New Jersey Youth Soccer

LOGIN

News

Five NJYS Teams Advance at USYS Eastern Regional Championships

The knockout stages have officially commenced at the US Youth Soccer Eastern Regional Championships, with five New Jersey Youth Soccer teams advancing to the next stage of the tournament. New Jersey teams that are still in pursuit of an Eastern Regional Championship include The Football Academy Black (12U Girls), The Football Academy Black (13U Boys), Torpedoes Red (16U Boys), Ironbound SC NAL Raiders (17U Boys) and Cedar Stars North Elite 64 (19U Boys).

The Football Academy Black (12U Girls) won their fourth consecutive match at the Eastern Regional Championships on Monday, defeating Loudoun Pre-ECNL G12 Red (VA) to secure their spot in the 12U Girls Final on Monday. Prior to the semifinals, the Football Academy Black won all three group matches to earn the top spot in their bracket, finishing with nine points (3-0 record) and a 12-2 goal differential. Next up is Penn Fusion SA 2012 Elite (PAE) in the championship game on Tuesday morning.

The Football Academy Black (13U Boys) will play in a semifinal matchup against TAKOMA PARK 2011 BOYS (MD) on Tuesday, earning their spot in the next round after scoring a 3-0 win over Coppermine SC Boys 2011 Elite 64 (MD) in the quarterfinals. At the group stage, The Football Academy Black won their bracket on nine points (3-0 record) while outscoring the opposition, 11-3.

Advancing to the final in their age group is Torpedoes Red (16U Boys), who defeated Stony Brook LGN SC Wildlings Blue B2008 (NYE) in a highly contested semifinal on Monday, 3-2. Torpedoes Red arrived at the elimination rounds after winning their group on nine points (3-0 record) and a dominant 15-1 goal differential. They will now play SDA 2008B (NYW) on Tuesday with an opportunity to raise the 16U Boys Trophy on the line.

Ironbound SC NAL Raiders (17U Boys) punched their ticket to the semifinal round after blanking SDA 2007B (NYW) in the quarterfinals, 3-0. Prior to the knockout stage, Ironbound SC secured nine points (3-0 record) and an 8-1 edge in goals during group play to win the top seed in their bracket. Next on the docket is a semifinal reservation with WVFC 2007 Boys Black (WV) on Tuesday.

Playing in the championship match for their age group on Tuesday will be Cedar Stars North Elite 64 (19U Boys), who earned a hard-fought 2-1 result over Seacoast United 2006/05B NL Elite (ME) on Monday in the semifinals. They claimed their spot in the elimination rounds by recording nine points (3-0 record) and outscoring their opponents in group play, 15-4. Next up is a meeting in the 19U Boys Final with Eagle FC 05/06B Black (PAE).

USYS Eastern Regional Championships – Tuesday Matches

12U Girls Final: The Football Academy Black vs. Penn Fusion SA 2012 Elite at 9:00 AM

13U Boys Semifinal: The Football Academy Black vs. TAKOMA PARK 2011 BOYS (MD) at 8:00 AM

16U Boys Final: Torpedoes Red vs. SDA 2008B (NYW) at 12:00 PM

17U Boys Semifinal: Ironbound SC NAL Raiders vs. WVFC 2007 Boys Black (WV) at 10:00 AM

19U Boys Final: Cedar Stars North Elite 64 vs. Eagle FC 05/06B Black (PAE) at 8:00 AM

New Jersey teams that advanced to the elimination rounds of the USYS Eastern Regional Championships but unfortunately saw their run come to a close are Torpedoes Red (13U Boys), Torpedoes Red (14U Boys), Princeton Barcelona (18U Boys) and Medford Strikers (18U Boys).

Winners at the USYS Eastern Regional Championships will move onto the USYS National Championships in July at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. The USYS National Championships Presented by New York Life is the country’s most prestigious national youth soccer tournament. The competition provides winners from each state with the opportunity to showcase their soccer skills against the best competition in the nation while emphasizing teamwork, discipline and fair play.

To find out more information about New Jersey Youth Soccer or to contact us directly, please email communications@njyouthsoccer.com. Also make sure to follow us on social media: @NJYouthSoccer 

Nine NJYS Teams Advance at Eastern Regional Championships

New Jersey Youth Soccer has been very well represented at the US Youth Soccer Eastern Regional Championships, with nine affiliated teams advancing past group play and onto the next stage of the regional tournament. New Jersey teams that punched their tickets to the elimination rounds include The Football Academy Black (12U Girls), The Football Academy Black (13U Boys), Torpedoes Red (13U Boys), Torpedoes Red (14U Boys), Torpedoes Red (16U Boys), Ironbound SC NAL Raiders (17U Boys), Princeton Barcelona (18U Boys), Medford Strikers (18U Boys) and Cedar Stars North Elite 64 (19U Boys).

The Football Academy Black (12U Girls) won all three of their group play matches to earn the top spot in their bracket, finishing with nine points (3-0 record) and a 12-2 goal differential. Joining their clubmates in the elimination rounds are The Football Academy (13U Boys), who won their group on nine points (3-0 record) while outscoring the opposition, 11-3. Also moving forward in that age group is Torpedoes Red (13U Boys) after going unbeaten in the opening round, registering seven points (2-0-1 record) and a 5-2 goal differential.

Also advancing to the next stage is Torpedoes Red (14U Boys), who finished on top of their table with nine points (3-0 record) after outscoring their opponents by a tally of 8-1. Additionally, Torpedoes Red (16U Boys) booked their reservation in the next round after winning their bracket, ending group play with nine points (3-0 record) and a dominant 15-1 goal differential. After earning nine points (3-0 record) and an 8-1 edge in goals during group play, Ironbound SC NAL Raiders (17U Boys) are also moving onto the quarterfinals on Sunday.

New Jersey will also have two representatives in the 18U Boys Semifinals on Monday after Princeton Barcelona and Medford Strikers both won their brackets in group play. Princeton Barcelona earned seven points (2-0-1 record) on a 6-3 goal differential, while Medford Strikers went undefeated (3-0 record) and shut out all three of their opponents by a collective tally of 11-0. Also punching their ticket to the next stage of the tournament is Cedar Stars North Elite 64 (19U Boys), who recorded nine points (3-0 record) while outscoring their opponents in group play, 15-4.

NJ Youth Soccer teams that advanced to the USYS Eastern Regional Championships but unfortunately saw their run end after group play include PDA Pre-MLS Next Blue (12U Boys), Match Fit Academy Mercer (13U Girls), Jersey Shore Boca Jetties (13U Girls), JAE Academy (14U Boys), PSA North (14U Girls), PSA Monmouth Elite 64 (14U Girls), STA Mount Olive Soccer Club (15U Boys), Wall Spirit (15U Girls), CJFA Juventus (16U Boys), Future Elite 64 (17U Boys) and STA Mount Olive Soccer Club (17U Girls).

Winners at the USYS Eastern Regional Championships will move onto the USYS National Championships in July at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. The USYS National Championships Presented by New York Life is the country’s most prestigious national youth soccer tournament. The competition provides winners from each state with the opportunity to showcase their soccer skills against the best competition in the nation while emphasizing teamwork, discipline and fair play.

To find out more information about New Jersey Youth Soccer or to contact us directly, please email communications@njyouthsoccer.com. Also make sure to follow us on social media: @NJYouthSoccer 

NJ Youth Soccer Announces Recipient of Evelyn Gill Memorial Scholarship

Breeana Cassidy, NJ Youth Soccer

New Jersey Youth Soccer is pleased to announce the continuation of its Evelyn Gill Memorial Scholarship. Evelyn Gill was a Past President of NJ Youth Soccer who served three terms as NJYS President, and she was inducted into the NJYS Hall of Fame in 2022.

“To us, there is no more incredible honor one can receive than to be recognized for the good deeds you did in life after you have passed,” said Evelyn’s children, Jim and Scott. “Mom was a tireless volunteer for the soccer community, a visionary leader and a strong believer in our youth. It is the greatest honor that mom’s name will continue to be connected to helping NJ Youth Soccer players develop a love for the beautiful game.”  

New Jersey Youth Soccer has selected the Mooch Soccer Program as the recipient of the Evelyn Gill Scholarship. Located in the Trenton area, Mooch Soccer focuses on giving kids access to recreation soccer in their community. The program has grown to over 150 kids who participate each season, and it creates a competitive soccer environment for the local community. This year’s scholarship will support the soccer participation of the 150 kids by providing registration, uniforms and coaching education.

In 1996, Evelyn Gill was selected as Secretary of the US Youth Soccer Board of Directors. She held the role until she was elected as Vice President of the US Youth Soccer Board of Directors, continuing in that position for the next 14 years. Evelyn was also on the US Soccer Board of Directors, as well as its Disabled Athletes Committee and Credentials Committees. She also spent time serving on the US Soccer Governance Taskforce. In 2015, Evelyn was inducted into the US Youth Soccer Hall of Fame.

“Evelyn gave so much of her time to youth soccer and had such an impact on so many that it is quite difficult to quantify the impact she has had,” said Jess Yeager, NJYS President. “Her legacy lives on with her past inductions into the Halls of Fame for US Youth Soccer and New Jersey Youth Soccer. The Evelyn Gill Leadership Award was created by US Youth Soccer to honor those who show the same passion she had for youth soccer. We are grateful to have had her lead us, and it is in her honor that we dedicate a scholarship in her name for the most vulnerable children in New Jersey. Her spirit continues to move us in a direction to do more for those who need us most.”

In addition to her contributions on a national and statewide level, Evelyn was heavily involved locally within the Mercer County area. She was an avid supporter of the Mooch Soccer Program and served on its Board of Directors. In 2017, Evelyn was also inducted into the Mercer County Soccer Hall of Fame. She was a coach and advocate for youth soccer in this area for over 40 years. In addition to her many soccer accomplishments, Evelyn was also an advocate and leader within the community. In 1985, she founded PEI Kids, which is a community-based nonprofit organization that serves the most vulnerable children in the Greater Mercer County Community.

“The very first time I ever met Evelyn was the night of her being elected the NJYS President. I had no idea what to expect from my new supervisor,” said Evan Dabby, NJYS Executive Director. “Reflecting back, I can sincerely state that the experience far exceeded anything I could have dreamed. Her knowledge, insight, determination and compassion are without compare.”

Carlos Cordiero, FIFA’s Senior Advisor on Global Strategy and Governance and former President of US Soccer, was a close colleague and dear friend to Evelyn Gill. 

“I’m deeply honored to support a cause that was very close to Evelyn’s heart, and to further her legacy growing community youth soccer in New Jersey,” said Cordiero.

The Evelyn Gill Memorial Scholarship will provide annual support to recipients who are creating a pathway to success in the soccer community. Recipients of this scholarship will honor her legacy by their commitment to community initiatives, which promotes key values that were important to Evelyn.

To find out more information about New Jersey Youth Soccer or to contact us directly, please email communications@njyouthsoccer.com. Also make sure to follow us on social media: @NJYouthSoccer 

New Jersey ODP Concludes Season with USYS East Region Tournament

Will Scherer, NJ Youth Soccer

New Jersey ODP recently competed in the USYS East Region ODP Tournament that took place in Manheim, Pennsylvania, and Hammonton, New Jersey. At the competition, New Jersey ODP boys and girls teams in the 2007-2012 age groups played against various other ODP State Associations within the 15 Olympic Development Programs in the Eastern Region.

“Players enjoyed experiences within high quality match settings to collaborate and compete with other players committed to taking responsibility for their own development and performance,” said Lou Mignone, NJYS ODP Youth Coaching Director. “Coaches continued to guide players based upon team tactical principles and player actions within the Game Idea for fine tuning performance during attacking, defending and transitional moments with details for position-specific task execution.”

The ODP State Associations that participated in this event were Connecticut, Delaware, Eastern New York, Eastern Pennsylvania, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, New York West, Pennsylvania West, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia.

“The East Region hosted another excellent event,” said James Galanis, NJYS Director of Technical Operations. “The level of the players was very impressive, and the games themselves were contested in a highly spirited manner. This tournament continues to improve and NJODP is already looking forward to next year’s event. Congrats to everyone that made this event possible and to the players and coaches for displaying the quality of ODP in general.”

New Jersey ODP would like to extend its appreciation to US Youth Soccer, who spent countless hours to ensure the event was successful for each of the ODP state associations that attended. Our state association would also like to thank thank the families and players for another incredible ODP season.

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 visit the program online and like the official New Jersey ODP Facebook Page.

Four NJYS Teams Punch Tickets to USYS National Presidents Cup

Four New Jersey Youth Soccer teams secured a spot in the US Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup after reaching the Eastern Presidents Cup Finals on Tuesday, with two of those teams claiming the championship in their respective age groups. Lifting the trophy was Valencia SA Black (14U Boys) and Ocean Township United SA Warriors Red (16U Boys), while Parsippany Soccer Club Academy Blue (13U Boys) and Deptford SA Premier (17U Boys) also represented New Jersey as finalists.

By reaching the last day of the regional competition, which was hosted in West Virginia, all four teams have officially secured a spot in the USYS National Presidents Cup next month in Wichita, Kansas.

Valencia SA Black faced Real Elite FC 2010 Boys White (MD) in the 14U Boys Final, blanking the Maryland side by a tally of 3-0. The clean slate was their fourth in five matches, and they finished the tournament with an incredible 23-1 goal differential. Prior to the championship match, Valencia SA Black netted four goals en route to a 4-1 semifinal win over Herndon 2010B FC Red (VA) on Monday. They opened the tournament by winning their group on three consecutive wins, outscoring the opposition by a count of 16-0.

Ocean Township United SA Warriors Red also exited West Virginia with a trophy after topping Keystone FC Elite Blue 08B (PAE) in the 16U Boys Final, 4-2. That win came on the heels of a 5-1 result over FC Alliance 2008B (WV) in the tournament semifinals. Ocean earned a top seed in the elimination rounds after winning their group on six points (2-1 record), securing the tiebreaker with a 5-2 goal differential.

Parsippany Soccer Club Academy Blue (13U Boys) was dominant over their first four games in West Virginia, recording four consecutive shutouts. They won their group with three wins and a phenomenal goal differential of 16-0. They continued that momentum into the semifinals and blanked LMVSC 2011 Boys Red (VA) by a tally of 1-0. In the 13U Boys Final, they ultimately got bested by Group B winner Hulmeville SC Demons (PAE), 2-0.

Deptford SA Premier punched their ticket to the 17U Boys Final after earning a hard-fought 1-0 victory over McLean Youth Soccer 2007 Boys Green (VA) in the tournament semifinals. They qualified for the elimination rounds after finishing second in their group on seven points (2-0-1 record), scoring eight times while allowing a single goal over three matches. In the 17U Final, they matched up with SAC Boys 2007 Premier Blue (MD) and fell by the slimmest of margins, 1-0.

Hosted by US Youth Soccer, the Presidents Cup provides a progressive, competitive environment for teams seeking a series of unique challenges highlighting competition, camaraderie and community.

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 

Four NJYS Teams Advance to EPC Finals

Monday proved to be a very successful showing for New Jersey Youth Soccer at the US Youth Soccer Eastern Presidents Cup in West Virginia, with four New Jersey teams advancing to the finals in their respective age groups. By reaching the final round of the regional competition, each of those qualifying teams have officially earned a spot in the National Presidents Cup that will take place next month in Wichita, Kansas.

A total of six NJ Youth Soccer teams competed in the semifinals on Monday, with four of them making a reservation in the Eastern Presidents Cup Finals that take place today. Parsippany Soccer Club Academy Blue continued their incredible run at the regional competition by recording a fourth consecutive shutout, blanking LMVSC 2011 Boys Red (VA) by a tally of 1-0. Over four matches in West Virginia, Parsippany Soccer Club Academy Blue has outscored their opponents, 17-0. They now face Hulmeville SC Demons (PAE) this morning for the 13U Boys crown.

Valencia SA Black also picked up where they left off in group play, netting four goals en route to a 4-1 win over Herndon 2010B FC Red (VA) in the 14U Boys Semifinals on Monday. In four games at Eastern Presidents Cup, they hold a 20-1 goal differential over their opponents. Next up for Valencia SA Black is Real Elite FC 2010 Boys White (MD), with the two teams battling for the right to be called 14U Boys Champions.

Also securing their spot in the Eastern Presidents Cup Finals is Ocean Township United SA Warriors Red, who defeated FC Alliance 2008B (WV) by a score of 5-1 in the 16U Boys Semifinals on Monday. They now look to secure another championship for New Jersey when they face Keystone FC Elite Blue 08B (PAE) in the final on Tuesday.

Deptford SA Premier punched their ticket to the 17U Boys Final after earning a hard-fought 1-0 victory over McLean Youth Soccer 2007 Boys Green (VA) in the tournament semifinals. Next up for the Deptford Premier SA 17U Boys is a meeting with SAC Boys 2007 Premier Blue (MD) on Tuesday in the final for their age group.

In addition to the four New Jersey finalists, two additional teams played in the Eastern Presidents Cup Semifinals on Monday. Princeton SA Monmouth Orange (12U Boys) came up just short against FC Alliance 2012B (WV), while Mount Laurel SA United Fire fell to FC Alliance 2007G (WV).

USYS Eastern Presidents Cup Finals (NJYS Teams in Bold, Times in EDT)

13U Boys – Parsippany Soccer Club Academy Blue vs. Hulmeville SC Demons (PAE) at 8:00 AM

14U Boys – Valencia SA Black vs. Real Elite FC 2010 Boys White (MD) at 10:15 AM

16U Boys – Ocean Township United SA Warriors Red vs. Keystone FC Elite Blue 08B (PAE) at 8:30 AM

17U Boys – Deptford SA Premier vs. SAC Boys 2007 Premier Blue (MD) at 8:30 AM

The US Youth Soccer Presidents Cup provides a progressive, competitive environment for teams seeking a series of unique challenges highlighting competition, camaraderie and community.

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 

Seven NJYS Teams Advance at USYS Eastern Presidents Cup

New Jersey Youth Soccer has been very well represented at the US Youth Soccer Eastern Presidents Cup, with seven affiliated teams advancing past group play and into the next stage of the regional tournament. New Jersey teams that punched their tickets to the semifinal round include Princeton SA Monmouth Orange (12U Boys), Parsippany Soccer Club Academy Blue (13U Boys), Valencia SA Black (14U Boys), Ocean Township United SA Warriors Red (16U Boys), Deptford SA Premier (17U Boys) and Mount Laurel SA United Fire (17U Girls).

In addition to the teams playing in the USYS Eastern Presidents Cup Semifinals on Monday, Den of Lions Sporting FC will be competing in the 19U Boys Final. They are facing BYSA 05 Stampede National (MD) following an unbeaten run during group play, finishing with nine points (3-0 record) and a 19-3 goal differential. The match will be a rematch of a Sunday meeting between the two clubs, which saw Den of Lions Sporting FC secure a 5-2 victory.

Princeton SA Monmouth Orange (12U Boys) is headed to the semifinal round after finishing second in their group with six points on a 2-1 record, outscoring their opposition by a tally of 9-6. Parsippany Soccer Club Academy Blue (13U Boys) had a dominant performance in group competition, finishing undefeated at the top of their table with nine points (3-0 record). They also recorded three shutouts en route to a 16-0 goal differential. Valencia SA Black matched that incredible showing in the 14U Boys Division, winning their group with nine points on three victories while outscoring their opponents, 16-0.

Representing New Jersey in the 16U Boys Semifinals is Ocean Township United SA Warriors Red, who won their bracket on six points (2-1 record) after securing the group tiebreaker with a 5-2 goal differential. Also advancing to the semifinals is Deptford SA Premier in the 17U Boys Tournament. They qualified for the next round of competition after finishing second in their group on seven points (2-0-1 record), scoring eight times while allowing a single goal over three matches. Mount Laurel SA United Fire advanced to Monday after going unbeaten in 17U Girls Group Play, finishing with nine points (3-0 record) and an 11-2 goal differential.

The semifinal round of the Eastern Presidents Cup is being played on Monday, with championship matches taking place on Tuesday. The Eastern Presidents Cup kicked off on Friday in Charleston and Barboursville, West Virginia, with teams vying for a spot in the US Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup this July in Wichita, Kansas.

USYS Eastern Presidents Cup Semifinals (NJYS Teams in Bold, Times in EDT)

12U Boys – Princeton SA Monmouth Orange vs. FC Alliance 2012B (WV) at 8:00 AM

13U Boys – Parsippany Soccer Club Academy Blue vs. LMVSC 2011 Boys Red (VA) at 12:00 PM

14U Boys – Valencia SA Black vs. Herndon 2010B FC Red (VA) at 12:00 PM ET

16U Boys – Ocean Township United SA Warriors Red vs. FC Alliance 2008B (WV) at 2:00 PM

17U Boys – Deptford SA Premier vs. McLean Youth Soccer 2007 Boys Green (VA) at 12:30 PM

17U Girls – Mount Laurel SA United Fire vs. FC Alliance 2007G (WV) at 10:15 AM

USYS Eastern Presidents Cup Finals (NJYS Team in Bold, Time in EDT)

19U Boys – Den of Lions Sporting FC vs. BYSA 05 Stampede National (MD) at 8:00 AM

NJ Youth Soccer teams that advanced to the USYS Eastern Presidents Cup but unfortunately saw their run end after group play include Deptford SA Premier (12U Girls), Old Bridge SC Thunder (13U Girls), The Football Academy Black (14U Girls), Princeton FC United (15U Boys) and Deptford SA Premier (16U Girls).

The US Youth Soccer Presidents Cup provides a progressive, competitive environment for teams seeking a series of unique challenges highlighting competition, camaraderie and community.

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 

MOSA Crowns Curci Cup Champions

The Monmouth-Ocean Soccer Association (MOSA) has officially concluded its 2024 Spring MOSA Curci Cup Challenge, crowning champions at the Vanderburg Soccer Complex in Marlboro, N.J. Winners arose from the 9U-15U boys and girls divisions, with the finals featuring teams that advanced from a single elimination tournament that ran over the course of the spring season.

“MOSA would like to congratulate all of our teams who made it to the MOSA Curci Cup Challenge Finals,” said Ryan Monday, MOSA Treasurer and Tournament Lead. “It was an exciting day of soccer with five games going to shootouts. Well done to all of our Championship Teams!”

Spring MOSA Curci Cup Boys Champions

U9 Boys: Middletown SC Riptide Red

U10 Boys: Lacey SC Lightning

U11 Boys: Hamilton SC Cobras

U12 Boys: Hamilton SC Renegades

U13 Boys: Howell United SC Crusaders Select

U14 Boys: Neptune SA Riptide

U15 Boys: Neptune SA Rampage

Spring MOSA Curci Cup Girls Champions

U9 Girls: Manalapan SC Braves Red

U10 Girls: Monmouth Coast Sea Stars

U11 Girls: East Windsor PAL Waves

U12 Girls: Freehold SL Glory

U13 Girls: Toms River FC Roma

U14 Girls: Manalapan SC Braves

U15 Girls: Howell United SC Force

Zia Mehta slotted home the Freehold Glory’s first kick from the penalty mark en route to the team’s first MOSA Cup title against a tough Rumson opponent in the U12 Girls Final. 

“The MOSA Cup was such a fun experience,” she stated. “All the teams we played were tough and competitive. Team Glory stepped up to the challenge, and it was awesome to win the championship game together as friends.”

The MOSA Curci Cup Challenge is a competition open exclusively for teams that play in the Monmouth-Ocean Soccer Association (MOSA), which includes teams that compete in the Monmouth and Ocean Counties of New Jersey. Since 2019, the MOSA Cup Series was named in tribute of long-time MOSA President and NJYS Treasurer Ben Curci to honor his legacy.

“Hamilton Soccer Club is very proud of sending six of our 11 teams to the MOSA Cup Final this weekend and taking home two cups,” said Bill Conway, the club’s League Representative. “When our President, Brian Addis, started our travel division three years ago with recreational players from HTRSA, the goal was to provide a competitive option at an affordable price. Our current travel commissioner, Nelson Hernandez, had the idea to expand into tournaments and really encouraged all HSC teams to enter the MOSA Cup. We, as a club, are so impressed with the format, organization and great competition the MOSA Cup tournament provides, and we plan to enter all our eligible teams each season.”

More than 140 teams participated in the 2024 MOSA Curci Cup to create a very competitive and exciting tournament that challenged each team’s skill and discipline. MOSA is a member of New Jersey Youth Soccer, and the league conducts operations in line with NJYS policies.

“MOSA would like to extend a special thank you to New Jersey Youth Soccer for all of their support,” continued Monday. “We look forward to seeing all of our MOSA teams compete in the MOSA Curci Cup during the Fall ‘24 Season.”

To learn more about MOSA, make sure to visit their official website online.

Final Look: 2024 NJYS Awards Dinner Presented by RWJBarnabas Health

New Jersey Youth Soccer hosted its 2024 NJYS Awards Dinner Presented by RWJBarnabas Health this past February, where players, coaches and guests of the soccer community attended the annual celebration at the Pines Manor in Edison. This year’s event was witness to a record setting audience with 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 of 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.”

In addition to hundreds of players, parents, award winners and scholarship recipients, a host of VIPs and special guests were also present to celebrate the evening. Jess Yeager, President of NJ Youth Soccer; Skip Gilbert, CEO of US Youth Soccer; and Dr. Jason Krystofiak, Medical Director of Sports Medicine, Medical Director of the Matthew J. Morahan III Health Assessment Center for Athletes at RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Athletics Team Physician; delivered the opening remarks. Other distinguished guests in attendance included Tab Ramos, former US Men’s National Team captain, National Soccer Hall of Fame and NJYS Hall of Fame member; Ed Foster-Simeon, President and CEO of the US Soccer Foundation; Michael Lazar, Managing Director of External Relations at the US Soccer Federation; Dan Lynch, representing the NYNJ FIFA World Cup Host Committee; Chris Savino, Senior Director of Major League Soccer; as well as Glenn Crooks, radio voice of New York City FC and an NJYS Hall of Fame member.

“As I said at the event, decades ago when I played, New Jersey was revered as a hotbed for soccer in the US, and the awards dinner simply amplified that sentiment for today’s soccer ecosystem,” said Skip Gilbert, CEO of US Youth Soccer. “With over 1,000 in attendance, the dinner was an exciting reflection of the passion for the sport, the success on the field and the commitment to excel by New Jersey players, coaches, referees and families. My thanks to Evan Dabby and the NJYS team for inviting me to their incredible celebration, and I look forward to watching what the state will do next to drive soccer forward.”

As the event emcee, Ally Melendez treated the crowd to an exceptional evening. A New York Emmy nominated sports and lifestyle host, Melendez is currently working as the in-arena host for the New York Red Bulls (Major League Soccer), Brooklyn Nets (National Basketball Association) and New York Mets (Major League Baseball).

To highlight the evening, Nelson Ramirez was inducted into the NJYS Hall of Fame. To commemorate his induction, Just One Soccer League created a video tribute that was shared with the crowd. Ramirez was also joined on stage with fellow NJYS Hall of Fame inductees in attendance such as Tab Ramos, Glenn Crooks, Raul Donoso, Flo Egan and Barry Towbin.

Award winners were also treated to video tributes from prominent members of the soccer community. Dedications were presented by Gregg Berhalter, New Jersey native and head coach of the US Men’s National Team; Cindy Parlow Cone, President of the US Soccer Federation; Tony Meola, NJYS and National Soccer Hall of Fame member; Tab Ramos, NJYS and National Soccer Hall of Fame member; Mark Geiger, legendary US Soccer referee and NJYS Hall of Fame member; Yael Averbuch, General Manager of NJ/NY Gotham FC; Daniel Edelman, player for the New York Red Bulls; Michelle Betos, goalkeeper for NJ/NY Gotham FC; Skip Gilbert, CEO of US Youth Soccer; Juan Carlos Amoros, head coach of NJ/NY Gotham FC; and Luis Robles, former New York Red Bulls goalkeeper.

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 were also invited to a home match at Red Bull Arena, where their goal and save videos were displayed on the video board.

“The NJYS Awards Dinner has become a highlight on the youth soccer calendar, and it has grown to be a true destination for our soccer community,” said Evan Dabby, NJYS Executive Director. “We aim to develop a lifelong passion for the sport, and this event is a true embodiment of that value. We thank RWJBarnabas Health for their incredible support towards the celebration of New Jersey’s soccer community.”

More than 20 NJYS State Cup Champions, as well as USYS Regional and National Champions, were celebrated throughout the evening, culminating with USYS National League Elite 64 National Champions FC Copa Academy 2006 Girls. Each team was honored with a team parade and photos on stage in front of the capacity crowd, as well as being featured in their own personal Red Carpet Interview.

Juan Ramirez, Gabby Gil and Olivia Russomanno led the interview festivities on the Red Carpet. Ramirez is a member of the New York Red Bulls Freestyle Crew who entertains fans with their ball skills before every Red Bulls home game. Gil and Russomanno are products of NJ Youth Soccer and members of the Rutgers University Women’s Soccer Program.

The NJYS Olympic Development Program (ODP) was on display with USYS Interregional players in attendance. These players and parents were treated to a special Meet And Greet with Tab Ramos, where Ramos highlighted meaningful takeaways with respect to his development as a player from youth to professional levels, including his representation of our nation during two FIFA World Cups. He also described his coaching experiences with youth national teams and Major League Soccer in terms of guiding the development of players at these levels of the game. Ramos further emphasized the importance of taking accountability and responsibility for one’s own development and performance as these players strive toward reaching their full potential. With the official announcement being released the night prior, there was also a special opportunity to celebrate and recognize Dylan Pino, Sandro Cunningham and Madelynn Sadusky on their selections to the USYS ODP National Team.

Players also had the opportunity to win giveaways from many NJYS partners and donors as part of a social media campaign during the event. Players took a shot at posting their best photos and videos from the night for a chance to go home with a free gift from RWJ Barnabas Health, JAG Physical Therapy, New York Red Bulls, US Soccer and Hudl.

Important to note is the 2024 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