Mass Youth Soccer
Where Every Experience Tells a Story
MISSION
VISION
To serve, educate, and provide safe soccer play for all.
Lead, inspire & unite soccer communities to create environments that support development, encourage dreams and foster belonging.
MASSYOUTHSOCCE R FUN GROWTH
INTERGRITYVALUES
MEMBERSHIP ORGANIZATION WITH MORE THAN: 327 member organizations and leagues
146,000 players
25,000 coaches, administrators, and volunteers
2025 Annual Award Winners
BOYSCOACHOFTHEYEAR MarkDoherty
Mark Doherty has been coaching youth sports in Worcester since 2018, beginning with his three children’s recreational teams before moving into competitive travel soccer He has spent the past eight years coaching Worcester Youth Soccer, guiding many of the same players since they were just four years old Under his leadership, this group has grown from their early rec days into a talented Division 1 travel team
In addition to soccer, Mark also coaches basketball in the St. Joe’s League and flag football year-round with the Worcester WooSaders Club. Coaching continues to be one of the most rewarding parts of his life, and he’s proud to help young athletes develop their skills, teamwork, and character both on and off the field.
GIRLSCOACHOFTHEYEAR
PierredeGalbert
Pierre de Galbert has volunteered with Watertown Youth Soccer for the last decade He started as a parent volunteer when his daughter was in the pre-K program He then joined the WYS leadership team and was director for the Town Program focused on pre-K to 2nd grade for three years
In 2020, Pierre started coaching his daughter’s 3rd grade team in the BAYS travel program and has been coaching them since then. In 2022 he started coaching his younger son’s team as well. Through all these seasons he has coached with and learned from a large group of other parent volunteers. As a coach, with the support of players and their parents, the goals he aims to foster is to support each other, work hard to improve as individuals and a team, and respect everyone on the field.
Pierre grew up in France playing the sport at school and his neighborhood Playing, watching, and coaching has been an important way to make connections and create a sense of community throughout his life Sharing this passion with his children, their friends, and neighbors has been a highlight of the last ten years
EvelynSo
Evelyn is an avid soccer fan and has been involved with youth soccer in Massachusetts for over 25 years as a coach, referee, club officer, and league official She is currently the League Administrator for the Boston Area Youth Soccer League (BAYS) responsible for overseeing the day-to-day league operations, season management, team placement, and functionality of the BAYS website. Evelyn is also the Registrar/CORI Submitter for both Westwood Youth Soccer and Cambridge Youth Soccer.
Her newest venture is working on the steering committee responsible for launching the Boston Soccer League (BSL) The BSL is a collaborative initiative between the Boston Mayor’s office, Mass Youth Soccer, and BAYS to create opportunities and provide more access to play organized youth soccer to the residents of the City of Boston
VOLUNTEEROFTHEYEAR
KennyAntonucc
Kenny Antonucci is a lifelong Malden resident who graduated from Malden Catholic in 1982 He worked his way through obtaining his BS and MS in civil engineering from Northeastern University laying brick with his dad and tending bar. He worked on the Big Dig for 15 years and his kids grew up convinced the Zakim Bridge was called Daddy’s Bridge. Kenny is married to Andrea, and they have six children: Nicholas, Kenneth, Sofia, Bianca, Lucia, and Christian.
Kenny started his soccer journey when his oldest son signed up for in-town soccer as a kindergartener A swimmer in high school, Kenny had never played soccer; he started learning Over the years things snowballed as he progressed from occasional helper to coach to president of Malden Youth Soccer (and at one point Malden Little League at the same time) and vice president of Middlesex Youth Soccer He has also run the Commissioner’s Cup for the past 12 years Kenny began volunteering to spend more time with his own children but continues for the joy of seeing players grow both on and off the field. Along the way, he has met wonderful people and made some great friends.
TOPSOCCERCOACH OFTHEYEAR
Taylor has been a dedicated TOPSoccer coach and buddy for five years. He joined the program after realizing his son, Garrett, who has an intellectual disability, needed a place where he could truly enjoy soccer and feel part of a team. What began as an opportunity to share his love of the game with his son quickly became a deeper mission to help all kids experience the same joy and belonging that soccer can bring
Through creativity and compassion, Taylor has made an impact on the program, developing fun, inclusive activities that engage every player His energy and leadership have inspired volunteers, teaching them how to adapt their coaching styles and celebrate each child’s unique strengths and achievements.
As both a parent and mentor, Taylor continues to help Auburn's TOPSoccer program leader, Malory, build a community where every child feels valued and included. His passion, patience, and positivity have not only strengthened the TOPSoccer program but also created lifelong memories for players, families, and volunteers alike.
TOPSOCCERBUDDY OFTHEYEAR
Julia is a first-year Biology student at Boston University on the pre-med track, with hands-on experience in medical shadowing, research, and community service Her volunteer work includes coaching soccer for children with special needs through TOPSoccer, participating in the Special Olympics at Harvard University, and organizing clothing drives as an ambassador for Cradle to Crayons She is also a certified soccer referee with the Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association and currently works as a Biology Lab Assistant Julia’s dedication to making a positive impact is evident in both her volunteer and professional experiences.
OFTHEYEAR
Grace is from North Andover, Massachusetts and has been involved in soccer since she was five years old. She currently attends the University of Vermont where she continues to be involved with soccer, as well as racing mountain bikes on the club cycling team and participating in the jiu jitsu club
At age 12 Grace started refereeing in her town’s in-town soccer program working U10 games By 14 she was a mentor within that program and a fully-certified referee working county and club games It took Grace around three years after that to discover the referee community
With the support of MSRC and her family, she has worked her way up in level of play, age, and difficulty. Through MSRC, mentoring, and tournament travel, Grace has met some incredible people and made some of her closest friends. Through continued education and experience she will continue to progress as a referee and person. If she could give one piece of advice she would say, “Work hard, be ready, and have as much fun as humanly possible ”
YOUNGMALEREFEREE OFTHEYEAR
Evan
Evan is a 17 year old high school senior from Westminster, MA His soccer journey began in sixth grade when he wanted to try playing a new sport and be with his friends He has continued playing at the town travel and high school levels since then He spends much of his free time watching MLS, EPL, and NWSL Evan began reffing as soon as he turned 14, and while he originally started doing it for the money, it quickly turned into a core part of him. He can’t imagine what his life would be like without refereeing and the relationships he has gained. His favorite tournaments have been those with close friends and the possibility to expand his community. Evan has officiated in many elite youth leagues and has been awarded the opportunity to travel around the country. Evan credits a lot of his success to mentoring, time spent watching other referees, and participating in other continuing education opportunities Beyond being a referee, Evan enjoys giving back to the game and will often go to local fields to give feedback and support younger refs
CHAMPIONS CHAMPIONS
SFC New England 2013 Elite
NEFC Central G14
SFC 2013G NAL Elite
SFC 2013G NAL Elite
Select North 2012B ENCL RL
IFA West 2014 Boys Pre MLS Blue
Leadership Development Starts Early — Arjun Kamath proves it with a Whistle
At 13 years old, Arjun Kamath is discovering what leadership looks like from the center of the field. His motivation was clear from the start.
“I began to referee to develop a deeper understanding of the sport. It was initially challenging due to a large number of complex rules that required careful attention and accuracy. However, my peers and mentors were supportive when I made mistakes which allowed me to learn quickly and gain confidence as a referee.”
From his parent’s perspective, the leadership learning is unmistakable. At his very first game, he was responsible for 14 fourth graders. He had to keep them safe, enforce the rules, make tough calls, restart play, and guide the flow of the match. Some decisions were right, some were late, and some were wrong, but he kept going and learned in real time.
A mentor coach watched from the sideline, offering support only at halftime. He let Arjun take ownership, succeed and fail, and then provided feedback. That combination of independence and coaching is at the heart of true leadership development.
Refereeing youth sports teaches confidence, composure, and fairness. It requires quick decision making, the ability to manage pressure, and the maturity to correct mistakes. These are skills that strong leaders use every day.
Leadership does not always grow in a classroom. Sometimes, it grows on a soccer field with a young referee holding a whistle.
SAFESPORT QUICK GUIDE
What is
SafeSport
SafeSport is a comprehensive program of policies, procedures, and processes created to help participants detect and report abuse and misconduct, respond to it, and prevent future occurrences through education and training.
Required By:
The United States Congress (federal law) and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), U.S. Soccer and Mass Youth Soccer Policy.
Need to Know:
SafeSport Abuse Prevention Training (Yearly Requirement) - There are very few exceptions on who must complete SafeSport Abuse Prevention training, click HERE for to review those exceptions.
U.S. Center for SafeSport Reporting Requirements – There are no exceptions to this other than being the victim of abuse. Adult Participants are Mandated Reporters of Child Abuse and are also required to report all Sexual Misconduct, Prohibited Conduct, and Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy (MAAPP) violations as outlined in the U.S. Center for SafeSport 2024 Code and MAAPP. Additional important policy information is also found in the MA Youth Soccer Athlete and Participant Safety Policy.
To Report a Concern:
For More Information, please review the Mass Youth Soccer Reporting Abuse and Misconduct web page. or contact the Mass Youth Soccer Director of Safeguarding at mrelic@mayouthsoccer.org. CLICK HERE TO REPORT A CONCERN.
MASS YOUTH SOCCER WORKSHOP IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE NEW ENGLAND
MASS YOUTH SOCCER WORKSHOP
IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION
REVOLUTION
PRESENTERS PRESENTERS
CLASSROOM SESSION: CLASSROOM SESSION:
Creating a Game Model:
A Framework for Coaching Clarity and Consistency
RANDY WALDRUM
- UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH RANDYWALDRUM -UNIVERSITYOFPITTSBURGH
CLASSROOM SESSION: CLASSROOM SESSION:
Breaking Lines in Player Development
DAVE SIMONE
- UNITED SOCCER COACHES DAVESIMONE -UNITEDSOCCERCOACHES
FIELD SESSION: FIELD SESSION:
Creating and Exploiting Numbers-Up Scenarios SARAH DACEY - BENTLEY UNIVERSITY SARAHDACEY -BENTLEYUNIVERSITY
CLASSROOM SESSION: CLASSROOM SESSION:
Establishing a Sense of Community & Collaboration with Parents to Promote Player Development and Health
SKYE EDDY - SOCCER PARENTING SKYEEDDY -SOCCERPARENTING
CLASSROOM SESSION: CLASSROOM SESSION:
How To Win a Match with a Throw In
FIELD SESSION: FIELD SESSION:
The Fast and Clever Throw In Session
THOMASGRONNEMARK -THROWINACADEMY
THOMAS GRONNEMARK
-THROW IN ACADEMY
CLASSROOM SESSION: CLASSROOM SESSION:
Developing Competitors and Mental Wellness through Positive Coaching
IAIN MARTIN
CLASSROOM SESSION: CLASSROOM SESSION:
Staying in the Game: Reducing Injuries, Elevating Performance in Soccer
CLASSROOM SESSION: CLASSROOM SESSION:
Play For Everyone: Universal Design that Elevates Players, Coaches, and Outcomes
- POSITIVE COACHING ALLIANCE IAINMARTIN -POSITIVECOACHINGALLIANCE
DAVIDNOLAN, PT, DPT, MS, OCS, SCS, CSCS - BAYSTATEPHYSICALTHERAPY
DAVIDNOLAN,PT,DPT,MS,OCS,SCS,CSCS -BAYSTATEPHYSICALTHERAPY
DOUGLAS MARQUES
- THE SHIRLEY ANINIAS SCHOOL DOUGLASMARQUES -THESHIRLEYANINIASSCHOOL
CLASSROOM SESSION: CLASSROOM SESSION:
Juggling It All: Coach Mental Health and Wellness Amidst Competing Demands
CLASSROOM SESSION: CLASSROOM SESSION:
Keeping Her in the Game: Retaining Females Playing and Coaching
FIELD SESSION: FIELD SESSION:
From Field Player to Goalkeeper: Helping Kids Discover the Position
CLASSROOM SESSION: CLASSROOM SESSION:
Growing the Game in Schools and Communities
REBEKAHROULIERANDBENNYAMES - DOCWAYNE
REBEKAHROULIERANDBENNYAMES -DOCWAYNE
TOMMYGEISANDMICHAELNDOUMBE -MASSYOUTHSOCCER
TOMMYGEISANDMICHAELNDOUMBE - MASSYOUTHSOCCER
SOCCERFORWARD – SENIOR DIRECTORGROWTH
SOCCERFORWARD–SENIOR DIRECTORGROWTH
SARIROSEANDLAURAHALFPENNY
SARIROSEANDLAURAHALFPENNY
CLASSROOM SESSION: CLASSROOM SESSION:
From Reasearch to Reality: How the Game
Format Project Is Reimagining Grassroots Soccer for Ages 4-6
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
TOMCONDONEANDCHRISBENTLEY - USYOUTHSOCCER
TOMCONDONEANDCHRISBENTLEY -USYOUTHSOCCER
BRIAN BILELLO PRESIDENT – NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION & BOARD CHAIR
BOSTON SOCCER 2026
BRIAN BILELLO PRESIDENT – NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION & BOARD CHAIR –BOSTON SOCCER 2026
ALLISON REID
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF SPORTING STRATEGY – U.S. SOCCER
ALLISON REID SENIOR DIRECTOR OF SPORTING STRATEGY – U.S. SOCCER
MATT CROCKER
MATT CROCKER
SPORTING DIRECTOR
SPORTING DIRECTOR –U.S. SOCCER
U.S. SOCCER
SAFEGUARDING REMINDER SAFEGUARDING REMINDER
Collective accountability is essential to fostering a fun, safe, and respectful culture in youth soccer Each group has a vital role to play in upholding these values:
Administrators: Communicate expectations to all coaches and provide resources needed to fulfil those expectations.
Coaches: Model appropriate behavior, re-enforce expectations, and ensure compliance at every game.
Spectators/Parents/Guardians: Understand and model appropriate behavior
Players: Demonstrate sportsmanship and respect for everyone at all times.
Please remind your coaches that they are responsible for ensuring the following:
The Sportsmanship Statement is read before all games.
All participants and spectators understand the behavioral expectations and consequences for failing to adhere to them.
Compliance with all relevant Codes of Conduct:
Mass Youth Soccer Coaches Code of Conduct
Mass Youth Soccer Parents Code of Conduct
Mass Youth Soccer Player’s Code of Conduct
Compliance with Policy 531-9:
U.S. Soccer’s 531-9 Policy(Gross Misconduct Toward a Referee)
Please note: Mass Youth Soccer has extended Policy 531-9 to include spectators, emphasizing that even the smallest infraction left unaddressed creates space for greater misconduct.
If you see something, do something! Code of Conduct and 531-9 violations are managed by the Member Organization with which the Adult Participant is affiliated. If misconduct rises to the level of reporting to Mass Youth Soccer (Prohibited Conduct and MAAPP violations – A &B), click HERE.
Everyone has the right to a safe and enjoyable environment! Together, we can create a fun environment that upholds essential values such as integrity, respect, sportsmanship, and safety. This commitment applies to the entire soccer community
Dean Conway Grant Recipients
“I am a dedicated youth soccer coach with a passion for player development and creating positive, growth-focused environments on and off the field From 2020 to 2022, I coached with Bayside FC Nor’easter Soccer Club, where I started as an assistant coach
Since 2021, I’ve been a coach with Resendes Soccer Academy, working camps and yearly group sessions that emphasize technical improvement. In 2022, I joined Vipers FC where I started as an assistant coach and grew into a head coach while designing training sessions, assisting practices and games, and working closely with players to help them with their development and confidence I’m very committed to helping young athletes reach their potential while including a lifelong love for the game ”
“Receiving the Dean Conway Education Grant is a honor and part of an important step in my growth as a soccer coach It represents recognition of my dedication to developing young athletes and my commitment to continuous learning within the game. This grant helps give me the opportunity to expand my coaching knowledge, refine my leadership skills, and bring new ideas and techniques back to the players I work with all the time Most importantly, it motivates me to continue giving back to the soccer community by creating positive, challenging, and supportive environments for every player I coach and that love the sport
CedrickLaba
Cedrick Labah is a committed soccer coach currently serving with NEFC and leading Fitchburg Futbol Club, an adult men’s program dedicated to building strong men through brotherhood, community, and faith. With academic training in Business Administration and Pastoral Ministry, Cedrick integrates leadership, mentorship, and athletic development to cultivate both character and performance in his players His coaching philosophy emphasizes discipline, teamwork, and purpose both on and off the field Based in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, Cedrick serves a diverse and resilient community comprised largely of immigrant and working-class families In this environment, soccer acts as a powerful tool for connection, personal growth, and positive change Through Fitchburg Futbol Club, Cedrick provides opportunities for young adults and former athletes to grow in confidence, skill, and faith while fostering unity within the community.
Receiving this grant is a profound honor and a source of great encouragement It signifies recognition of the ongoing efforts to use soccer as a platform for personal and community transformation This opportunity will enhance Cedrick’s ability to continue developing as a coach and to provide impactful, high-quality experiences for his players. He is deeply grateful to be supported in his mission to serve and strengthen the Fitchburg community through the game he loves
Dean Conway Grant Recipients
“Over the years, I have dedicated myself to developing players and building environments that promote growth, discipline, and purpose at every level of the game I currently serve as the Boys Director at Massachusetts Rush Soccer and as the Founder of Alpha Training Academy, where I lead programs designed to nurture players through a culture defined by strong values, high standards, and genuine care for individual development Throughout my coaching journey, I have been privileged to work within diverse and competitive communities, helping young athletes discover their potential both on and off the field I believe that true success is rooted in the environment we create; one built on trust, accountability, and shared commitment ”
“I am truly grateful to be a recipient of the Dean Conway Education Grant. This is an initiative that holds deep personal meaning to me Dean Conway’s legacy represents opportunity, growth, and service, and to once again be connected to that legacy is both humbling and inspiring This grant brings me one step closer in my pursuit of the highest licences in the country (USSF A License), a journey that goes far beyond earning a title Through this opportunity, I hope to deepen my understanding of coaching, expand my capacity to lead, and open new doors to mentorship and collaboration I’m thankful for the belief and support that make this possible, and I’m eager to continue this journey with purpose, gratitude, and a commitment to impact those I work with in meaningful ways.”
“I am a Brazilian-American soccer coach who is currently a student at University of Massachusetts-Boston Currently, I coach grassroots soccer for Fellsway Wanderers, and Boys JV Soccer at Winchester High School In the past, I have also worked as a Player Development Coach for the New England Revolution, which thankfully allowed me to experience youth soccer in Massachusetts through various town programs ”
“Receiving this grant serves as a major incentive to pursue further education and accreditation in youth soccer. The Dean Conway Education Grant enables me to strive for my USSF C License, which in turn will aid my development as a coach. I hope to become a better professional for the players I coach; my mission is to create an environment where players can create valuable memories and life skills, just as I did in the past. This grant is an outstanding opportunity bestowed upon me in this mission.”
Dean Conway Grant Recipients
“My introduction to coaching came during COVID as a volunteer assistant coach for my former high school I was able to gain further coaching experience as an assistant coach with Boston Bolts and as a Player Development Coach with the New England Revolution academy I am currently in my 5th season as a coach with Soccer Unity Project in the South End of Boston, providing completely free soccer, uniforms, and gear for boys and girls up to the U14 level. I have coached our U14 boys and girls teams and am proud to be a part of such an incredible organization.”
“I’m extremely proud and excited to receive this grant. Many children in Boston face massive roadblocks in accessing the sport and I’m looking forward to providing higher quality coaching to my players and club through this course I hope to continue Coach Dean’s legacy by making our sport more accessible to all ”
OmarAceved
Omar Acevedo is in his 2nd year of full-time coaching Having attended Suffolk University Boston, where he was a part of their Honors Community Scholars Program, Omar graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology. Currently Omar works for NEFC South as a Head Coach and as an Assistant Coach for numerous teams of varying age groups and levels. Omar also is a Player Development Coach for the New England Revolution Academy across various town programs and various age groups Having previously assisted with the Attleboro High School Boys' Soccer Program, Omar now also is the Assistant Varsity Coach at Oliver Ames High School Womens' Soccer Program, where he has focused on maintaining a holistic point of view when it comes to studentathlete development
It is an honor to be the recipient of the Dean Conway Coaching Education Grant. It means recognition in the steps and values that I have taken in this profession, being to the utmost standard and a reminder to believe in myself, and continue to believe that I can get the best out of every player I encounter It is also very humbling to know that I have the support of MA Youth Soccer in my coaching education as I continue to grow with more experience
Dean Conway Grant Recipients
“Head coach of Boston Latin Academy Varsity Girls and Head Coach of Soccer Unity Project Grade 6 travel boys team Boston(South End) - based youth soccer program that provides free, organized soccer to the children of Boston. I love working with our community and helping our youths with player development, teamwork and sportsmanship while also offering free access to participate through Soccer Unity Project ”
“I want sincerely say thank you for accepting me for the Dean Conway Education Grant, means so much to have a chance of further developing my coaching education This will further help me to grow as Coach in my community”
StephanMari
“I started coaching free summer clinics in East Boston when I was 16 for a nonprofit called the Neighborhood of Affordable Housing I then began working as an unpaid assistant coach for about 4 years with a talented 2008 team, of which the core was based from East Boston. Since then, I have dedicated my club coaching to U9s-U19s at New England Surf based in Newton/Weston, where I have the opportunity to collaborate with amazing players, coaches, and directors of the highest quality Having been involved with their national Surf Select programs, it is a privilege to take what I am learning through the course that this grant is helping to subsidize, and apply it to players performing at some of the highest levels nationally Some of my proudest moments in coaching have come with Boston Latin Academy in Dorchester My alma mater, I joined the coaching staff at BLA in 2021 Since then, we have built the best junior varsity team in the Boston City League, going undefeated all of Fall 2024 and 2025 BLA Varsity won the City league title twice, in 2022 and 2023”
“What this grant means to me is a confirmation that the work I have done, and will continue to do for underserved players is meaningful On top of my coaching roles, I also work as the East Boston Liaison for the District 1 Boston City Councilor, and in the short time I have been on staff, I have tried my best to advocate for improved infrastructure and processes in city Athletics The perspective I have from completing US Soccer coaching courses is invaluable in being able to empathize with and elevate community concerns regarding health and sports Whether it is running a clinic in East Boston, on the sideline for Boston Latin Academy in Dorchester, staying after training to help a Surf player in Newton, or being an advocate for soccer and youth athletics at City Hall, this grant motivates me to lean into my soccer work even more Thank you to mentors like Patrick Mudie, Daniel Hackett, Tommaso Trevisan, and Kyle Bak and thank you to Massachusetts Youth Soccer for this recognition”
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