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US Soccer Heroes Cup Unites First Responders And Civilians in Memorial Match

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.

Soccer Legend Cafu Brings Brazilian Flair to Hoboken Recreation Clinic

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 

NJYS And Centre for Sport & Human Rights Provide Unique Experience at Copa America

Soccer is a game that brings people from all over the world together. This was on display during the pre-game activities before the Copa América first round-match between Uruguay and Bolivia at MetLife Stadium.

20 coaches, players, and parents from New Jersey Youth Soccer (NJYS) were led by Cassidy Gabriel, Eastern USA Senior Project Lead from the Centre for Sport & Human Rights (CSHR), through a “walkshop” around the stadium to experience the event and share feedback about what they saw and experienced. A walkshop is a moving conversation about how people – in this case, young people in particular – are experiencing a place at a particular moment in time. This experience was developed in partnership between CSHR and Maximum City as part of the Generation 2026 initiative, and larger efforts to center youth participation and experiences in the context of mega-sporting events, with a focus on the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup and its host venues. During the experience, Ms. Gabriel and the team collected feedback specifically from the teenagers’ point of view on what they experienced before the game. This feedback will be used to develop ideas and opportunities for programming during the World Cup in 2026.

The sea of fans in attendance for the match represented their countries with pride. From a Uruguayan fan with blue and white painted all over, to a Bolivian fan with a vibrantly decorated mask, to multiple fans sporting jerseys from their own teams in the Copa América tournament – everywhere one looked around the pre-game activities, there was something on display. Despite the differences in the teams that the fans supported, a festive environment resonated throughout as many came together to celebrate their countries by eating and singing in preparation to watch the great game of soccer.

“The atmosphere surrounding the game was alive and contagious as soon as you stepped out of the car into the parking lot,” said siblings Alexandra and Justin Farina and Vito Iacoviello, who participated in the experience. “There were so many people tailgating on the outskirts with their team tents, and as you moved closer to the event, the fans got even denser.”

Ms. Gabriel asked questions and collected feedback from the group throughout the pre-game walkshop. Following the walkshop, thanks to the support of the FIFA World Cup 26 New York New Jersey Host Committee, who provided tickets to the match, the group went into the stadium and sat together to watch an exciting match that saw Uruguay win 5-0.

NJ Youth Soccer would like to thank the Centre for Sport & Human Rights for this opportunity, and we look forward to working with them again soon.

NJ Youth Soccer Supports All Kids One Field Community Night

New Jersey Youth Soccer proudly supported All Kids One Field’s Annual Community Night once again this year, which was attended by a very special guest in National Soccer Hall of Famer Tab Ramos. At the event, All Kids One Field Community Night brought together more than 850 participants from Freehold for a free evening of fun soccer and community bonding.

“With the help of so many fantastic organizations and community leaders, Soccer Community Night 2024 was a great success,” said Chris Naspo, Founder & President of All Kids One Field. “If we do soccer the right way, the game gives us much more than we give it. We almost never remember the score of a game, but we always remember the friends who played at our side, no matter who that person is or where they came from.”

Soccer Community Night is All Kids One Field’s premier event. The organization uses this event as a powerful opportunity to bring kids and families from all communities together to create meaningful friendships, celebrate the game and most importantly have fun. They have enjoyed great success since they first began hosting this event nearly six years ago, and many new friendships have been made on the fields during Soccer Community Night. 

“It was my honor to support Soccer Night, All Kids One Field and the amazing young players and families in Freehold,” said Tab Ramos of the event. “I am passionate about accessibility to soccer, as well as growing participation, and this event exemplified those values.”

All Kids One Field’s mission and goal is to bridge diverse community groups by promoting participation in community sports, local sporting events, wellness activities and art. As its Founder & President, Chris Naspo leads the foundation each year in making this event possible. With months of organization and preparation and with the support of many volunteers, Soccer Community Night always exceeds expectations.

“Soccer Night and the efforts of All Kids One Field align perfectly with the NJ Youth Soccer vision as we work to unite, grow and inspire a lifelong passion for our sport,” said Evan Dabby, NJYS Executive Director. “The Freehold Borough community is fortunate to have leaders like Chris and the countless volunteers that make this event a highlight of the year.”

In addition to Tab Ramos, Soccer Community Night also featured attendees such as the New York Red Bulls Freestyle Team, Freehold Township Girls Soccer, New Jersey State Police, New Jersey Latino Trooper Society, Freehold Borough Police, Freehold Township Police and the Freehold Fire Department.

“The New Jersey Latino Trooper Society (NJLATS) is deeply committed to fostering community relations and giving back to the citizens of New Jersey,” said Sgt. Kimberly Karpinski. “Many of our members, having grown up playing organized sports like soccer, recognize the value of these activities in teaching essential life skills such as teamwork and physical discipline. By engaging in events like Soccer Community Night, NJLATS members have the chance to show a different side of law enforcement. These events help break down barriers and allow the youth and others to see us as regular people, promoting a trusting and friendly relationship with law enforcement.”

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 

Cedar Stars North Wins USYS 19U Boys National Championship

Cedar Stars North Wins USYS 19U Boys National Championship

The Cedar Stars North 19U Boys came all the way back from a late 2-0 deficit to overtake Libertyville FC 1974 Elite of Illinois in the US Youth Soccer National Championship Final on Sunday, enabling the New Jersey team to complete a perfect postseason run as USYS 19U Boys National Champions. Cedar Stars North joins The Football Academy Black 13U Boys as New Jersey representatives who earned a USYS National Championship following the conclusion of the national tournament, which was hosted at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida.

Cedar Stars North has repeatedly proven throughout the postseason that they are never out of a match, despite what the scoreline may say, and Sunday was no different. Down 2-0 in the 72nd minute, Cedar Stars North broke through following a well-struck volley that was sent forward from Kwaku Agyabeng at the midfield, finding the feet of Cristian Oliveira. After settling the ball, Oliveira touched into the middle of the box before changing direction and slotting his shot inside the near post, just as the Libertyville FC goalkeeper began to lean in the opposite direction.

The game-tying goal came 10 minutes later on a free kick that was placed just outside the top of the 18. Stepping over the ball was Agyabeng, who hit a perfectly struck ball that sailed over the Libertyville FC wall and curled into the upper left 90 of the netting. The golazo equalized for Cedar Stars North, 2-2, and set up the match for a dramatic finish.

The game reached that ultimate peak in stoppage time, as Harrison Garcia sent a left-footed ball towards the frame as he was losing his balance. The strike somehow found a lane through the opposing defense and bounced its way into the back of the net, sending the Cedar Stars North players and sideline into an uproar. After locking in defensively and preserving the 3-2 result through the remaining minutes of stoppage time, the Cedar Stars North 19U Boys were officially USYS National Champions. The win brings the James P. McGuire Cup home to New Jersey, which is the oldest trophy in youth sports.

The postseason journey for Cedar Stars North began with a NJYS State Cup Championship this past spring before they won six consecutive matches to claim the USYS Eastern Regional Championship for their age group. Over the course of the Eastern Regional Championships and National Championships, Cedar Stars North went undefeated and won 11 straight games. The victory on Sunday completed a perfect postseason campaign for the New Jersey side.

Also competing for a USYS National Championship on Sunday was The Football Academy Black 14U Boys, who battled Ponys FC 2010 of Illinois for the ultimate crown in their age group. The Football Academy Black put forth an incredible performance and fought all the way until the final whistle, but their national championship pursuit came up just short when the game concluded in favor of Ponys FC, 3-2.

The Football Academy Black 14U Boys arrived at the tournament final after going to penalty kicks against Yardley Makefield Soccer 2010 Boys Premier United in the semifinals. That game eventually concluded with The Football Academy Black outscoring Yardley Makefield in extended kicks, 9-8. Prior to the semifinals, the New Jersey representative went unbeaten in group play, earning seven points on a cumulative 2-0-1 record to claim the top spot in their bracket.

The USYS National Championships Presented by New York Life are the final stage of the USYS National Championships, which begin at the state level before progressing to the regional and then national stages. The event is a culmination of a year-long series of competitions, providing approximately 185,000 players on 10,000 teams from US Youth Soccer’s 54 State Associations with the opportunity to showcase their soccer skills against the best competition in the nation.

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 

Two More New Jersey Teams Advance to USYS National Championship Finals

Less than a day after The Football Academy Black 13U Boys won the US Youth Soccer National Championship for their age group, two additional New Jersey Youth Soccer teams have advanced to the finals at the national tournament. The Football Academy Black 14U Boys and Cedar Stars North 19U Boys were both victorious in semifinal matches on Saturday to book one more reservation at the USYS National Championships, which are being hosted at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida.

The Football Academy Black 14U Boys resumed tournament action on Saturday morning against Yardley Makefield Soccer 2010 Boys Premier United, battling the Pennsylvania East team in a highly competitive contest that ended at 1-1 following regulation. The two teams then progressed to a penalty kick shootout that eventually concluded when The Football Academy Black had outscored Yardley Makefield in extended kicks, 9-8. Prior to the semifinals, the New Jersey representative went unbeaten in group play, earning seven points on a cumulative 2-0-1 record to claim the top spot in their bracket.

Next up for The Football Academy Black is a 10:00 AM pairing with Ponys FC 2010 of Illinois to determine the USYS 14U Boys National Champions.

Also moving onto the USYS National Championship Finals is the Cedar Stars North 19U Boys, who continued their incredible postseason winning streak by defeating Indiana Fire 2005B NL in a thrilling semifinal match-up that eventually resulted in a 5-4 final score. Prior to the semifinals, Cedar Stars North opened up the national tournament by going undefeated in group play, pairing nine points and a 3-0 record with a 7-1 goal differential. The journey for Cedar Stars North began with a NJYS State Cup Championship this past spring before they won six consecutive matches to claim the USYS Eastern Regional Championship for their age group. Over the course of the Eastern Regional Championships and National Championships, Cedar Stars North has gone undefeated and won 10 straight games.

Cedar Stars North will now look to complete a perfect regional and national run when they play Libertyville FC 1974 Elite of Illinois for the 19U Boys National Championship on Sunday morning at 7:30 AM. That match will be televised to a national audience via a live broadcast on ESPNU.

The USYS National Championships Presented by New York Life are the final stage of the USYS National Championships, which begin at the state level before progressing to the regional and then national stages. The event is a culmination of a year-long series of competitions, providing approximately 185,000 players on 10,000 teams from US Youth Soccer’s 54 State Associations with the opportunity to showcase their soccer skills against the best competition in the nation.

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 

The Football Academy Black Wins USYS 13U Boys National Championship

The Football Academy Black 13U Boys scored three goals in the first half of the US Youth Soccer National Championship on Friday night, and the Florham Park-based team remained defensively compact throughout the second half to secure a 3-0 result that earned them the title of national champions. The win came over BLFC Premiership 11 of Illinois at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, with the match being televised live to a national audience on ESPNU.

The first goal for The Football Academy Black came in the 18th minute, as Joel Ahn chipped an incredible left-footed volley from outside the 18. His strike sailed over the head of the BLFC goalkeeper and into the back of the net, giving his team the go-ahead notch. The second tally came just five minutes later after Mason Cominski intercepted a BLFC back pass and raced into the left side of the box on a breakaway. He then touched around the goalkeeper before slotting in a perfectly weighted ball to make it 2-0. In the 34th minute, The Football Academy Black scored on a corner kick when Alejandro Berrio stayed home just off the far post after the delivery, where he one-timed a ball that was tapped to him through a pair of BLFC defenders.

Not only did the win enable The Football Academy Black to lift the USYS 13U Boys National Championship Trophy on Friday night, but it also avenged a tight 3-2 loss to BLFC Premiership 11 earlier this week in group play.

The Football Academy Black 13U Boys advanced to the USYS National Championship Final after earning the top seed from their bracket in the opening round. The New Jersey side concluded group play with six points on a 2-1-0 record before facing BLFC Premiership 11 (IL) in the 13U Boys National Championship. The journey to Friday night started for The Football Academy Black 13U Boys in the fall of 2023 when they lifted the NJYS State Cup for their age group. The next stop on their itinerary was at the USYS Eastern Regional Championships in West Virginia, where they won six consecutive matches en route to claiming the regional championship earlier this month.

The USYS National Championships Presented by New York Life are the final stage of the USYS National Championships, which begin at the state level before progressing to the regional and then national stages. The event is a culmination of a year-long series of competitions, providing approximately 185,000 players on 10,000 teams from US Youth Soccer’s 54 State Associations with the opportunity to showcase their soccer skills against the best competition in the nation.

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 

Three New Jersey Teams Advance at USYS National Championships

Three New Jersey Youth Soccer teams are continuing their quest for a national title after advancing past group play at the US Youth Soccer National Championships, which are being hosted at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. New Jersey representatives who are moving onto the next stage include The Football Academy Black 13U Boys, The Football Academy Black 14U Boys and Cedar Stars North 19U Boys.

The Football Academy Black 13U Boys advanced to the USYS National Championship Final after earning the top seed from their bracket in the opening round. The New Jersey side concluded group play with six points on a 2-1-0 record, and they will now face BLFC Premiership 11 (IL) in the 13U Boys National Championship on Friday night at 7:00 PM. The national spotlight will be on that match-up, with the game being televised live on ESPNEWS. The journey to Friday night started for The Football Academy Black 13U Boys in the fall of 2023 when they lifted the NJYS State Cup for their age group. The next stop on their itinerary was at the USYS Eastern Regional Championships in West Virginia, where they won six consecutive matches en route to claiming the regional championship earlier this month.

The Football Academy Black has a second team in the elimination rounds of the USYS National Championship as well, with their 14U Boys heading to the semifinals this weekend. After booking their spot in the national tournament via the National League P.R.O., The Football Academy Black 14U Boys went unbeaten in group play, earning seven points on a cumulative 2-0-1 record to claim the top spot in their bracket. Next up for the New Jersey representative is a Saturday morning reservation with Yardley Makefield Soccer 2010 Boys Premier United (PAE) at 10:30 AM.

Also moving onto the USYS National Championship Semifinals is the Cedar Stars North 19U Boys, who went undefeated in group play. After pairing nine points and a 3-0 record with a 7-1 goal differential, Cedar Stars North now advances to battle Indiana Fire 2005B NL (IN) on Saturday morning at 8:00 AM. The journey for Cedar Stars North began with a NJYS State Cup Championship this past spring before they won six consecutive matches to claim the USYS Eastern Regional Championship for their age group. Over the course of the Eastern Regional Championships and National Championships, Cedar Stars North has gone undefeated and won nine straight games.

New Jersey was represented by an additional six teams at the USYS National Championships. However, no quarterfinal round at the national tournament meant a smaller pool of teams advanced to the elimination rounds. Also competing at the USYS National Championships but unfortunately seeing their tournament run end after group play was NJ Nationals Elite (15U Girls), Torpedoes Red (16U Boys), Ironbound NAL (17U Boys), Cedar Stars North (17U Boys), PDA/Vistula Lewandowski (17U Boys) and The Football Academy Black (19U Girls).

The USYS National Championships Presented by New York Life are the final stage of the USYS National Championships, which begin at the state level before progressing to the regional and then national stages. The event is a culmination of a year-long series of competitions, providing approximately 185,000 players on 10,000 teams from US Youth Soccer’s 54 State Associations with the opportunity to showcase their soccer skills against the best competition in the nation.

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 

NJ TEAM TO COMPETE FOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP ON ESPNEWS

Orlando, Florida (July 25, 2024) – The thirteen-and-under boys’ youth soccer team from Florham Park, New Jersey competes on Friday, July 26, 2024, at 7:00 PM EST in the US Youth Soccer National Championship game, broadcast live on the national television network ESPNEWS. The Football Academy of New Jersey competes against B.L.F.C. of Illinois for the title of “National Champion.”

The Football Academy 13U Boys have earned their place in the National Championship game with a victory in a “must-win” match early Thursday morning. The match saw thrilling back-and-forth goals with a winning result of 5-4 against the opponent.

The 2024 US Youth Soccer National Championships Presented by New York Life are being held at the ESPN World Wide of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. Each summer, US Youth Soccer crowns a 13U-19U Boys and Girls national champion after a culmination of year-long competitions at the state and regional levels during the National Championships presented by New York Life. Consisting of approximately 185,000 players on 10,000 teams from USYS’ 54 State Associations, it offers the opportunity to showcase talent against the best competition in the nation.

The team’s journey began in the Fall of 2023, earning a State Championship in the New Jersey Youth Soccer State Cup. Last month, the team traveled to West Virginia to compete in the US Youth Soccer Eastern Regional Championships, which secured their place at the US Youth Soccer National Championships Presented by New York Life.

The Football Academy team is led by coaches Mark Cassidy, Neil Clinton, and Ian Wilson. Tune in to ESPNEWS for the 13U Boys National Championship on Friday, July 26, 2024, at 7:00 PM EST and support youth soccer in the Garden State.

Follow all the action from the National Championships, presented by New York Life, by following US Youth Soccer on social media! Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok

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About New Jersey Youth Soccer

New Jersey Youth Soccer, a 501(c) (3) organization affiliated with U.S. Youth Soccer and the U.S. Soccer Federation, is comprised of more than 100,000 players from 5 to 19-years-old; 20,000+ coaches; and thousands of volunteers. Members collectively support the sport of soccer through training, practice, competition and the spirit of good sportsmanship. The association features recreational, travel soccer programs at multiple skill levels; Olympic Development Programs (ODP); tournaments including the National Championship series; coach and referee training and certification programs; and TOPSoccer, a program for children with disabilities.

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 

NJ Teams and Referees Ready for USYS National Championships

The US Youth Soccer National Championships kick off today in Orlando, Florida, where nine New Jersey teams will fight for a national title. The USYS National Championships come on the heels of a successful USYS Eastern Regional Championship tournament for four New Jersey teams and a successful National League P.R.O. season for an additional five New Jersey teams.  

Last month, teams competed for a chance to secure a spot at the 2024 USYS National Championships in the US Youth Soccer Eastern Regional Championships, where The Football Academy Black 13U Boys, Torpedoes Red 16U Boys, Ironbound NAL 17U Boys and Cedar Stars Academy 19U Boys were crowned Eastern Regional Champions. Earlier this year, National League P.R.O. teams competed in a group play format to punch their ticket to Florida.  

The USYS National Championships are the final stage of the USYS National Championship Series, which also provides collegiate, pro and international coaches with the ability to identify and scout players. The event is a culmination of a year-long series of competitions at the state and regional levels known as the USYS National Championship Series, providing approximately 185,000 players on 10,000 teams from US Youth Soccer’s 54 State Associations the opportunity to showcase their soccer skills against the best competition in the nation.

Teams are competing at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, which offers 17 fields with the backdrop of Walt Disney World, and the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate, providing an additional eight fields. Group play competition begins after a team event on Monday that recognized all players and coaches in attendance while also featuring the infamous USYS National Championship Trophies, the ‘heirlooms of our sport.’

Follow the action on New Jersey Youth Soccer’s social media as we highlight and support New Jersey teams in attendance.

Best of luck to the nine NJYS Teams Competing for a National Title:

13UB: The Football Academy Black (Eastern Regional Champions)

16UB: Torpedoes Red (Eastern Regional Champions)

17UB: Ironbound NAL (Eastern Regional Champions)

19UB: Cedar Stars North (Eastern Regional Champions)

14UB: The Football Academy Black (National League P.R.O.)

15UG: NJ Nationals Elite (National League P.R.O.) 

17UB: Cedar Stars North (National League P.R.O.)

17UB: PDA/Vistula Lewandowski (National League P.R.O.)

19UG: The Football Academy Black (National League P.R.O.)

New Jersey is also represented by six referees at the USYS National Championships Presented by New York Life, who were chosen based on outstanding performances at the USYS Eastern Regional Championships.

Best of luck to the New Jersey Referees Officiating at the US Youth Soccer Championships: Catie Koenig, Bree Kozej, Connor Petrauskas, James Dolan, Simon Ribeiro and Nick Cardone

To learn more about New Jersey Youth Soccer, please visit njyouthsoccer.com or follow us on social media @NJYouthSoccer. All inquiries may be directed to communications@njyouthsoccer.com.