News

Meredith Waropay, NJ Youth Soccer

New Jersey Youth Soccer is proud to honor Wayne and Carol Cordiner with Distinguished Service Awards. Serving on the NJYS Board of Directors since 1993, both made significant contributions to youth soccer programming throughout the state and impacted hundreds of thousands of young players through those efforts. After retiring last year, Wayne and Carol recently spoke with us to reflect on some of their accomplishments and experiences.

Wayne Cordiner first got involved with NJ Youth Soccer by coaching several recreation and travel soccer teams in Freehold. He held many board positions with Freehold Soccer League, some of the most notable being Recreation Commissioner, Referee Assignor and Jersey Coast Travel Representative.

“I enjoyed watching how players were able to develop better skills in the various programs,” he reflected. “I had the pleasure of seeing a young referee become a World Cup Referee. I saw recreational players develop to the level of travel player, college player and even a few pro players.”

Wayne previously served as both Shore Area Recreation Commissioner and Shore Area Travel Commissioner. Additionally, he was very involved in the Olympic Development Program (ODP), having taken on the position of US Youth Soccer Eastern Regional ODP Tournament Representative.

While reminiscing about his time at NJ Youth Soccer, Wayne recalled his favorite memory.  

“Attending a USYS AGM in Scottsdale, Arizona, a former travel player I had the pleasure of coaching many years past recognized me, and we reminisced about our team. She had been invited to the AGM as a representative for a major soccer equipment supplier.”

“I was extremely fortunate to have many great coaches and office staff who made my job easy, whether it was State Cup or ODP,” Wayne continued. “I enjoyed each new season where returning players came out looking for more from the beautiful game. I was happy to see fresh players trying to advance their skills and play up to the level of their soccer idols.”

Carol Cordiner first became involved with NJ Youth Soccer after attending a workshop in Kentucky where she learned about USYS TOPSoccer, a program that gives people with disabilities the opportunity to learn soccer in an inclusive environment. She immediately became increasingly more involved with TOPSoccer.

“I was so impressed with the program I viewed that I knew this was the path I wanted to go on with NJYS,” Carol recalled. “From there, I signed up to take the required certification course. Shortly after, NJYS approached me to take over the role as the chairperson with the state’s TOPSoccer Programs.”

Carol played a vital role in starting TOPSoccer Programs in other states as well. She attended many regional conferences to present about TOPSoccer’s impact. She also presented for the NJYS Board of Directors about TOPSoccer’s regional expansion.

When asked about her favorite memory as part of NJ Youth Soccer, she responded, “Attending area TOPSoccer Festivals and seeing the interaction between coaches, players, buddies, parents and our pro players from Red Bull and Gotham FC.”

“Collaborating with the professional team at NJYS made it very easy to communicate our registrations, safety protocols and current opportunities for additional coaches, players and buddies to become part of the TOPSoccer Program,” she continued. “I am honored to have had the opportunity to participate with the NJYS community and value all of the many wonderful people involved whose paths I crossed.”

Jess Yeager, NJYS President, applauded Wayne and Carol’s commitment to NJ Youth Soccer and the youth game beyond our state’s borders. 

“Wayne and Carol both gave their time and never asked for anything in return,” he remarked. “Wayne advocated for ODP and supported the NJYS professional team. He helped grow the State Cups as 1st Vice President and left a strong program for the next person. Carol’s belief in the value of TOPSoccer gave many disabled athletes the opportunity to participate. New Jersey Youth Soccer is in a better place today because of their efforts.”

Wayne and Carol currently reside in a lakefront home in Mississippi with their family, but they continue to remain connected to youth soccer.

New Jersey Youth Soccer has teamed up with Stack Sports, the largest provider of sports management solutions, camps, recruiting and elite player development software, etrainu and US Youth Soccer to launch a new integrated training platform on Sports Connect. Through this new integration, the USYS University will be available to all USYS members with NJ Youth Soccer leading the charge as the first State Association to leverage the integration. As pioneers in sports tech adoption, NJ Youth Soccer has created a connected ecosystem for every club utilizing the Sports Connect platform.

This integration allows NJ Youth Soccer to deliver a Single Sign-On (SSO) experience, enabling youth soccer clubs in New Jersey to access the USYS University directly via the Sports Connect platform. The integration will also allow NJ Youth Soccer and its member clubs to seamlessly relay course completion results into the Sports Connect platform, facilitating greater ease of learning management and reporting requirements. This will also enhance the capabilities that organizations have to better understand their data through the already best-in-class insights platform on Sports Connect.

“Through our partnership with US Youth Soccer and etrainu, Stack Sports is thrilled to unveil this new integrated platform on Sports Connect,” said Adam Abney, GM of Sports Connect. “This advancement marks a significant step forward in enhancing the experience for all USYS members, with New Jersey Youth Soccer leading the way as the first state to implement this innovative solution. Together, we’re transferring the sports experience and giving time back to organizations so they can focus on what matters most.”

In line with their innovative approach to best utilize the USYS University, NJ Youth Soccer has also leveraged etrainu’s in-house studio team for course development. etrainu is supporting the State Association in developing the State Certificate and “Y” Course in an autonomous format. The course covers topics aimed at equipping soccer coaches with the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully run clubs and training sessions, as well as satisfaction of the NJ Little League Law for volunteer coaches. The courses are expected to launch in their new digital format later this spring.

“New Jersey Youth Soccer is proud to partner with etrainu and Stack Sports to pioneer solutions that democratize access to practical soccer education,” said Ryan Foley, Operations Manager for New Jersey Youth Soccer. “This integration serves as a model for other USYS members and State Associations, and NJYS is excited to help deliver the implementation.”

“We are excited to release the etrainu and Sports Connect integration for the USYS University,” said Paul Hoon, CEO of etrainu. “We also want to thank New Jersey Youth Soccer for their commitment to innovation as the first State Association to implement the integration. We look forward to seeing the impact this has on the soccer community.”

The integration with Sports Connect is available to other State Associations through the USYS University. If you are interested in leveraging the integration with Sports Connect, please reach out to the Sports Connect team.

Play has officially commenced for the NJYS Spring State Cup competitions, featuring single elimination play for 15U-19U teams. Across the three tournament tiers, overall participation has exceeded 1,000 teams for the fourth consecutive year.

“Our State Cups proves to be the most prestigious single elimination competition for teams in New Jersey,” said Ryan Foley, NJYS Manager of Operations and tournament supervisor. “We are proud to continue our record-breaking participation for the fourth straight year.”

With the National Championship Series, Presidents Cup and Challenge Cup tournaments, every participating team vies for the opportunity to be crowned “State Champion” in their age group and bracket. This spring’s tournament will feature 15U-19U teams in a traditional single elimination format.

“NJYS State Cups continues to evolve and support the modern game,” said Bill Smith, NJYS First Vice President and State Cups Advisory Board Chair. “Our ability to provide these competitions for over 1,000 teams competing at various levels speaks to the organizational depth of NJYS.”

Competition preparation involved a host of stakeholders. The NJYS State Cups Advisory Board, which includes Board Members, League and Club representatives and the State Youth Referee Administrator, was actively involved in strategic planning. NJYS State Office staff, including Nicole Petras (NJYS Events Coordinator) and Ryan Foley (NJYS Manager, Operations), worked diligently to coordinate with team applicants and complete their registrations.

The National Championship Series is the country’s most prestigious national youth soccer tournament, providing winners from each state the opportunity to showcase their soccer skills against the best competition in the nation while emphasizing teamwork, discipline and fair play.

The Presidents Cup provides a progressive, competitive environment to teams that might not otherwise get the opportunity to participate in a series of unique experiences highlighting competition, camaraderie, and community.

The Challenge Cup is the NJYS State Cup designed to create a challenging and enjoyable event for teams outside of the National Championship Series and Presidents Cup.

Throughout the competition, NJ Youth Soccer will provide highlights and recaps of key moments. For more information regarding the 2023-24 NJYS State Cups, click here.

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 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