NJ Youth Soccer Annual Report (2020-2021) by njyouthsoccer

OUTH SOCC Y J N

UA L R E P

T R O

NEW JERSEY YOUTH SOCCER 2020-2021 SEASONAL YEAR “Building a Soccer Community”

NEW JERSEY YOUTH SOCCER 569 ABBINGTON DRIVE SUITE 5 EAST WINDSOR, NJ 08520

LETTER FROM LEADERSHIP // New Jersey Youth Soccer Friends and Family, On September 1st of 2020, the NJYS fiscal year began with lots of uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a year of adaptation, resilience, new programs and safety guidelines. However, the fiscal year ended August 31st in better circumstances than the start of last year as we slowly returned to play as health and safety is our guiding priority. Thank you to all who have worked tirelessly during this pandemic to keep the children engaged during these trying times. This was not an easy effort as the Executive Orders continued to change weekly and we all worked together to understand what soccer looked like at that moment in time. Frustration was evident at all levels, but we all understood that we were in this together if we were to make it through. On behalf of New Jersey Youth Soccer, we express our appreciation for our member travel and recreation leagues: Central Jersey Youth Soccer Association-Elite Development Program, Morris County Youth Soccer Association, Metro Youth Soccer, Monmouth Ocean Soccer Association, Mid-New Jersey Youth Soccer, Inter-County Youth Soccer League, Ocean County Recreation League, Suburban Youth Soccer League, and Rockaway Valley Soccer League. We appreciate your ongoing commitment to youth soccer during the pandemic. We also recognize the tremendous support we continue to receive from our official partners. RWJBarnabas Health, Adidas, New York Red Bulls, Gotham FC, Philadelphia Union, JAG-ONE Physical Therapy, Kwik Goal, Épico Studios, Wilson Trophy Company and Sports Connect. We also want to give a special thanks to Veo, our newest longterm partner. In addition, we value our association and membership with US Youth Soccer and US Soccer as we collaborate to grow our sport in New Jersey and beyond. A special thanks to the Board of Directors and the staff of NJYS, who have worked together tirelessly to grow the beautiful game. They have come together as a group to do what is in the best interest of the one member, we all support the player. This was a fiscal year unlike any other and we want to thank the entire NJYS family for all their work, support, and patience this past year. Sincerely,

Jess Yeager, NJYS President 2

ABOUT NJ YOUTH SOCCER // OUR MISSION Serve the youth soccer community by providing our members with programs, tools, education, training, and governance; promoting inclusive culture and safe environments; and encouraging the development of youth soccer players of all ages and skill levels. OUR VISION To provide fun and safe soccer experiences at all ages and abilities for the youth soccer community. OUR STORY Since 1971, New Jersey Youth Soccer has worked throughout New Jersey’s 21 counties to promote, foster, and perpetuate the game of soccer to the region’s youth. New Jersey Youth Soccer, a 501(c) (3) organization affiliated with U.S. Youth Soccer and the U.S. Soccer Federation is composed of more than 100,000 players from 5 to 19years-old; 10,000+ coaches; and thousands of volunteers. Members collectively support the sport of soccer through training, practice, competition, and the spirit of good sportsmanship. The association features recreational, travel soccer programs at multiple skill levels; Olympic Development Programs (ODP); tournaments including the National Championship series; coach and referee training and certification programs; and TOPSoccer, a program for children with special needs. New Jersey Youth Soccer Association is committed to fostering the physical, mental, and emotional growth and development of the New Jersey youth through the sport of soccer. New Jersey Soccer will continue to seek new opportunities to foster the best environment to promote the game of soccer throughout the state.

MEET THE TEAM // EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Jess Yeager

Wayne Cordiner

Andrew Bondarowicz

Nelson Ramirez

Bill Smith

Don Kameno

Secretary

Treasurer

Casey Becht

Magda Zwierzchowski

State Registrar

State Youth Referee Administrator

Evelyn Gill

Evan Dabby Executive Director

President

Second Vice President

Past President

First Vice President

Third Vice President

MEMBERS AT LARGE Carol Cordiner, Toms River Independent Soccer Club Joseph Giunta, Middletown Soccer Club Eric Offenberg, Monroe Township Soccer Club Rico Scardelletti, Lawrence Hamnett Soccer Association Anthony Sciorilli, Wall Soccer Club STAFF Public Relations Consultant Executive Director Project Consultant - Registration Manager, Communications & Strategy Director of Technical Operations Member Services & Recreation Coordinator Manager of Finance and Administration Director of Coaching Education ODP Youth Coaching & TOPSoccer Director Coordinator, Registration & Coaching Schools Events Coordinator Innovate to Grow Consultant ODP Coordinator

John Archibald Evan Dabby Vinny Farina Ryan Foley James Galanis Lorie Hynes Samantha LaManna Rick Meana Lou Mignone Lindsey Nappi Nicole Petras David Ricca Erika Salter

PROVIDING SOLUTIONS FOR ALL YOUR CLIENT'S NEEDS http://www.gracechurch.biz/ 83 Big Oak Road, P.O. Box 879, Morrisville, PA 19067

Phone 215-295-0725 | Fax 215-295-1780

MEMBER LEAGUES // For the 2020-2021 season, 5 Travel Leagues and 4 Recreational Leagues reaffirmed their commitment to work with New Jersey Youth Soccer and conduct its operations in line with NJYS policies. Through this ongoing relationship, the State Association and the Member Leagues are focused on continued collaboration to improve the membership experience, both on and off the field.

MEMBER TRAVEL LEAGUES

MEMBER RECREATION LEAGUES

MEMBER CLUBS // Aberdeen Matawan Soccer Club Alexandria Youth Soccer Assn Inc Allamuchy Wolf Pack Alliance FC of Barnegat Americans SC Americans Soccer School Americas United SS ArJahz SA Arsenal Soccer Club AS Junior Elite Atlantic United Premier FC B & B United Soccer Club B Elite Player Development SC Background Checking Club Barnegat Soccer Club Battle of Monmouth Soccer Club Bayonne Youth Soccer Assn Beachwood Soccer Club Belvidere Youth Athletic Association Bergenfield United SC Berkeley Heights Youth SC Berkeley SA Berlin Soccer Club Blairstown Rec Soccer Bloomfield Soccer Club Bordentown FC Bound Brook Recreation Branchburg In Town Soccer Branchburg Travel Soccer Club Brick Twp Soccer Assn Bridgewater Soccer Assn Bridgewater United Soccer Club BSM Elite Academy Bulldogs SC Burlington County Soccer Academy Burlington Township Soccer Caldwell-West Caldwell Soccer Club Camden Youth Soccer Club Carteret Soccer Academy Cedar Grove Soccer Club Cedar Stars Academy Cedar Stars Academy Monmouth Cedar Stars Academy Newark Centennial Soccer Club Inc Centercourt FC Chatham United Cherry Hill FC Cherry Hill Soccer Club Cinnaminson Soccer Club Clark Soccer Club Clifton Stallions Cohansey Soccer Club Colonia Youth Soccer Association Colts Neck SC Community First Sports Club Cranbury Soccer Club Cranford Soccer Club Cruzeiro EC USA Delran Soccer Club Den of Lions Soccer Club Deptford Soccer Association Dover Strikers Travel Dutchmen

East Brunswick Soccer Club East Greenwich Soccer Association East Hanover Soccer Club East Windsor PAL Edgewater Park Athletic Association Edison United Soccer Assn Egg Harbor SC Elite Soccer Club Plainfield Elizabeth Youth Soccer Club Elmwood Park Crew Soccer Club Elver Soccer Club Escuela FC Europa Lions FC Ewing United Soccer Association FC Berna FC Copa Academy FC Europa Soccer Academy of NJ Florence Twp Soccer Association Florham Park Soccer Association Fort Lee Soccer League Franklin Franklin Twp Soccer Club Franklin Twp Youth Assn Recreation Fredon Recreation Soccer Freehold Soccer League French Football Academy Futbol Total Academy NJ FUTBOLTECH Future Soccer German American Kickers Glen Rock Shooting Stars SC Global Soccer Academy Gloucester City Youth Soccer GoalQuest Futbol Club Greater Flemington Soccer Club Hackensack Royals FC Hackettstown Soccer Club Haddonfield Soccer Club Hamilton Elite Hamilton Girls Soccer Club Hamilton Soccer Club Hamilton Wildcats FC Hammonton Youth Soccer Assn Hampton Township Soccer Club Hanover Soccer Club Hans Soliz FC Harrison Futbol Club Harrison Soccer Club Hasbrouck Heights SA Hazlet United SA Hibernian AA High Point Soccer Club Highland Park Soccer Association Highland Youth Soccer Club Hillsborough Soccer Club Hoboken City FC Holland Soccer League Holmdel FC Hopatcong Hawks Soccer Club Hope Township Rec Soccer Hopewell Valley Soccer Association Howell Soccer Club Howell United Soccer Club

HUB Soccer of Denville Hunterdon FC Ironbound SC J GIO Jackson Soccer Club Jefferson Youth Soccer Jersey City Soccer Assn Jersey Crew SC Jersey Knights Jersey Lions Jersey Shore Boca Jr FC Jersey South FC Jersey Stars SC Junior FC Just One Soccer League Kearny Football Club Kearny Thistle United FC Kinnelon Soccer Club Kittatinny Soccer Club KMSA Knowlton Athletic Association Lacey Soccer Club Lakewood Soccer Club Lawrence Hamnett SA LDUQ USA Pro FC Leicester City Soccer Club Lenape Valley Soccer Club Lincoln Park PAL Lincroft Soccer Club Linden Youth Soccer Association Liverpool FC International Academy Livingston Soccer Club Long Valley Rec Soccer Assn Madison Area YMCA Madison Soccer Club Mahwah Raiders Mainland United Soccer Assn Manalapan Soccer Club Manchester Township SC Mansfield Township Recreation Marlboro Soccer Association Marlton Soccer Club Maroons Soccer Club Match Fit Academy FC Medford Soccer Club Medford Strikers Soccer Club Mercer United FC Merlin Soccer Academy Metuchen Soccer Club Middlesex Youth Soccer Assn Middletown Soccer Club Millburn Soccer Club Millstone United Millville Soccer Assn Monmouth Coast FC Monmouth United SC Monroe Township Soccer Club Monroe Twp Youth Soccer Montclair United Soccer Club Montgomery Travelers Soccer Club Montville Soccer Association Moorestown Soccer Club Morris Elite Soccer Club

MEMBER CLUBS // Morris Plains Soccer Morris United Soccer Club Mount Laurel United SA Mount Olive Soccer Club Mountain Lakes Mountainside Recreation Soccer NASA Soccer Neptune Soccer Assn New Egypt Soccer Club New Jersey Rush New Jersey Surf New Providence Soccer Club Newton United Soccer Club Next Level SA NJ Blaze Soccer Academy NJ Crush FC NJ Nationals FC NJ Premier FC NJ Santos FC NJ Stallions Academy North Brunswick Soccer Club North Jersey FC North Plainfield Soccer Club North Plainfield Soccer Elite Northern Burlington Soccer Assn Nutley Elite Soccer Academy Ocean Twp. United Soccer Old Bridge Girls Soccer Old Bridge Soccer League Oxford Youth Association Palmyra Riverton Soccer Club Paramus United Soccer Club Parsippany Soccer Club Pasco Soccer club Passaic Youth Soccer Peninsula City FC Peninsula SC Pequannock Soccer Club Perth Amboy Soccer Club Perth Amboy Youth SA Pinelanders Youth Soccer Club Pinelands Soccer Association Piscataway Soccer Club Pittsgrove Soccer Club Plainfield Soccer Club Player Technique Academy Players Development Academy Point Pleasant Soccer Assn Point Pleasant Travel Soccer Club Pompton Lakes Riverdale SA Prestige Soccer Training Princeton FC Princeton Soccer Academy Pure Elite SA Quick Touch Futbol Rahway Youth Soccer Ramapo Youth Soccer Association Rancocas Valley SC Randolph Soccer Club RCD Espanyol De Barcelona NJ Real Jersey Futbol Club Red Bank FC Red Bull New York

Ringwood Rovers Robbinsville Soccer Association Rochelle Park Soccer Program Rockaway Rowdies Soccer Rockaway Township SA Roselle Park Soccer Roselle Soccer Assn Roxbury Soccer Club RUSA FC Saint John Vianney Soccer Club San Juan Bautista Soccer School Sayreville Athletic Association Sayreville Soccer SC Vistula Garfield Scotch Plains Fanwood SA SCP Youth Soccer Seneca United Soccer Club SG Elite Soccer Training Shore Soccer Club SJEB FC SJEB Rush Skylands HP United Soccer Club of Springfield Soccer for Life SC South Brunswick Soccer Club South Hackensack Strikers South Plainfield Soccer Assoc. South River Future Stars Sparta Soccer Club Sportfriends SC Sporting NJ FC Spotswood Soccer Club Stafford Soccer Club Stateline SC Steel United NJ Summit Soccer Club Sussex Warren Soccer Club Swedesboro-Woolwich Soccer Assn TBAA Tewksbury Soccer Club The Football Academy The Soccer Academy of NJ Tinton Falls Soccer Club Titanes Soccer Club Toms River FC Toms River Independent Club Torpedoes SC Totowa PAL Town of Hackettstown TSF Academy Twin County S.A. Union Beach Soccer Assn Union City United Soccer FC Union Soccer Club Unisamba FC Paterson United FC Upper Freehold/Allentown YSA Upper Township Soccer Assn US Parma SC Valencia Soccer Academy Vernon Youth Soccer Vineland Soccer Association Vision Training

Voorhees SA Vulcan Futbol Club Wall Soccer Club Wallkill Valley Recreation SC Wanaque Soccer Association Warren United Soccer Club Washington Twp. YAS Washington United Watchung Hills Soccer Assn Wayne Soccer Club WCFC SCP West Deptford Soccer Club West Jersey Soccer Club West Milford Soccer Club, Inc West Morris Soccer Club West Orange United FC West Paterson Soccer Association West Windsor-Plainsboro Westfield Soccer Association White Township Youth AA Willingboro Parks and Recreation Winslow Township Youth Soccer Wizards Sports Club Woodbridge Twp Youth Soccer Woodstown Soccer Club World Elite Soccer Academy Xolos Academy FC NJ

LETTER FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR // NJYS Members, This past year, we took advantage of countless opportunities to build our soccer community that have positioned us for long term growth, while creating a foundation for a better youth soccer landscape. We have our Board of Directors, member leagues, member clubs, state office staff and so many others to thank for our recent successes. COVID-19 continued to challenge us as it evolved. We embraced the ability to engage with our member clubs to provide ongoing information and guidance. We are inspired by the local efforts that kept soccer participation thriving in so many communities. We thank each of our members for their participation and commitment at the club level to sustain players on and off the field. Jess Yeager, in his first year as President, introduced several new advisory boards to guide the strategic direction and growth of our association: • • • •

Human Resource Advisory Board Risk Management Advisory Board Soccer Outreach Advisory Board Governance and Standards Advisory Board

Our member Leagues stepped into new leadership roles and collaborated on the League Roundtable virtual meetings to improve the soccer community. These efforts paved the way for coordinated Youth Soccer Modifications to the Laws of the Game that will bring consistency to youth soccer communities across the state and make it easier for coaches, parents and players to compete. For yet another year, the Board of Directors agreed to maintain our current player fee structure despite the increased player fee we pay to US Youth Soccer and insurance costs. Through fiscal responsibility and hard work, including successful PPP Loan applications, we prioritize our commitment to member services and benefits. Thank you to the Financial Services Advisory Board for your expertise and guidance. This year, we increased our focus on recreation and on improving our service and member offerings. We proudly introduced a Recreation Webinar dedicated to our grassroots soccer community. We expanded our partnership with Soccer Parenting as a member benefit, which now assists more than 30 clubs utilizing this NJYS-subsidized service. We introduced MOJO as a partner to aid our grassroots coaches. We continue to provide free access to YouthSoccer101 to nearly 2,000 coaches receiving this coaching education content. We continue growth via US Soccer’s Innovate to Grow grant. This grant has facilitated our community outreach to underserved and unaffiliated communities. While the pandemic prevented us from hosting as many events as desired, we continue to see results from this program, and we welcome a host of new members to our association.

Through that outreach, we expect approximately more than 2,000 new grassroots players and more than 200 coaches joined NJYS. Additionally, we have 38 clubs that are in various stages of the registration process, of which 13 clubs started newly affiliated recreation programs with NJYS. Looking ahead to 2021-2022, we set ourselves the goal of welcoming more than 2,000 new grassroots players and 200 coaches. Through the commitment and generous donation from high school soccer players in Bergen County, combined with our New York Red Bulls partnership, NJ Youth Soccer is sponsoring an Urban Soccer Camp that will take place in Newark next month. 60 young players will benefit and receive a full scholarship to attend a 3-day camp. We also used a grant from US Youth Soccer to host the Urban United Cup last month in Jersey City to provide a free 4v4 playing environment. NJ Youth Soccer endeavors to continue this commitment to our communities in future years. We continue to manage disciplinary issues and related hearings. Regrettably, we have noticed a spike in misconduct, too much of which stems from spectators disrespecting referees. A special thank you to the Discipline and Appeals Committee who volunteer their time to help us navigate these difficult situations. We are committed to improving the playing environment and will leverage solutions, such as Soccer Parenting and The Sideline Project, to promote respect on and off the field. We pivoted from our Awards Dinner that traditionally hosts more than 900 players and adults in person to a virtual recognition of our annual award and scholarship winners presented by RWJBarnabas Health. Thanks to the support of Carli Lloyd, Mark Geiger and Sky Eddy Bruce, we produced videos to honor all of those award recipients. We continue to advance our marketing efforts with a focus on enhancing member benefits. We renewed and maintained long-term partnerships with adidas, Gotham FC, New York Red Bulls, Philadelphia Union, Kwik Goal, JAG-ONE Physical Therapy, Epico Studios and Wilson Trophy. We announced a new partnership with Veo and continue our communication and outreach via monthly newsletters to various groups of stakeholders (e.g. members, coaches, recreation, TOPSoccer and ODP). We took on the challenge of a combined State Cups this spring, hosting competition for more than 1,000 teams in the 11U–19U age groups. It was a team effort led by the staff and State Cups Advisory Board who put forth tremendous effort on calls and on site to make these events successful. The NJYS Challenge Cup winners celebrated their state cup in style. The NJYS Presidents Cup champions went on to flourish at the US Youth Soccer East Region Presidents Cup. Thirteen teams competed, 11 teams advanced to the semifinals (2 nd most of any state association), 7 teams advanced to the finals and 3 teams were crowned champions. While we credit all teams that competed, we congratulate the Perth Amboy SC Wildcats (15U Boys), Morris Elite SC (17U Boys) and RUSA Gold (17U Girls). These teams advanced to the 2021 US Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup in Des Moines, Iowa. The US Youth Soccer East Regional Championships were host to more than 40 teams from New Jersey including all of the NJYS National Championship Series winners. Amidst the best

talent in the northeast, three NJYS teams claimed a prestigious championship: MatchFit Academy Short (12U), Wayne SC Dynamite Academy (14UG), and Real Jersey FC (15UG). These 13U teams and older, along with two teams that advanced via their USYS National League Championship (Real Jersey FC 15UB and 17UB), advanced to the 2021 National Championships in Bradenton, FL and the Real Jersey FC 17UB won the national title for a second consecutive year! ODP continues to evolve to meet new demands and higher expectations. We adapted this spring in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and created new events to differentiate this program from the many options available to elite players. A prime example is the “Success in Soccer'' webinar series that included Principles of Attacking and Defending; Practicing at Home; The Evolution of Formations; The Power of Social Media, Emotional Intelligence, and Mentality Flaws. Coaching Schools adapted to the evolving challenges relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we addressed this through our delivery of coaching education. We launched a blended course pathway and schedule to provide coaches at every level with an integrated learning experience. This low-barrier, easy access pathway offers a variety of State and National level courses that are tailored to meet the needs of coaches within grassroots and performancedriven environments. TOPSoccer continues to be a source of pride, and we value the opportunity to promote this program for players with special needs. Despite COVID, we innovated to provide various virtual engagement opportunities to benefit our players and registered programs. We anticipate connecting members and community organizations this summer and fall to facilitate playing and volunteer opportunities. Thank you to RWJBarnabas Health for its generous contributions. Registration is the foundation of our role, and our coordination with the Stack Sports platform is of utmost importance. Thank you to staff and the Registration Services Advisory Board for their continued guidance. We will continue to focus on building our soccer community. This will only be successful with the support and collaboration of the volunteers and staff members whose primary mission is to help NJYS promote the game and foster self-development on and off the field. This year reminded us how much can be accomplished by working together. We are all, together, NJ Youth Soccer. Thank you for your continued support and the opportunity to work as your Executive Director. Respectfully Submitted,

Evan Dabby, NJYS Executive Director

COACHING SCHOOLS // NJYS Coaching Schools continues its offerings despite the pandemic, offering a host of educational opportunities to a large number of coaches throughout the state.

BY THE NUMBERS 618 Candidates, NJYS State Certificate Course 123 Candidates, NJYS “Y” Course 294 Candidates, US Soccer Grassroots Courses 21 candidates, 4v4 49 candidates, 7v7 99 candidates, 9v9 125 candidates, 11v11 71 Candidates, US Soccer National “D” License 31 Candidates, US Soccer National “C” License

PROGRAM INITIATIVES NJYS 4v4 Club Foundation Program Programs were held throughout the spring for boys and girls teams ages 7U and 8U. NJYS Coaching School Instructors and other personnel were trained to lead these programs.

Talking Tactics sponsored by Kwik Goal Hosted 4 virtual sessions from Feb-May 2021, providing free content and education for member coaches.

INNOVATE TO GROW // The Innovate to Grow Fund was recently introduced by the U.S. Soccer Federation in pursuit of its mission to make soccer the preeminent sport in the United States. The initiative aims to help develop underserved soccer communities, with an overall focus on building the sport at the grassroots level. The Innovate to Grow Fund grants were awarded to U.S. Soccer Federation Members whose innovative programs show promise in building the sport of soccer at the grassroots level. As part of the Innovate to Grow initiative, NJ Youth Soccer continues to meet with recreation departments and community programs around the state to communicate its member benefits. These benefits focus on improving player abilities and confidence both physically and socially, risk management solutions, insurance solutions, improved coach knowledge, support from professional staff and increased parent engagement. We are proud of our progress led by David Ricca, Innovate to Grow Project Consultant.

1,500 New Players Registered 8 New Member Clubs • • • • • • • •

All Kids One Field Faith Soccer Club FC Santos Nasa United HAP Futsal Lyndhurst Recreation Real Central NJ Bulldogs SC

PROGRAM INITATIVES Urban United Cup - 4v4 Festival Nearly 100 players (ages 5-12) participated on 9 different fields in Jersey City.

OLYMPIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM // ODP registration and participation was considerably higher this year. NJYS continued its financial commitment and awarded many scholarships. OLYPMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM 500 200 13

ODP Players USYS East Region ID Invitational Selections USYS ODP East Region Team Selections

1,500

Tryout Participants (Most Ever Recorded)

YOUNG OLYMPIANS PROGRAM 460 Participants 169 North 136 Central 155 Shore/South PROGRAM INIATIVES NJ Friendlies and Memorial Day Game Event Eastern PA ODP Friendlies served as an effective preparation for the East Region ODP Tournament and 2009 Game Festival in June. Virtual Seminars The Mental Toughness, Tactical Awareness, and ODP Success Story seminars provide our program’s players with unique content. Summer Skills Camp We hosted a 2nd annual Summer Skills training camp in August. ODP PROGRAM PERSONNEL Wayne Cordiner, NJYS 1st Vice President James Galanis, NJYS Director of Technical Operations Lou Mignone, NJYS ODP Coaching Director Erika Salter, NJYS ODP Coordinator

STATE CUPS // The NJYS State Cups took a hiatus in the Fall and significantly rebounded in the Spring with more than 1,000 11U – 20U teams registered across all competitions. 304 Teams, Challenge Cup 369 Teams, Presidents Cup 338 Teams, National Championship Series

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS US Youth Soccer East Region Presidents Cup (West Virginia) • 13 NJYS Teams Competed • 3 NJYS Team Crowned Champions, Advanced to USYS National Presidents Cup o Perth Amboy SC Wildcats (15U Boys) o Morris Elite SC (17U Boys) o RUSA Gold (17U Girls) 2021 US Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup (Iowa) • 3 NJYS Teams Competed • 1 NJYS Team National Finalist o Perth Amboy SC Wildcats (15U Boys), National Finalist 2021 US Youth Soccer East Regional Championships (New Jersey) • 40 NJYS Teams Competed • 3 NJYS Team Crowned Champions, Advanced to USYS Eastern Regional Championships o Match Fit Academy Shore (12U) o Wayne SC Dynamite Academy (14UG) o Real Jersey FC (15UG) 2021 US Youth Soccer National Championship (Bradenton, FL) • 3 NJYS teams competed (1 Qualified Through USYS National League) o Wayne SC Dynamite Academy (14UG) o Real Jersey FC (15UG) o Real Jersey FC (17UB) • 1 NJYS Team Crowned Champion o Real Jersey FC (17UB), National Champion STATE CUPS ADVISORY BOARD Wayne Cordiner, Chair Ashley Hammond Dan Paolini Bill Smith Evan Unger

PROGRAM PERSONNEL Ryan Foley, Manager, Communications & Strategy Lorie Hynes, State Cups Coordinator Nicole Petras, Events Coordinator

ANNUAL AWARDS // Each year, New Jersey Youth Soccer gives out awards to honor youth soccer players, teams, coaches, referees, and volunteers for their accomplishments at the state, regional, and national levels of US Youth Soccer events during the preceding year. The passion and dedication these players, coaches, referees, volunteers, and leaders demonstrate inspires and motivates all in the youth soccer community to do good. The following people/groups were recognized for their contributions to the game in the 2019-2020 season. AWARD WINNERS Soccer Parent of the Year

Nicole Petras

Bob McNulty Coach of the Year

Lee Bakewell

Recreation Program of the Year

Roselle Park SC

Recreation Coach of the Year

Santy Duarte

TOPSoccer Volunteer of the Year

Molly Jendryka

Liesel Krehan Volunteer of the Year

Lorraine Schubert

Youth Referees of the Year

Marisa Brandon Kyle Trombetta

Comeback Player of the Year

Lia Wood

Presented by JAGONE Physical Therapy

Goal of the Year

Neha Thota

Presented by the New York Red Bulls

SCHOLARSHIP RECIEPIENTS Allan B. Sinclair Memorial Scholarship Recipients

Elizabeth Nielsen Dmitri Ramirez

Brett Fenster Memorial Scholarship Recipients

Rebecca Casper Thomas Scollan

Jeanine Willis Scholarship Recipients

Serena D’Anna Clarence Ong 17

TOPSOCCER // Through the efforts of our Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, and generous support from our sponsor RWJBarnabas Health, TOPSoccer returned to play safely. Our programming became very creative, as we engaged in Fun Virtual Sessions. A concerted effort was made to facilitate an enjoyable environment for players to build comfort and confidence through meaningful interactions made in the comfort of their homes. To facilitate education, USYS created a new Buddy Training video that was distributed to our NJYS TOPSoccer community. PROGRAM INITIATIVES TOPSoccer Roundtable (January 2021) Discussed strategy and Return to Play plans. NJYS TOPSoccer Virtual Jamboree Hosted by West Morris SC (February 2021), the jamboree Included virtual coach and Buddy training session. The Red Bulls Freestyle Team and Carli Lloyd made special guest appearances. USYS National Virtual Symposium (March 2021) The USYS event hosted weekly sessions covering various topics and a virtual coaching course. TOPSoccer Volunteer of the Year Carli Lloyd interviewed Molly Jendryka of West Morris SC as we celebrated her recognition as the TOPSoccer Volunteer of the Year. Jonathan Yee was welcomed as a key contributor.

Advisory Board Members Carol Cordiner Troy Memis Kathleen Murawski Nelson Ramirez Staff Liaison: Lou Mignone

ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMITTEES // GOVERNANCE AND STANDARDS ADVISORY BOARD (GSAB) The Governance and Standards Advisory Board (GSAB) was introduced this year and encourages the continued development of a governance framework that ensures accountability, fairness and transparency in NJYSA’s relationship with its members. Specific activities in this inaugural year included: • Reviewing the current NJYSA By-laws on a biannual basis. • Provide feedback to the Executive Director on the standards development process and the implementation and use of the standards. Advisory Board Members Andrew Bondarowicz (Chair) Christian Bastardi Jason Catalfomo Evelyn Gill Ralph Troisi Staff Liaison: Evan Dabby HUMAN RESOURCES ADVISORY BOARD (HRAB) The Human Resources Advisory Board (HRAB) was introduced this year and is committed to supporting the state office staff. The goal is to enhance the workplace experience, advising on matters related to services and programs for employees at NJYS. Advisory Board Members Rico Scardelletti (Chair) Homere Breton Don Kameno Dana Lopes Anthony Sciorilli Jess Yeager Staff Liaison: Evan Dabby

ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMITTEES // REGISTRATION SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD (RSAB) The Registration Service Advisory Board (RSAB) is responsible to advise the NJ Youth Soccer Board of Directors in the effective planning and strengthening of NJYS registration services. I would like to thank the advisory board members for their time, commitment, and vision. RSAB worked directly in creating and defining the following initiatives and strategies: Player Movement • Defined and standardized the Recreation and Travel player descriptions. • Developed the business rules that define the Inter-club and Intra-club player movement. • Transfers process for the 21-22 seasonal year. • Defined the use of Secondary Carding and supported the league’s individual process. • Created a solution for Tournament Rostering Training and Education • Assisted in the development of initiatives to provide Outreach Club Support and Training to member clubs administered by NJYS Operations staff. System Solutions • Developed an alternative Digital Passing Option for leagues to consider. • Advised Renewal process of NJYS’ strategic partner-Sports Connect Club Support • Created the League & Club Applications process and template. • Developed the Recreation Risk Management proposal and defined the business rules. Reporting • Developed standard Key Performance Indicator (KPI) report to compare membership metrics.

Advisory Board Members Casey Becht (Chair) Stephen Conger Kyle Haddock Anthony Sciorilli Stan Simmons Evan Unger Staff Liaisons: Vinny Farina, Ryan Foley

ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMITTEES // RISK MANAGEMENT ADVISORY BOARD (RMAB) The Risk Management Advisory Board (RMAB) was introduced this year with the goals of developing and maintaining a Risk Management Program for NJYS and its members. As part of its initial efforts, RMAB took on the following: • Reviewed background check protocol & criteria • Reviewed definitions and policies Advisory Board Members Andrew Bondarowicz (Chair) Homere Breton Evelyn Gill Joseph Guinta Angie Tarighi Robert del Cid Staff Liaison: Evan Dabby SOCCER OUTREACH ADVISORY BOARD (SOAB) The Soccer Outreach Advisory Board was created this year to broaden our reach to youth players in urban areas. We identified the need(s) of our target demographic, discussed strategy and direction, and moved towards feasible and practical ways to implement the group consensus. The Urban United Cup was introduced as a pilot event, leveraging a grant from US Youth Soccer as well as support from NJ Youth Soccer. This free pilot event hosted more than 100 youth players, boys, and girls; ages 7-12 years old. The event featured a “4v4” Festival where players benefited from a full ninety minutes of free play, focused on providing a fun, encouraging, and safe soccer-playing environment for everyone. We hope to replicate this event and environment in the future. Advisory Board Members Daniel Ali (Chair) Andrew Bondarowicz Evelyn Gill Charlie Inverso Oscar Rodriguez Nelson Ramirez Staff Liaisons: David Ricca, Rick Meana

ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMITTEES // DISCIPLINE AND APPEALS COMMITTEE The Discipline and Appeals Committee is a long-standing committee, whose purpose is to hold original fact-finding hearings in certain cases and hear appeals from NJYS members in accordance with the Discipline and Appeals Manual. The objective is to provide fair consideration of matters in dispute within the family of NJYS. The Discipline & Appeals Committee takes very seriously its obligation to not only adjudicate disputes, but to educate players, coaches and parents concerning, among other things, notions of fair play, good sportsmanship, professionalism within the sport and our shared goal of promoting the spirit and excitement of soccer. Committee Members Gary Mason (Chair) Evelyn Gill Charlie Hood Vincent Nordhaus Don Rawson Rico Scardelletti Bill Smith Staff Liaisons: Ryan Foley, Evan Dabby NJ STATE REFEREE COMMITTEE The NJ State Referee Committee is responsible for the certification and training of Grassroot Referees within New Jersey. Upon certification, a Grassroot Referee can accept assignments to officiate youth soccer matches from a certified assignor. This includes local travel soccer competitions (e.g., EDP, MCYSA, Metro, MNJYSA, MOSA) and tournaments, or local recreation leagues (e.g., SYSL, ICYSL, OCR, RVSL) and affiliated in-house programs. Committee Members Barry Towbin, State Referee Administrator Magda Zwierzchowski, State Youth Referee Administrator Bartek Cieslak, State Adult Referee Administrator Consalvo Turchi, State Director of Assessment Pete Milwicz, Secretary/Treasurer Frank Giuliano, NJ Youth Soccer Representative John Zangrilli, NJ Soccer Association Representative Teri Connor, Office Administrator

ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMITTEES // FINANCIAL SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD (FSAB) The Financial Services Advisory Board (FSAB) is responsible for advising the NJ Youth Soccer Board of Director’s (BOD) in the effective budgeting, forecasting, and monitoring of NJYS financial services. Financial services include the software used to capture financials and related information, the process of capturing payments for the services available to the various members, NJYS investment strategy and the use of the data captured to understand financial trends. Activities: The activities the group undertakes can include: • Developing and maintaining a strategic road map for the financial services that is presented to the Executive Committee. • Drafting policies that are necessary to provide clarity or strengthen the financial services offered to members to be approved by the Board of Directors • Reviewing financial trends to determine ongoing issues and recommend solutions. • Reviewing major upgrades to the current financial system and making recommendations to the Executive Committee. • Where appropriate, review and submit for grants and PPP loans as they become available. Budget: • In conjunction with individual departments, organize and prepare annual budget. • Across all platforms analyze fee structures with focus on managing expenses within the confined budget. Reporting: • Produce accurate and timely monthly financial reports in advance of Board of Directors and Executive Committee meetings. • Prepare and submit annual 990 and 1099’s. Compliance: • Work with Merrill Lynch advisors on ensuring assets are maintained in line with NJYS Financial Policy. • Complete annual audit by a charted accounting firm in compliance with NJYS Financial Policies. • Maintain non-profit 501(c)(3) organization status. Advisory Board Members Don Kameno (Chair) Dan Hyde Bohdan Porytko Marilyn Postel Anthony Sciorilli Jess Yeager Staff Liaison: Samantha LaManna

ANNUAL MEDIA SUMMARY // NJ YOUTH SOCCER WEBSITE Below is a breakdown of key website analytics during the previous 12-month timeframe. Sessions (number of visits to the website) • 269,412 sessions (average of 730 sessions a day) • 25.4% increase from the previous year’s number (214,881 sessions) Users (visitors to website) • 145,194 users (average of 398 users per day) • 20.4% increase from the previous year’s number (120,564 users) Page Views (number of pages that were visited) • •

715,497 (average of 1,960 pages were viewed per day) 34.9% increase from the previous year’s number (530,582 users)

MEDIA & ARTICLES 110 pieces of content/media (e.g. announcements, features, videos) were distributed throughout the year. This is an average of more than two pieces of new content or media every week. MONTHLY NEWSLETTERS Each month over the past year, NJ Youth Soccer has distributed an email newsletter with relative topics to each of the groups listed below. The information in each newsletter is tailored to the respective group. • • • •

NJYS Membership Newsletter (Distributed to 82,205 Players, Coaches, and Administrators) NJYS Coaches Newsletter (Distributed to 7,406 Coaches) NJYS Recreation Newsletter (Distributed to 33,265 Players, Coaches, and Administrators) New Jersey ODP Newsletter (Distributed to 550 Players)

ANNUAL MEDIA SUMMARY // SOCIAL MEDIA NJ YOUTH SOCCER FACEBOOK • •

The posts had a total reach of 289,173 impressions during the year (posts were seen in someone’s Facebook timeline approximately 289,173 times). The page like tally improved to 6,502 people (number of people who “like” the page). We had 5,909 page likes on October 1, 2020 (increase of 593 page likes).

NEW JERSEY ODP FACEBOOK • •

The posts had a total reach of 70,182 impressions during the year (posts were seen in someone’s Facebook timeline approximately 70,182 times). Our page like tally improved to 2,278 people (number of people who “like” the page). We had 1,870 page likes on October 1, 2020 (increase of 408 page likes).

NJ YOUTH SOCCER TWITTER • • •

NJYS tweets received 919.5K impressions during the year. The NJYS account received 43,465 profile visits, and it had 620 mentions by other accounts. Our follower count improved to 5,812 people. We had 5,544 followers on October 1, 2020 (increase of 268 followers). Please note that Twitter removed a massive number of accounts during the previous year, which impacted the real number of our overall follower growth.

NJ YOUTH SOCCER INSTAGRAM • •

Our follower count improved to 5,812 people. We had 4,567 followers on October 1, 2020 (increase of 1,245 followers). Note: Impressions only recently became properly trackable on Instagram.

NJYS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING // On July 10, 2021, New Jersey Youth Soccer completed its 2021 Annual General Meeting Presented by Audi. We appreciated the opportunity to engage with approximately 100 attendees representing our candidates, member leagues, member clubs, partners, staff, and special guests. At the 2021 NJYS Annual General Meeting, three NJYS Executive Committee positions (1st Vice President, 3rd Vice President, Treasurer) as well as three Member-At-Large positions were voted upon. The Following are the results of the election during the 2021 Annual General Meeting: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE • • •

Wayne Cordiner, 1 Vice President Nelson Ramirez, 3 Vice President Don Kameno, Treasurer st

MEMBERS-AT-LARGE • • •

Eric Offenberg, Monroe Township Soccer Club Rico Scardelletti, Lawrence Hamnett Soccer Association Anthony Sciorilli, Wall Soccer Club

We also thank all the individuals who were nominated as candidates for these positions. All these positions are vital to the mission of NJ Youth Soccer. Thank you to our entire membership, as we look forward to continuing to seek new opportunities to foster the best environment to promote the game of soccer throughout the state.