The NJ Youth Soccer Hall of Fame honors individuals who have demonstrated outstanding accomplishments and leadership while making significant contributions to the growth of soccer and its participants in our state. These individuals have distinguished themselves through exceptional service, standard of play, and performance as a volunteer, administrator, referee, coach, or player. Two categories have been established for inductees: Player and Contributor. Descriptions of each are provided below.

Ideal Candidate: Player

A player is an individual who has distinguished themselves through their performance and achievements on the soccer field at the youth, collegiate, professional, or international level.

• Ideally, candidates will have played a minimum of six (6) years as an NJYS player.
• Ideally, candidates will have competed at the Regional or National level through their team, club, or the Olympic Development Program (ODP).
• Additional consideration will be given to players who performed with distinction at the collegiate level.
• Honors such as All-American status, professional league all-star recognition, or three plus (3+) years of National Team experience (youth or senior) strengthen the candidacy.
• To be eligible for consideration, players ideally should not have played soccer professionally or at the youth level for at least five (5) consecutive, full calendar years.

Ideal Candidate: Contributor

A contributor is an individual who has made a significant, sustained, and positive impact on the growth, development, and promotion of NJYS in a non-playing capacity. Builders shape the game through leadership, service, education, officiating, administration, or other lasting contributions that extend beyond personal achievement and benefit the NJYS community. Builders include coaches, referees, administrators, contributors, and volunteers.

Coaches

• Minimum of 10 years in youth or higher-level coaching.
• Recognized for teaching ability, coaching success as measured by team performance and/or players developed, positive influence, and high ethical standards.
• Contributions across multiple levels including youth recreational, youth travel, ODP, collegiate, professional, and state/national teams may be considered.

Referees       

• Minimum of 3 years as a New Jersey State Youth Referee.
• Minimum of 7 years at the NJ State, Regional, National or FIFA level.
• Distinguished themselves via on-field or off-field excellence, leadership, and development of other referees in New Jersey.
• Contributed to the advancement of the sport and the development of other referees in New Jersey.

 Administrators

• Minimum of 10 years of administrative service to youth soccer at the club, state, regional, or national level.
• Ideally, candidates will have made a major, sustained, positive impact on youth soccer growth, governance, or operations.
• Recognized for leadership, vision, and advocacy supporting the development and growth of youth soccer.
• Recognized for non-technical but impactful contributions that advance youth soccer programs, access, or opportunities.

 Volunteers

• Often recognized for grassroots impact, ensuring the success of local clubs, leagues, or state programs.
• Minimum of 10 years of dedicated volunteer service supporting youth soccer in New Jersey.
• Contributions should demonstrate commitment, leadership, and positive influence within the youth soccer community.

Inductees