Each year, New Jersey Youth Soccer chooses its Annual Awards. New Jersey players, teams, coaches, referees, and volunteers are recognized for outstanding performances during the preceding year and/or contributions to youth soccer in the state. NJ Youth Soccer’s annual awards will be presented in the categories listed below. Applications can be submitted electronically by choosing the appropriate link found next to the award description.
Winners in the following categories will be honored at the NJYS Awards Celebration presented by RWJBarnabas Health on Sunday, February 7, 2027, at the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The deadline for award submissions is December 4, 2026.
Coach Awards
Bob McNulty Coach of the Year
- To nominate a deserving travel coach, apply here.
Bob McNulty was the first NJ Youth Soccer Director of Coaching. In 1972, he assembled an enthusiastic staff and began leading coaching courses throughout the state to license, train and develop as many quality recreation and travel coaches as possible. In Bob’s honor, NJYS recognizes travel level coaches who best demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to good sportsmanship, player and team development.
Recreation Coach of the Year
- To nominate a deserving recreation coach, apply here.
Since 2004, NJ Youth Soccer has recognized a volunteer coach for outstanding service in the Recreation Program. This individual demonstrated a superior commitment to sharing the fun and enjoyment of the game of soccer while reinforcing these key attributes: sportsmanship, player development, personal coaching development, community, and involvement.
Referee Awards
Youth Referee of the Year
Youth Referees of the Year are chosen by the New Jersey State Referee Committee. The Youth Soccer Referee of the Year is awarded for outstanding overall officiating performance, strong individual work ethic, and dedication to the promotion of fair play and good sportsmanship by players, coaches, and fans.
Player Awards
Comeback Player of the Year Presented by JAG Physical Therapy
- To nominate a deserving player, apply here.
NJ Youth Soccer is pleased to recognize the comeback player of the year to honor an individual who has overcome adversity or injury to excel beyond expectations as a soccer player.
Goal of the Year Powered by the New York Red Bulls
- To nominate a deserving goal, apply here.
NJ Youth Soccer is pleased to recognize an extraordinary goal scored by a NJYS player during the Seasonal Year prior to their nomination.
Save of the Year Powered by NJ/NY Gotham FC
- To nominate a deserving save, apply here.
NJ Youth Soccer is pleased to recognize an extraordinary save made by a NJYS player during the Seasonal Year prior to their nomination.
Service Awards
TOPSoccer Volunteer of the Year Presented by RWJBarnabas Health
- To nominate a deserving volunteer, apply here.
The TOPSoccer Volunteer of the Year of the Year Award is awarded for extraordinary dedication and accomplishments through the exhibition of these key qualities: demonstrates patience, understanding, dependability and flexibility to adjust to changing on-field situations. These individuals promote continual player safety while assisting, guiding, directing, teaching and creating a fun and sociable experience for all participants.
Volunteer of the Year
- To Nominate a deserving volunteer, apply here.
The NJYS Volunteer of the Year award honors those who are excellent role models for their community. Willingness to promote players and soccer, sound moral and ethical character and increasing the opportunity to participate in soccer are all characteristics of nominees for the NJYS Volunteer of Year award.
Recreation Program of the Year
- To nominate a deserving recreation program, apply here.
NJ Youth Soccer is pleased to recognize a recreation program for its outstanding achievement and efficient and effective management of the ever-growing number of players playing at the recreation level.
Scholarships
Recipients of the following scholarships will be honored at the NJYS Awards Celebration presented by RWJBarnabas Health on Sunday, February 7, 2027, at the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The deadline for award submissions is December 7, 2026.
Frank Bollaci Memorial Scholarship
- Candidates who were involved in refereeing, apply here.
The Frank Bollaci Memorial Scholarship was established by NJ YouthSoccer to honor his legacy. Frank was a long-time president of the South Brunswick Soccer Club, a coach, and a seasoned referee involved with the NJ State Referee Committee. Soccer had an immense impact on Frank’s life, along with a commitment to community service. One scholarship in the amount of $1000 will be awarded to a deserving applicant.
Liesel Kreehan Memorial Scholarship
- Candidates who have a commitment to volunteer service, and demonstrate self-discipline, responsibility, and teamwork, apply here.
The Liesel Krehan Memorial Scholarship was established by our New Jersey Youth Soccer member league, the Mid New Jersey Youth Soccer Association. New Jersey Youth Soccer is proud to continue this scholarship in memory of Liesel Krehan and her many years of dedicated service to youth soccer throughout our state. The funds for this scholarship are donated by MNJYSA. Two annual scholarships in the amount of $1,000 will be awarded to deserving recipients.
Allan Sinclair Memorial Scholarship
- Candidates who have a background in volunteering and community service, apply here.
The Allan Sinclair Memorial Scholarship was established by NJ Youth Soccer in April of 2012 to honor the many facets of Allan Sinclair’s relationship with youth soccer. Al had an extensive career with NJ Youth Soccer, serving as President for almost 25 years; and Executive Director from 2008-2012. Al’s time and dedication to youth soccer was mostly done as a volunteer not only in the state, but also in the East Region. The funds for this scholarship were donated in his memory when he passed away in April of 2012. Two scholarships in the amount of $1000 will be awarded to deserving applicants.
Tony G Legacy Scholarship
Scholarship 1: Awarded to an eligible NJYS player who is graduating high school and applying to an accredited college or trade school.
Scholarship 2: Awarded to an eligible South Amboy High School soccer player who is graduating and applying to an accredited college or trade school.
- Candidates who can demonstrate their ideals of sportsmanship, teamwork, and how they dealt with adversity, apply here.
The Tony G. Legacy Scholarship was established to honor the life, dedication, and lasting impact of Coach Tony Gonsalves and his commitment to young athletes, soccer, education, and the community. Tony G.’s coaching tenure at South Amboy High School (formerly H.G. Hoffman High School) spans 50 years- an incredible six decades of dedication, leadership, and service to generations of student-athletes. New Jersey Youth Soccer is proud to administer this scholarship in collaboration with The Tony G Legacy Scholarship Committee. To honor his legacy, two annual scholarships in the amount of $1,000 will be awarded to deserving recipients.
Jeanine Willis Scholarship
- Candidates who have played in at least two New Jersey Youth Soccer State Cups, apply here.
The Jeanine Willis Scholarship Fund was established by NJ Youth Soccer to honor the numerous contributions Jeanine Willis made to youth soccer in the state of New Jersey and beyond. Jeanine was NJ Youth Soccer’s first Executive Director and also served as a member of the NJYS Board of Directors for a number of years. Jeanine was devoted to enriching the overall soccer experience for all NJ Youth Soccer players. Two scholarships in the amount of $1000 will be awarded to deserving applicants.
NJYS Hall of Fame Inductee
The NJYS Hall of Fame honors individuals who have demonstrated outstanding accomplishments and leadership while making significant contributions to the growth of soccer and its participants throughout New Jersey.
- For more information and to nominate a deserving candidate, apply here.