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Message from our President

Thismonth,we’reexcitedtobringyou anothereditionfilledwithimportant updates,upcomingopportunities,and highlightsfromacrossEasternNewYork. Inside,you’llfindkeyinformationforleagues, clubs,coaches,referees,andfamilies,along withstoriesthatshowcasethecontinued growthandpassionwithinoursoccer community.Thankyouforthetime,care,and commitmentyoubringtocreatingpositive soccerenvironmentsforourplayers.

Richard Christiano ENYYSA President

“To promote and enhance youth soccer across Eastern New York, supporting development, education, and safe participation from recreational to premier levels.”

ENYYSAPARTNERSHIPNEWS!

The Interleague Alliance (ILA) is a new competition platform developed in collaboration with leading leagues across Eastern New York.

The ILA is launching in Spring 2026 as a Boys U12 pilot program, introducing a new level of competition focused on creating more meaningful games and stronger development opportunities for players.

This collaboration reflects a shared vision across our State Association

RECOGNITIONSPOTLIGHT

Mike Segreto

OFTHEYEARAWARDS

Congratulations to Mike Segreto on his induction into the Staten Island Youth Soccer League Hall of Fa

A longtime leader in SIYSL and an important part of ENYYSA, Mike has dedicated years of service to growing the game and supporting the soccer community across Eastern New York We are proud to celebrate this well-earned recognition

Our annual “Of The Year” Awards honor the coaches, volunteers, administrators, and rising referees who make a lasting impact in Eastern New York Youth Soccer. We invite you to submit nominations and help us honor those who go above and beyond in service to the game. Local and statewide honorees may also advance for regional and national recognition.

Nominations are typically open at the start of the fall season, with a deadline around October 15, so be sure to look to submit in September and early October.

Award categories include: Competitive, Coach of the Year, Boys & Girls, Recreational Coach of the Year, Boys & Girls, TOPSoccer Coach of the Year, TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Administrator of the Year

Submission details can be found here

Mental Health Awareness Month

Morgan’sMessage

Morgan’s Message is a national organization dedicated to raising awareness around mental health in athletics and eliminating the stigma surrounding it. Inspired by the life of Morgan Rodgers, a student-athlete who struggled with mental health, the movement encourages open conversations and supports athletes both on and off the field.

At Eastern New York Youth Soccer, we are proud to support Morgan’s Message during Mental Health Awareness Month. We are committed to creating an environment where players feel safe speaking up, supporting one another, and understanding that mental health is just as important as physical health.

STATE OF PLAY 2026

Youth soccer in NYC & North Jersey

The State of Soccer: New York City/North Jersey report by Project Play is a very recent release, offering up-to-date insights into youth soccer in the region. While soccer remains one of the most popular sports among young people, the report highlights ongoing challenges with access.

THE CHALLENGES:

IN ACCESS

WHY IT MATTERS

kids play primarily for fun, friendships, and personal development, yet the current system often places too much focus on competition and elite pathways. Overall, the report calls for more inclusive opportunities and a shift back toward making the game accessible and enjoyable for all.

WhyEasternNYODP?

The Eastern New York Olympic Development Program offers players a chance to be challenged, evaluated, and inspired in a competitive training environment designed to support long-term growth From local identification to regional and national opportunities, ODP provides a clear pathway for players who want to push themselves, represent Eastern New York, and experience the game at a higher level.

AUGUST 9-NOV 22, 2026

Theblendedformatcombinesanonlineexperience,assignments,smallgroupmeetings,independentlearning,andanin-personmeeting overthecourseof4months MusthaveDLicenseforatleast6monthsandaccesstoaU13+teamforthedurationofthecourse

AFRIMS SPORTS PARK - COLONIE, NY

CLICENSE CTLLEVEL1

JULY 6-OCTOBER 5, 2026

Thisblendedformatcombinesanonlineexperience,assignments,smallgroupmeetings,independentlearning,andanin-personmeeting andsummativeassessmentinterviews.MusthaveaBLicenseandminimumofone(1)yearexperienceinaclubtechnicalleadershiprole.

SUFFOLK COMMUNIY COLLEGE - SELDEN, NY

COACHINGINSIGHTS

WEALLNEEDFEEDBACK

In order to improve as a coach, we all need feedback. This is an undeniable truth. Even my coaching articles need feedback too. Yet in most clubs, meaningful feedback is almost nonexistent. Many coaches operate in a vacuum, without a technical lead to provide support and guidance. Some are hesitant to share honest reflections on their sessions, while others lack the skill, structure, or time to critically reflect in a way that leads to real growth

Research suggests that many coaches, without proper training in reflection, do so inaccurately sometimes up to 80% incorrectly This highlights three key areas for improvement:

Clubs should create environments where coaches receive regular observation and formative feedback, ideally supported by video analysis.

Clubs should upskill coaches in reflective practice so that reflection leads to clear learning plans and intentional development. We should always ask the players. Players tend to provide honest, concise and valuable feedback.

byTIM BRADBURY

LATESTNEWS fromENYSOCCER.COM

YaniqueNewman-UniqueBallersFC

Yanique Newman, Founder and Director of Unique Ballers FC (UBFC), is using soccer to empower young girls through mentorship, leadership, and opportunity Based in Brooklyn, UBFC focuses on creating an inclusive environment where girls can grow both on and off the field while increasing representation within the game

April 6, 2026-The Staten Island Youth Soccer League (SIYSL), the southernmost league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), celebrated three new Hall of Famers on March 5 at LiGreci’s The Staaten

National1League'Aneweraofcollaboration'

Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association proudly supports the National 1 League, a new top team-based competition within US Club Soccer and US Youth Soccer that creates a unified national platform alongside the ECNL Beginning in the 2026–27 season, the league formerly known as NewComp combines US Club Soccer’s National Premier Leagues with US Youth Soccer’s National League, marking a new era of collaboration in youth soccer

It’s very simple, only one team can win a soccer game but both squads should be having fun Especially on the youth level Lately, a few people have forgotten this, or that the children and teenagers are there to play a game and have fun, the coaches are there to coach, the refs are there to officiate and the spectators are there to cheer