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News

Feniger, Harasek Honored As Brett Fenster Memorial Scholarship Recipients

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

Errington, Roskos Honored As Jeanine Willis Scholarship Recipients

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

Nematadzira, Stein Honored As Allan B. Sinclair Scholarship Recipients

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

Mollie Peters Honored As Frank Bollaci Memorial Scholarship Recipient

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 

New Jersey ODP Participates in Virginia Friendlies

Will Scherer, NJ Youth Soccer

The New Jersey Olympic Development Program (NJODP) recently participated in the Virginia ODP Friendlies, which were held at the Warhill Sports Complex in Williamsburg, Virginia. The event brought together boys and girls players from age groups 2007-2012, representing various ODP state organizations including New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia.

The Virginia Friendlies showcased closely contested matches among the participating states. Alex Laloui, NJODP Youth Director, expressed his appreciation towards Don Rawson, Gordon Miller, Jessica Cottet and Virginia Youth Soccer leadership for their planning and execution of the event.

“Their unwavering dedication to organizing a top-notch tournament created an environment conducive to growth and success,” said Laloui. “From the impeccable facilities to the attentive services, their commitment shined through at every stage.”

NJODP has consistently thrived on the competitiveness that is presented at the Virginia Friendlies. This year was no exception, as teams were thoroughly tested and demonstrated significant growth within each game.

“It was great to have top ODP teams, from the East Region and North Carolina, at our Virginia Friendlies recently in Williamsburg, Virginia,” said Gordan Miller, VYSA Technical Director. “We were especially pleased to have the NJODP teams as they always come prepared, are tough to play against and they always turn up some first-class player talent.”

NJODP would like to extend its sincere appreciation to the players, families and coaches who supported its teams at the Virginia Friendlies.

“Our players and families have demonstrated an exceptional level of commitment to NJODP this year, and it has been a privilege for all of us at NJODP to work alongside such motivated individuals,” said Erika Salter, NJODP Manager.

For more information about the New Jersey ODP, please email odp@njyouthsoccer.com. Also, make sure to like the official New Jersey ODP Facebook Page.

NJYS Hosts Successful AGM And Club Development Workshop

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

1st Vice President: Bill Smith

3rd 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

Courtney Irwin, Santonio Blakely Honored As NJYS Comeback Players Of The Year

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 

John LeFever Honored As NJYS Liesel Krehan Volunteer of the Year

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 

NJ Youth Soccer Honors Youth Referees of the Year

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 

Diane Cruz Honored As NJYS TOPSoccer Volunteer of the Year

Christine Gloth, NJ Youth Soccer

New Jersey Youth Soccer continues its celebration of the 2024 NJYS Awards Presented by RWJBarnabas Health, officially recognizing Diane Cruz of Cranford Soccer Club as the NJYS TOPSoccer Volunteer of the Year.

TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a recreational sports program for children with intellectual, emotional and physical disabilities. Developed by US Youth Soccer, TOPSoccer provides an opportunity for those with diverse abilities to play the game in a structured environment that is safe, fun, supportive and inclusive.

“I am truly honored to be recognized as the NJYS TOPSoccer Volunteer of the Year,” said Cruz. “I want to thank NJYS, RWJBarnabas Health, Cranford Soccer Club and the Cranford community for all their support of this program. My goal when bringing TOPSoccer to our community was to create more inclusivity through soccer, but we have achieved so much more. This award is a celebration of the collective efforts of our community in fostering an environment where everyone, regardless of ability, experiences the joy of participation and belonging.”

Diane Cruz has been an integral member of the Cranford Soccer Club Board for more than 10 years. She led efforts to bring TOPSoccer to Cranford and has run a very successful program. She was heavily involved in the program’s logistical implementation into the Cranford Soccer Club framework, and she also obtained grants for the program, doing all of this work as a non-compensated volunteer. Since its launch, the focus of the program has been on the athlete experience, encouraging the development of social skills and teamwork while modeling perseverance and instilling confidence in the participants.

Her mission when starting TOPSoccer at Cranford Soccer Club was to provide a soccer experience for kids with disabilities that was similar to what every athlete receives from the club. This included new equipment, paid professional trainers and full uniform kits with their names on them. Her thoughtful selection of athlete “Buddies” and coaches grouped by interest level and ability, as well as refereeing games herself, have all contributed to the success of the program. In her years as Director of TOPSoccer at Cranford Soccer Club, Cruz has been to nearly all monthly Board Meetings to ensure that TOPSoccer was represented and had a “seat at the table.”

Soccer is a passion throughout the Cruz family, and Diane has two children who play for Cranford Soccer Club, including one son who is both a player and certified referee. As a teacher for Cranford Public Schools, Cruz has always put the needs of others before her own, and she is an established mentor of young children in the Cranford community.

In addition to a plaque to commemorate her achievement, Cruz was treated to a congratulatory video tribute from Skip Gilbert, CEO of US Youth Soccer, that was played on video screens for the awards dinner audience to enjoy. She also received a custom ball from SIGND displaying a QR code that provided access to her 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 

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