News

New Jersey Youth Soccer officially announced that the state association has extended its partnership with YouthSoccer101. Through this affiliation, YouthSoccer101 provides NJ Youth Soccer coaches and club representatives with free access to a variety of age-appropriate soccer activities and lesson plans that help guide volunteer coaches throughout the season.

“The NJYS Coaching School recognizes there are a variety of tools available over the internet for every level of coach to use to teach the game,” said Rick Meana, NJYS Director of Coaching. “Novice coaches especially need a tool that is not only easy to use, but also relates to the age and level of the player. Youthsoccer101, which is a free tool, provides these elements while deploying a unique weekly delivery system right to the coach’s inbox.”

With YouthSoccer101, coaches receive one practice plan per week via email for the entire season. Coaches cannot jump ahead in the sessions, which helps keep age groups on the same path of development throughout the season. Every practice plan includes activities that are supported by animation or video to ensure that the coaches understand them. Coaches also receive a link for “backyard activities” to share with their players. Those activities coincide with the weekly plans, and players can use them to practice at home.

“YouthSoccer101 has been helping coaches across the country for over 12 years,” said Tyler Isaacson, CEO of YouthSoccer101. “It is a real privilege to be included as one of the many tools New Jersey Youth Soccer has to offer their members. Hundreds of NJ coaches have used the program over the years.”

When the activities and practices from YouthSoccer101 are used within the context of US Soccer’s Grassroots Play-Practice-Play methodology, they help in providing players, parents and coaches with a learning experience that is realistic to the game and rooted in fun and enjoyment.

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 

To draw attention to and help put a stop to misconduct towards referees and officials, New Jersey Youth Soccer and youth competitions throughout the state, with the support of the New Jersey State Referee Committee, are introducing The Yellow Wristband Initiative for minor referees.

“NJ Youth Soccer is thrilled to be working with a variety of youth soccer leagues and organizations to develop The Yellow Wristband Initiative,” said Evan Dabby, NJYS Executive Director. “We are committed to our youth referee community and making their environment safe and conducive to learning.”

This collaboration exists between NJ Youth Soccer, MLS NEXT, United Soccer League, 3M Soccer League, Central Jersey Futsal, EDP Soccer, Metro Youth Soccer League, Mid New Jersey Youth Soccer Association, Monmouth Ocean Soccer Association, Morris County Youth Soccer League, Northern Burlington Recreation Soccer League, Northern Counties Soccer Association, Ocean County Recreation Soccer, Rockaway Valley Soccer League, South Jersey Soccer League, South Jersey Girls Soccer League and Suburban Youth Soccer League.

“Supporting and developing referees at the youth levels is vital to the continuing growth of the game in our country,” said Luis Robles, Senior Manager of MLS NEXT and former New York Red Bulls goalkeeper. “MLS NEXT applauds the work of NJ Youth Soccer, as well as all the youth soccer leagues, and looks forward to joining in their efforts.”

As a primary goal, The Yellow Wristband Initiative is aimed at increasing awareness about the presence of minor (e.g. under the age of 18) referees in our game. Through the initiative, minor referees can opt to receive yellow wristbands to wear on game day. Therefore, a referee wearing the yellow wristband is identified as a minor. The expectation is that all adults will show the encouragement and respect that minor referees deserve as they learn their craft.

“The Yellow Wristband Initiative is an important effort towards creating a positive and supportive culture around our games,” said Jen Marcella, Executive Director of Leagues for EDP Soccer. “We value all referees in our league and prioritize having the safest environment possible for each of our participants.”

Along with this campaign, NJ Youth Soccer, its Member Leagues and other participating youth organizations pledge to implement the following sanctions to support minor referees:

• Immediately suspend a person for allegations of referee abuse and assault towards a minor, pending a hearing (similar to the US Soccer Referee Assault Policy).
• Doubling the minimum sanctions for a person found guilty of referee abuse or assault towards a minor.

For our young referees to continue to grow, just as our players do, they must be able to officiate games without intimidation, fear or abuse. It is EVERYONE’S responsibility – whether it be the Club, coaches or parents – to hold each other accountable and set the standard for acceptable behavior. Clubs, Leagues and Tournaments are encouraged to distribute wristbands at their events, and those interested in doing so can contact NJ Youth Soccer at communications@njyouthsoccer.com.

Remember: “Yelling is banned when you see a yellow band.”

The Yellow Wristband Initiative is made possible via the U.S. Soccer Innovate to Grow Grant. Recognizing the vital role that its member organizations play in the growth of soccer across the country, U.S. Soccer established the Innovate to Grow (ITG) Fund in 2017 to help U.S. Soccer member organizations launch new and innovative programs designed to grow participation in their markets, providing up to $3million of funding total per year. Since its inception, ITG has granted over $9.8 million in funding through 145 awards to U.S. Soccer members across the country, as well as provide COVID-19 relief and recovery funds during 2020 and 2021.

“We are thrilled to see the progress that our members continue to make using the ITG grant,” said Cindy Cone, US Soccer President. “The work that NJYS and all of our members do continues to be invaluable as we strive to grow our game for all.”

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 

Christine Gloth, NJ Youth Soccer

New Jersey Youth Soccer is proud to officially recognize Natalie Feniger (Princeton Soccer Academy) and Brian Harasek (Sportfriends Soccer Club) as recipients of this year’s Brett Fenster Memorial Scholarship. Each year, this scholarship is awarded to high school seniors who have a love for soccer, arts and humanities. 

The Brett Fenster Memorial Scholarship was created in memory of Brett Fenster, who played soccer from the age of five until he graduated from high school. He began participating in the recreation program in West Windsor before advancing to play travel and high school soccer. His love for the sport soon flourished, along with his interest in the arts and humanity. He tragically passed away in 2010 at the age of 23, at which time the scholarship was enacted.

Natalie Feniger is an accomplished soccer player for Princeton Soccer Academy and Ocean Township High School. She realized early in her life that her brain learned differently, which led to lower self-confidence. However, she aways felt at home on the soccer field and quickly became a natural leader for her team. Feniger credits soccer as helping her learn the significance of teamwork, cooperation, communication, discipline and goal setting. She has also acquired skills that help her tackle the many obstacles and challenges that life can throw her way. This fall, she looks to continue her success as a student-athlete at Salisbury University. 

“Thank you to New Jersey Youth Soccer for honoring me with the Brett Fenster Memorial Scholarship,” said Feniger. “I want to thank my family, teachers, friends and both Ocean and PSA soccer clubs for giving me the confidence to succeed both in the classroom and on the pitch.” 

Brian Harasek has a strong love for soccer that began at a very young age. He was inspired by global soccer standouts like Lionel Messi as young as the age of four. As he grew, his coaches guided him into becoming a standout soccer player himself, as well as a respectful young man. He credits his coach at Wood-Ridge Junior/Senior High School in helping him reach the top of his game. Through his coach’s encouragement and faith in him, Harasek has been able to enjoy a very successful high school career that he hopes to continue in the future. Further, he is now sharing his love of soccer and inspiring the next generation by being an assistant coach and referee for younger players in his town. 

“I am very proud and thankful to have received this scholarship recognizing my hard work in academics, as well as my passion for soccer,” said Harasek.

NJ Youth Soccer recently held its 2024 NJYS Annual Awards Dinner Presented by RWJBarnabas Health, where many players, coaches and guests of the soccer community were on hand at the Pines Manor in Edison, N.J. With more than 1,000 attendees, the event saw a capacity crowd for the annual celebration.

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

Christine Gloth, NJ Youth Soccer

New Jersey Youth Soccer is proud to officially recognize Ellison Errington (Morris Elite Soccer Club) and Drew Roskos (Delran FC) as recipients of this year’s Jeanine Willis Scholarship. NJ Youth Soccer awards this annual scholarship to deserving college-bound high school seniors who participated in the NJYS State Cups Program.

The Jeanine Willis Scholarship was established by NJ Youth Soccer to honor the numerous contributions that Jeanine Willis made to youth soccer in the State of New Jersey and beyond. She was the first NJYS Executive Director, served as a member of the NJYS Board of Directors and is also a member of the NJYS Hall of Fame.

Ellison Errington says that her time with NJ Youth Soccer as a player and referee has helped her become the person she is today. After playing for NJYS teams for more than a decade, soccer has taught her how to maintain a positive attitude, demonstrate respect for others, to always be thoughtful, and the importance of sportsmanship. She has an expanded perspective of those principles after having the unique opportunity to experience NJYS State Cups as both a player and referee. Beyond playing and officiating the game, she has also given back to the Morris Elite Soccer Club community as a youth coach and mentor. As Errington prepares to continue her academic and athletic career at Franklin and Marshall College this fall, she will take with her the skills she has learned through the game of soccer. 

“I am honored to receive the Jeanine Willis Scholarship from NJYS, and I am grateful that all my hard work, along with the support of my parents, coaches and Morris Elite Soccer Club, have earned me this accomplishment. The award of this scholarship will help me continue my soccer career and studies at Franklin and Marshall College,” said Errington. “Soccer has been more than just a sport for me. It has been a combination of continuous learning and personal growth, shaping not only my athletic abilities but molding the confident person I am today. The experiences gained from being part of NJYS will undoubtedly serve as a compass for navigating the challenges that lie ahead for me in college and beyond.”

Drew Roskos says that his youth soccer journey has provided him with purpose and direction in all aspects of his life. Some of the top qualities he has learned from the game include self-discipline, how to be a team player and the value of hard work. He has used these skills to lead by example as the captain of the Delran High School Soccer Program during his junior and senior years. During his high school career, he helped his team become two-time Group II State Champions, and he was also named a three-time High School All American. Roskos has been playing with Delran FC since he was five-years-old and helped his team lift two NJYS State Cup Championships. Off the field, he is an active member of Delran High School’s National Honor Society, trains younger soccer players, wrestles in his town and participates in local park clean-ups, all while getting excellent grades. This fall, he will continue as a student-athlete at Bucknell University.

“I am truly honored to be a recipient of the Jeanine Willis Scholarship,” said Roskos. “Being a part of NJYS and playing for the Delran Gunners travel team for over nine years provided me with amazing soccer memories with my teammates and coaches that I will cherish forever.”

NJ Youth Soccer recently held its 2024 NJYS Annual Awards Dinner Presented by RWJBarnabas Health, where many players, coaches and guests of the soccer community were on hand at the Pines Manor in Edison, N.J. With more than 1,000 attendees, the event saw a capacity crowd for the annual celebration.

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

Christine Gloth, NJ Youth Soccer

New Jersey Youth Soccer is proud to officially recognize Benedict Nematadzira (Westfield Soccer Association) and Alexa Stein (Manalapan Soccer Club) as recipients of this year’s Allan B. Sinclair Memorial Scholarship. Each year, this scholarship is awarded to one male and one female player in the NJYS system who demonstrated great leadership and a commitment to community volunteer activities.

The Allan B. Sinclair Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the many contributions that Allan B. Sinclair made to youth soccer. Sinclair had an extensive career with NJ Youth Soccer, serving as NJYS President for nearly 25 years before working as the NJYS Executive Director from 2008-2012. His time and dedication to youth soccer was done mostly as a volunteer, not only in the state but also in the region.

Benedict Nematadzira feels that each volunteer opportunity gives him the privilege to implement the life skills of teamwork, communication and dedication, which are all things he learned from playing soccer. His extensive volunteer resume includes being President of the National Honor Society and Treasurer for the Musical Club of Westfield, as well as being a member of the Westfield High School Community Service Club and Westfield Winners “Soccer Buddy” Program. While maintaining these volunteer commitments, Nematadzira was also named Offensive Player of the Year for the Westfield High School Boys Soccer Program. Additionally, he continues to achieve excellent grades while managing his other responsibilites.

“The opportunity to play has opened up countless doors for myself and others,” said Nematadzira. “I am thankful to NJ Youth Soccer for recognizing the effect of the game.”

Alexa Stein has an impressive volunteer resume as well, including time as Co-President of her local Community Emergency Response Team, a volunteer buddy with Challenger Sports, a Blood Drive Ambassador and as a team captain for Dermer Dreams, which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting hunger. She participates in these activities while also maintaining outstanding grades in school and playing on the Freehold Township High School Girls Soccer Team. She expands her involvement in soccer by being a youth soccer trainer and referee as well.

“I am so honored to be the recipient of the Allan B. Sinclair Memorial Scholarship,” said Stein. “I truly love volunteering in my community, and I am grateful to New Jersey Youth Soccer for this recognition.”

NJ Youth Soccer recently held its 2024 NJYS Annual Awards Dinner Presented by RWJBarnabas Health, where many players, coaches and guests of the soccer community were on hand at the Pines Manor in Edison, N.J. With more than 1,000 attendees, the event saw a capacity crowd for the annual celebration.

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

Christine Gloth, NJ Youth Soccer

New Jersey Youth Soccer is proud to officially recognize Mollie Peters of Randolph Soccer Club as the recipient of this year’s Frank Bollaci Memorial Scholarship. Peters has been playing soccer at Randolph Soccer Club for 13 years, and she has also been refereeing over the past three years. Additionally, she has competed as a member of the soccer program at Randolph High School.

A long-time president of the South Brunswick Soccer Club, Frank Bollaci was also a coach and seasoned referee with the NJ State Referee Committee. Through the generosity of the Bollaci family, the Frank Bollaci Memorial Scholarship is presented annually to college-bound high school seniors who played within the NJYS system and were committed to community service initiatives. As part of their submissions, applicants honored Frank Bollaci’s memory by reflecting upon the positive impact that soccer has made on their lives, along with what the sport means to them.

“Thank you to New Jersey Youth Soccer for honoring me with the Frank Bollaci Memorial Scholarship,” said Peters. “I love how refereeing enables me to give back to my community while expanding my passion for soccer, and I greatly appreciate the recognition for my efforts.”

Peters says that playing soccer has taught her resilience and devotion. She is always striving to be the hardest worker on the field and hopes to inspire her teammates to do the same. Further, she feels that being a referee has taught her leadership and communication skills that she will continue to use on and off the field. In addition to being a successful student-athlete, Peters also volunteers in her community at her local synagogue, as a camp counselor for Randolph Soccer Club and has even initiated a free SAT and ACT tutoring service at her local library. Peters feels very fortunate that she is able to devote herself towards the numerous causes that she believes in, and she looks forward to continuing and expanding her humanitarian efforts in the future.

NJ Youth Soccer recently held its 2024 NJYS Annual Awards Dinner Presented by RWJBarnabas Health, where many players, coaches and guests of the soccer community were on hand at the Pines Manor in Edison, N.J. With more than 1,000 attendees, the event saw a capacity crowd for the annual celebration.

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 

Christine Gloth, NJ Youth Soccer

The 2024 New Jersey Youth Soccer Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Club Development Workshop was recently held at the Pines Manor in Edison, N.J. The event’s format focused on engagement and interaction with membership, leveraging multiple breakout sessions on a variety of relevant topics such as the FIFA World Cup 2026™, US Soccer Foundation Programs, US Soccer Ecosystem Update, Generating Revenue through Sponsorships and Partnerships, NJYS President’s Office Hours, Youth on Board, Engaging the Latino and Hispanic Communities, US Youth Soccer Grassroots Resources, NJYS Recreation Referee Program, Tryouts: Advocating for Policy Change, Gotham FC Office Hours, Let’s Play!, Marketing your Program, Club Toolkit and MLS GO. 

With approximately 150 attendees representing league leadership, club leadership, NJYS Professional Team, Board of Directors, official partners and special guests, participants dedicated the day towards improving the youth soccer landscape and community in New Jersey. In addition, NJ Youth Soccer unveiled elements of its strategic planning, including its mission and vision.

“It was exciting to introduce our new mission and vision that we have worked so hard on creating,” said Jess Yeager, NJYS President. “We feel that we have been living by these words for quite some time but now we can truly put them into action for all to see and benefit.” 

NJYS Mission: To connect and empower the youth soccer community.

NJYS Vision: To establish soccer as the preeminent sport in New Jersey that unites, grows and inspires a lifelong passion.

The program was highlighted by keynote speakers Lauren Nathan LaRusso, Co-Host City Manager of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee, and Meg Kane, Host City Executive of Philadelphia Soccer 2026. Their presentation continued in the breakout where the topics explored the types of youth soccer events that could be hosted by the FIFA World Cup Host Committees, pressing issues facing youth soccer where the World Cup Host Committees could assist, and the outcomes and legacy in youth soccer that leadership hopes to be achieved as a result of hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026™.  

“Engaging the soccer community continues to be a critical part of our focus,” said LaRusso. “We value the partnership we have with NJ Youth Soccer and its more than 100,000 players throughout the state. The AGM and Club Development Workshop was a great opportunity to interact with and hear from youth soccer leaders in a way that positively influences our future planning.”

Yael Averbuch-West, General Manager for Gotham FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), former member of the US Women’s National Team and a product of the NJ Youth Soccer system, was also in attendance. She discussed the future of Gotham FC as they build upon their winning culture after becoming NWSL Champions in 2023. She shared how the best players throughout the country want to play right here in New Jersey and she wants NJYS to be there to see it. She continued her discussion with league and club leaders during her breakout session, Gotham FC Office Hours. 

The AGM featured many NJ Youth Soccer official partners including BAND, etrainu, Gotham FC, Hudl, JAG Physical Therapy, New York Red Bulls, SCORE Sports, Sports Connect and Sport Lines. BAND was utilized to share updates and information throughout the meeting, and the app gave attendees opportunities to comment, ask questions and provide feedback during the event. The BAND app also gave access to the meeting’s presentations, videos and photos. Gotham FC and the New York Red Bulls generously gifted attendees with a ticket to a home game to show appreciation for their leadership and commitment to their respective communities.

“The participation from so many clubs, leagues, partners and special guests from the soccer community genuinely helped us live out our newly introduced mission statement,” said Evan Dabby, NJYS Executive Director. “The connections established should help drive us toward long-term growth that empowers soccer communities throughout the state.”

In addition to LaRusso, Kane and Averbuch-West, the event hosted many other special guests including Kyle Albrecht, Senior Director of Properties for Major League Soccer; Ciarra Arzdorf, Manager of Member Relations at US Soccer Federation; Alex Bard, Senior Director of Safe Places to Play at US Soccer Foundation; Dr. Sari Rose, Senior Manager of Grassroots for US Youth Soccer; and Garrett Shea, President of SSEC, NJYS Sponsorship Consulting Agency.

“Each year we find the NJYS AGM to be one of the most informative and well-organized events of the year,” said Rob Marino, Next Level Soccer Academy Co-Founder & Administrative Director. “For us, it is a great time to network with other club leaders, connect with the NJYS staff and leadership, and listen to topical presentations from guest speakers and vendors. It is something we certainly look forward to attending every year.”

Elections were held, in accordance with the NJ Youth Soccer Bylaws, for open positions on the Board of Directors (Executive Committee and Members-At-Large). The following individuals were named to a two-year term:

Election Results

1^st Vice President: Bill Smith

3^rd Vice President: Nelson Ramirez

Treasurer: Chris Savino

Member at Large: Eric Offenberg

Member at Large: Rico Scardelletti

Member at Large: Anthony Sciorilli

The 2024 NJYS Annual General Meeting and Club Development Workshop was noted as a complete success and an exceptional experience by attendees. All guests and participants came together to collectively plan for the future of youth soccer in New Jersey, and the common goal of achieving the new NJYS Mission and Vision was evident by all. 

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

Christine Gloth, NJ Youth Soccer

NJYS Comeback Player of the Year Award Is Presented By JAG Physical Therapy

New Jersey Youth Soccer continues its celebration of the 2024 NJYS Awards Presented by RWJBarnabas Health, officially recognizing Courtney Irwin of FC Copa Academy and Santonio “Tony” Blakely of Hamilton Soccer Club as recipients of the NJYS Comeback Player of the Year Award Presented by JAG Physical Therapy. The Comeback Player of the Year Award was created to honor individuals who overcame adversity or injury to exceed expectations and return to the soccer field.

Courtney Irwin suffered an ACL tear injury on March 27, 2022, during her sixth season with FC Copa Academy. Since that injury occurred, she has demonstrated an exceptional level of discipline to push through adversity, difficult feelings and incredible pain, which has since allowed her to not only get back on the field but also remain uninjured. During her recovery from ACL reconstruction surgery, Irwin worked extremely hard in therapy and never missed a session. During rehabilitation, she also continued to attend games to support her team while she was unable to play. 10 months after the injury, she was finally cleared for a return to playing soccer. After two months of intense training, she earned back her starting position and played an integral role in helping her FC Copa Academy team win a national title in the summer of 2023. Irwin has since committed to Kean University to play college soccer and continue her education.

“Thank you to New Jersey Youth Soccer for honoring me with the Comeback Player of the Year Award,” said Irwin of receiving the award. “While I deeply appreciate the recognition for my months of hard work in recovery, my motivation came from my parents, my FC Copa family and my passion for success and soccer. The most rewarding part of my recovery has been the lessons I learned such as discipline, delayed gratification, consistency and to be grateful for every second I get to play soccer.”

During soccer practice on August 10, 2022, Santonio “Tony” Blakely began to suffer from a headache that later progressed into slurred speech, which led his parents to immediately take him to the hospital. Upon arrival at the hospital, they received the terrifying news that he was suffering from bleeding in his brain as well as a stroke. He was quickly airlifted to RWJ University Hospital in New Brunswick for treatment, where he received a craniotomy to open his skull and endured more than seven hours of surgery on his brain. The cause of the injury was an arteriovenous malformation (AVM), and the emergency surgery was thankfully a successful procedure.

Over the next several months of recovery, Blakely had to learn how to walk, run, write, speak and perform many physical tasks all over again. Further, he could not attend school or play in an active environment for many months after the procedure. Miraculously, his incredible focus and determination eventually led to a return to travel soccer with Hamilton Soccer Club for the fall season in 2023. Since his return, Blakely has been an integral part of the team’s success in winning their flight and competing for the MOSA Cup. Tony claims that soccer helped save his life, from his soccer family who helped him get to the hospital on that frightening day to his motivation to get better so he could play the game again. 

“Thank you NJYS for honoring me with the 2023 Comeback Player of the Year Award, and thank you to the Hamilton Soccer Club coaches for thinking of me and for nominating me for this award,” said Blakely. “I would especially like to thank my family for being there for me every step of the way, the neurosurgeons who saved my life, as well as the medical staff at the Robert Wood Johnson Children’s Hospital and Children’s Specialized Hospital in New Brunswick for being determined to help me survive and recover. I am very thankful and want to remind people that just because you get knocked down, doesn’t mean that you can’t get back up and push forward.”

The perseverance and bravery shown by these amazing young athletes is a true inspiration for all, making them both extremely worthy recipients of the NJYS Comeback Player of the Year Presented by JAG Physical Therapy.

In addition to a plaque to commemorate their achievements, Irwin and Blakely were both treated to a congratulatory video tribute that was played on video screens for the awards dinner audience to enjoy. Irwin’s video was filmed by Tab Ramos, former U.S. Men’s National Team captain and National Soccer Hall of Fame and NJYS Hall of Fame member. Blakely received a video from Tony Meola, a former U.S. Men’s National Team goalkeeper who is also a National Soccer Hall of Fame and NJYS Hall of Fame member. Additionally, they both received a custom ball from SIGND displaying a QR code that provided access to their personalized videos.

NJ Youth Soccer recently held its 2024 NJYS Annual Awards Dinner Presented by RWJBarnabas Health, where many players, coaches and guests of the soccer community were on hand at the Pines Manor in Edison, N.J. With more than 1,000 attendees, the event saw a capacity crowd for the annual celebration.

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 

Christine Gloth, NJ Youth Soccer

New Jersey Youth Soccer continues its celebration of the 2024 NJYS Awards Presented by RWJBarnabas Health, officially recognizing John LeFever of Red Bank FC as the NJYS Liesel Krehan Volunteer of the Year. This award was created to honor an individual who not only serves as an excellent soccer role model but also exhibits a willingness to advance the sport via their conduct and personal character.

“I am humbled and honored to have been named the Liesel Krehan Volunteer of the Year by New Jersey Youth Soccer,” said LeFever. “It came as quite a surprise, and while I appreciate the recognition, no one wins an award like this by themself. I have a great group of coaches, parents, players (past and present), family, and of course my wife, who share the vision, believe in the process and are 100% behind everything we try to do at Red Bank FC.”

John LeFever has been a part of Red Bank FC for more than 20 years. During that time, he has played many roles including youth coach, referee, Club President, MOSA representative and field coordinator. Today, he coaches three teams and has his referee license. He also organizes camps and is always working to get more volunteers to coach and take on responsibilities in the club. Many people within Red Back FC feel there would not be a club without him. 

LeFever has made it his mission to ensure that any child, especially a child from Red Bank, has the opportunity to learn and play soccer. He is a great leader and understands that learning the game is more important than wins and losses at the younger age groups. He also implores respect from all participants of the game, whether it be players, coaches or parents. LeFever has shared his love of the game with many, and he takes pride in the fact that former players return to the club to coach.

“I want to thank all those I previously mentioned for their belief, support and passion,” continued LeFever. “I also want to thank New Jersey Youth Soccer for the recognition and for everything they do to support all of the soccer volunteers in New Jersey.”

In addition to a plaque to commemorate this achievement, LeFever was treated to a congratulatory video tribute from Cindy Parlow Cone, current President of the US Soccer Federation and a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and FIFA Women’s World Cup champion, that was played on video screens for the awards dinner audience to enjoy. He also received a custom ball from SIGND displaying a QR code that provided access to his personalized video.

NJ Youth Soccer recently held its 2024 NJYS Annual Awards Dinner Presented by RWJBarnabas Health, where many players, coaches and guests of the soccer community were on hand at the Pines Manor in Edison, N.J. With more than 1,000 attendees, the event saw a capacity crowd for the annual celebration.

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