News

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 

Christine Gloth, NJ Youth Soccer

New Jersey Youth Soccer continues its celebration of the 2024 NJYS Awards Presented by RWJBarnabas Health, officially recognizing Breanna Kozej and Oliver Aplin as the NJYS Youth Referees of the Year. Each year, NJ Youth Soccer works with the NJ State Referee Committee to select and honor the NJYS Youth Referees of the Year for outstanding performance, strong individual work ethic and dedication to the promotion of fair play and good sportsmanship by players, coaches and fans.

Breanna Kozej has been refereeing since 2018. She first officiated games primarily in the South Jersey area, but she has since expanded to higher-level matches in New Jersey and beyond. She was chosen to referee in the US Youth Soccer (USYS) Eastern President’s Cup in 2023 and was also selected to represent the East Region at the USYS National President’s Cup in Kansas. Currently in college while continuing to evolve in her craft, the dedication and commitment she has shown makes her a worthy selection for this award.

“I am honored to have been selected as the NJYS Youth Female Referee of the Year,” said Kozej. “It means the world to me, and I am thankful for the help and guidance I have received along the way from referee mentors, referee coaches and national referee coaches. From starting to referee in 2018 to now, I have only wanted to grow and continue to stride towards my goals due to the love I have for this sport. I am lucky and blessed to be surrounded by positive referees and mentors who lift each other and myself up along the way.”

Oliver Aplin first began refereeing in 2019, working mostly in the southern region of the state. After being recognized for his talent as a referee, he was selected to officiate at the NJYS State Cup in both the spring and fall of 2023. His development and improvement throughout the year, as well as his eagerness to learn and continue to grow as a referee, make him a very worthy choice for NJYS Male Youth Referee of the Year. Still early in his progression as a referee, Aplin plans to continue as a soccer official while attending college. 

“Thank you to New Jersey Youth Soccer for honoring me with the 2023 Male Youth Referee of the Year Award,” said Aplin. “I want to especially thank my family, past and present assignors, and Matt (Falk) and Barry (Towbin) of the State Referee Committee for supporting my growth in refereeing over the past five years.”

In addition to a plaque to commemorate this achievement, Breanna Kozej and Oliver Aplin were each treated to a congratulatory video tribute from Mark Geiger, legendary US Soccer referee and NJYS Hall of Fame member, that was played on video screens for the awards dinner audience to enjoy. They also 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 Roberto Aguas of FC Copa Academy as the NJYS Bob McNulty Coach of the Year. In honor of Bob McNulty, NJ Youth Soccer honors a travel level coach each year who best demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to good sportsmanship as well as player and team development.

“I extend my heartfelt appreciation to NJYS for bestowing upon me the prestigious title of the Bob McNulty Coach of the Year,” said Roberto Aguas of receiving the award. “It is a tremendous honor to stand among the accomplished coaches in the richly talented New Jersey community. Reflecting on the two decades since the establishment of FC Copa, I feel blessed to have had the privilege of working with exceptional players who committed themselves to learning, supportive parents who entrusted me with the education and guidance of their children and dedicated fellow coaches who collaborated with me. These past 20 years have marked an extraordinary chapter in my life, filled with cherished memories that will remain etched in my heart forever.”

Coach Aguas founded FC Copa Academy in 2004 with a desire to offer a different kind of service in the youth soccer world. His passion was to provide a true academy atmosphere that focuses on the personal development of players both on and off the field, obtaining success in the game of soccer with a high level of emphasis on education, and the ultimate goal of placement into college and universities. Coach Aguas also serves as the President and Executive Director of Coaching for FC Copa Academy, which has grown into one of the nation’s most recognized clubs.

 Coach Aguas has worked tirelessly to create an atmosphere which will enable players to find success through the pillars of respect, hard work, structure and discipline. He has led six teams to the number one ranking in New Jersey and four teams to number one rankings in the country. He has also guided teams to wins at some of the most prestigious tournaments, showcases and leagues in the country. He has personally coached over 200 players and had oversight of 400 additional players who have gone on to play collegiate soccer. He also coached and mentored FC Copa players who have reached the professional ranks or have been called up to youth national teams. His resume speaks for itself, making him a very worthy recipient of the NJYS Bob McNulty Coach of the Year Award. 

In addition to a plaque to commemorate his achievement, Coach Aguas was also treated to a congratulatory video tribute from Gregg Berhalter, New Jersey native and head coach of the US Men’s National Team, that was played on the 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 held its 2024 NJYS Annual Awards Dinner Presented by RWJBarnabas Health earlier this month, 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 Dinner Presented by RWJBarnabas Health, officially recognizing Juan Morales of the Roxbury Soccer Club as the NJYS Recreation Coach of the Year. Each year, this award highlights the accomplishments and dedication that a recreation level coach has displayed to their players and community.

“The beautiful game of soccer has the power to unite the entire world and bring everyone joy for a brief moment,” said Morales. “It is an honor to coach these young players.”

Juan Morales has proven to be a worthy recipient of the NJYS Recreation Coach of the Year Award. Members of the Roxbury Soccer Club rave about his contributions to the players and families of the teams he coaches. He is known for teaching sportsmanship, player development (on and off the field) and being involved in his community. Coach Morales consistently promotes values of fair play, respect and integrity, all while striving to create a training environment that encourages the enthusiasm, creativity and self-confidence that allows each player to realize their full potential. He possesses a well-defined coaching philosophy centered on holistic player development, and his approach emphasizes skill acquisition, tactical understanding, teamwork and character development. 

Many feel that the most incredible quality of Coach Morales is his inclusiveness and welcoming attitude toward all of the diverse families that make up his teams. One such example of this is when he went out of his way to pick up a father from work and drove him to his son’s game, just so he could watch him play.

In addition to a plaque to commemorate this achievement, Coach Morales was treated to a congratulatory video tribute from Juan Carlos Amoros, head coach of NJ/NY Gotham FC, that was played on the 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 held its 2024 NJYS Annual Awards Dinner Presented by RWJBarnabas Health earlier this month, 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 Dinner Presented by RWJBarnabas Health, officially recognizing Jackson Soccer Club as the NJYS Recreation Program of the Year. This award is presented each year to highlight the accomplishments and dedication that a recreation program has initiated to its players and community.

Jackson Soccer Club has been a member of NJ Youth Soccer for many years and has served as a great partner for the state association, providing fields for NJYS State Cup games and ODP events, as well as hosting several NJYS Coaching Courses.

The Jackson Soccer Club (JSC) Recreation Program consists of intramurals, player development and referee development. JSC Intramurals is a recreation program open to children ranging in age from 3 to 17-years-old. The program strives to create a safe, fun and exciting environment for children to learn the game of soccer, and the club has a goal for every child to leave the soccer field with a sense of accomplishment and joy. The recreation program is a partnership between Tecnica Soccer and JSC coaches and parents. The Tecnica professional trainers plan and lead each session and incorporate parent volunteers to help make the experience better. This partnership allows a fantastic balance between a player’s development, including parent participation and involvement, while making sure players are receiving professional training.

JSC forms teams and divisions based on age. It follows US Soccer principles to develop kids in terms of physically, technically, knowledge of strategy and Soccer IQ. Programs offered include a Mini Kickers Peanut Program for the youngest age groups, Micro Kickers (small-sided games and training), Collegiate Division (7v7 or 9v9), Major League Division for middle school age athletes (9v9 or 11v11) and Premier Division for high school age players.

For further player development, JSC offers several clinics throughout the year. These clinics are run through Tecnica and range from general development to skill specific sessions. Examples include Goalkeeper Training, Shooting, Brazilian Skills Clinic and Defending. These offerings provide a great learning opportunity for those intramural and recreation players who want to improve their skills and gain more from a program. The clinics are open to both travel and recreation players, providing recreation players with the opportunity to play alongside travel players.

The JSC Referee Program has continued to grow over the years, and it has provided a great environment for new referees to practice their skills. One of the initiatives of the program is to bring on new referees to teach them how to officiate games. Many of their referees return year after year and provide mentorship to younger referees.

“Thank you to New Jersey Youth Soccer for honoring Jackson Soccer Club’s Recreation Program,” said Lou Vitanov, JSC Intramural Director. “I want to thank my family, JSC Board Members, training staff and our volunteers. Special shout out to Angelina Vitanov and Sophia Vitanov for their countless hours volunteering to better the community.” 

In addition to a plaque to commemorate their achievement, Jackson Soccer Club was treated to a congratulatory video tribute from Luis Robles, former goalkeeper for the New York Red Bulls, that was played on the video screens for the awards dinner audience to enjoy. Jackson Soccer Club also received a custom ball from SIGND displaying a QR code that provided access to their personalized video.
NJ Youth Soccer held its 2024 NJYS Annual Awards Dinner Presented by RWJBarnabas Health earlier this month, 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

NJYS Soccer Parent of the Year Award Is Presented by the Soccer Parenting Association

New Jersey 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 hosted a capacity crowd for the annual celebration.

One of the honorees that evening was Angelica Paola, who was selected as the NJYS Soccer Parent of the Year. The award is presented by the Soccer Parenting Association, and it recognizes parents who have gone above and beyond in service to their club, team or community. The award was created to highlight the pivotal role that parents play in the youth soccer experience. 

Angelica Paola is the team manager for the U10 Perth Amboy Lions. Unbeknownst to her, she was nominated by the coach of the Lions because he knew she is too humble to think of herself as worthy of the recognition. However, the time and effort she puts into creating a fun and safe environment for the team makes her absolutely worthy. Most of the families on the team are Spanish speaking, and Paola takes the time to bridge the gap between players and coaches so that everyone’s needs and expectations are met. Further, she is always willing to help organize end of season parties and arrangements for long tournament weekends. Perth Amboy Soccer Club would be the first ones to say how lucky they are to have a parent volunteer like her. 

“I would like to express my gratitude to NJ Youth Soccer, Perth Amboy Soccer Club and to our coach, Liddy,” said Paola. “Thanks to my family, to each player and to all the families who always show their commitment, dedication and support in this wonderful sport. You all make a world of difference.”

In addition to a plaque to commemorate this achievement, Paola was treated to a congratulatory video tribute from Yael Averbuch, General Manager of NJ/NY Gotham FC and former member of the US Women’s National Team, that was played on the video screens for the entire crowd to enjoy. She also received a custom ball from SIGND displaying a QR code that provided access to her personalized video.

The goal of the Soccer Parenting Association is to empower parents while inspiring players. The organization also runs the SoccerParentResourceCenter.com website, which instructs youth soccer coaches and parents.

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 

Meredith Waropay, NJ Youth Soccer

Nelson Ramirez, the longest tenured member of the NJYS Board of Directors, has officially been inducted into the New Jersey Youth Soccer Hall of Fame after having served selflessly for more than 30 years. His “Kids First” dedication to helping youth programs throughout the state has provided countless young people with the opportunity to learn the game of soccer.

Ramirez’s passion for the game started at a young age when he began playing club soccer in Colombia with Millionarios. He later moved to the United States in 1966 and continued to develop his lifelong passion for the game by playing in New Jersey and Long Island Leagues. His trajectory in youth soccer began when he started coaching his daughter’s team in Long Island. Later on, helped found the Mahwah Raiders Soccer Club to give kids a space to enjoy the game in his local community. From there, his involvement grew further by serving as an NJYS Olympic Development Program (ODP) coach.

The commitment by Ramirez to the NJYS Board of Directors began in the 1990’s as a North Area Commissioner, and it escalated to a role as the NJYS First Vice President where he oversaw the NJYS Olympic Development Program (ODP). It was there that he focused on his dream to have 11 players from New Jersey on the field wearing the national team jersey. ODP was also home to one of his fondest memories, which was winning two National Championships with his ODP girls teams.

“It has been very rewarding that we have had kids through the program we have been able to place onto college teams, and now some are professionals,” reflected Ramirez.

Another of his most notable achievements is the work he has done for Just One Soccer League in Newark. The program makes the game available to underserved youth in Newark neighborhoods, providing many kids with a space to enjoy the game and develop their skills.

“Nelson is a big advocate for creating opportunities for the players we serve, and he has revitalized the program,” said Oscar Rodriguez, co-founder of Just One Soccer League. “He has been a driving force in growing what was once a small program in Newark to being recognized nationally. His impact on our organization has been profound, and we are so incredibly grateful to have him on our team.”

In addition, Ramirez helped pioneer NJYS’ Celebration of Soccer, an event that provided underprivileged communities a free and fun soccer experience designed to develop a love of the game.

“Nelson Ramirez’ leadership played a vital role in the Celebration of Soccer Events for our inner-city programs, as well as the global awareness and significant growth of New Jersey Youth Soccer’s Olympic Development Program,” stated Rick Meana, NJYS Director of Coaching. “It is very rare to find a colleague who has inspired me in the way Nelson has.”

Still a prominent fixture in the game throughout New Jersey, Ramirez currently serves as the NJYS Third Vice President and is the Board of Directors Liaison to the Recreation Growth Advisory Board. He also continues to coach high school and club teams, forever remaining steadfast in his commitment to growing youth soccer and giving back to communities in need.

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