11U Girls National Championship Series)

Championship Matchups

Here’s a look at the teams competing for the State Cup Championships across the three competitions:

National Championship Series Finalists

  • 11U BOYS: Morris United STA vs. FUTBOLTECH Man City
  • 11U GIRLS: Match Fit Academy Morris Blue vs. Cedar Stars Monmouth
  • 12U BOYS: The Football Academy Black vs. Monmouth United SC Premier
  • 12U GIRLS: Torpedoes Red vs. SJEB FC
  • 13U BOYS: The Football Academy Black vs. Rahway Youth Soccer Madrid
  • 13U GIRLS: The Football Academy Black vs. Wall SC Porto
  • 14U BOYS: The Football Academy Black vs. SJEB FC
  • 14U GIRLS: Match Fit Academy Essex vs. NJ Premier FC

Presidents Cup Finalists

  • 11U BOYS: Harrison FC Deportivo vs. Monmouth United SC Premier 2
  • 11U GIRLS: Scotch Plains Fanwood EP3 Blue vs. Real Futbol Academy
  • 12U BOYS: Berkeley Heights YSC Rovers Blue vs. RCD Espanyol de Barcelona GROC
  • 12U GIRLS: Middletown Spirit Red vs Match Fit Academy Essex/Bridgewater SA
  • 13U BOYS: RCD Espanyol de Barcelona Blanc Zamora vs. Scotch Plains Fanwood EP3 Blue
  • 13U GIRLS: The Football Academy Gold vs. Real Futbol Academy Pre GA
  • 14U BOYS: Pasco SC Atletico vs. Swedesboro Woolwich SA Kingsway Premier Black Mambas
  • 14U GIRLS: Westfield SA UCFC Lille vs. Old Bride SC Thunder

Challenge Cup Finalists

  • 11U BOYS: Florham Park Force vs. JAE Academy
  • 11U GIRLS: Bridgewater SA Gotham vs. SJEB FC Colonial
  • 12U BOYS: Next Level SA Premier vs. Princeton FC Everton Black
  • 12U GIRLS: Madison United vs. FC Copa Academy Red West
  • 13U BOYS: Steel United NJ Elite vs. East Windsor PAL Jaguars
  • 13U GIRLS: Steel United NJ Elite vs. Jackson SC Blaze
  • 14U BOYS: Madison Dynamo vs. FUTBOLTECH Chelsea
  • 14U GIRLS: Americans SC vs. Wall SC Marseille

Where and When to Watch the 2024 NJYS State Cup Championships

NJ Youth Soccer would like to extend a big thank you to the Borough of Oceanport for hosting the final round of the Fall 2024 State Cups at Maria Gatta Community Park. Come out this weekend to support these talented young athletes as they compete for State Champion titles.

To view the full schedule, click here. Can’t attend in-person? Watch the Championships live via Hudl TV. Support the next generation of soccer stars as they leave it all on the field this weekend. Follow the journey to the finals and beyond as these teams aim for state, regional and national glory!

New Jersey ODP Launches 2024-25 Season with Intro Night Webinar

The New Jersey Olympic Development Program (ODP) recently kicked off its 2024/2025 season with an Intro Night Webinar hosted by James Galanis, NJYS Director of Technical Operations. The webinar highlighted key topics including program achievements, challenges, updates for the season, the benefits of New Jersey ODP and an overview of the training curriculum. Additionally, an exciting new partnership with World Strides Tour Company was announced.

Throughout the year, New Jersey ODP will participate in training sessions and tournaments against State ODP Programs from regions such as Eastern Pennsylvania, Eastern New York, Maryland, North Carolina and Virginia. They will also compete with all 15 state associations in the East Region ODP Tournament.

Galanis outlined this year’s training topics, which includes possession, defending, attacking, defensive and attacking transitions, and set plays, all delivered by skilled coaches who cultivate a competitive learning environment.

Another notable announcement was the new partnership with World Strides Tour Company that will provide New Jersey ODP players with a unique nine-to-ten-day international experience, featuring three to four games, professional team visits, stadium tours and cultural excursions. This season’s international destinations include Scotland, England, Spain and Italy.

On behalf of NJ Youth Soccer and New Jersey ODP, we would like to extend our gratitude to the players and families who joined us for the 2024/2025 ODP Intro Night Webinar.

The Olympic Development Program is an identification system linked to the United States Soccer Federation and US Youth Soccer. The program offers its players a pathway that could lead to representing Regional and U.S. Youth National Teams. Originally established in 1977, ODP was the first program in the country designed to identify potential youth national team players. ODP players begin initially at the local sector before progressing to the state, regional and possibly national levels. By playing with like-talented athletes, ODP offers the opportunity for players to advance in their personal development and to be scouted by college coaches.

For more information about the New Jersey ODP, please email odp@njyouthsoccer.com. Also, make sure to like the official New Jersey ODP Facebook Page.