By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association
June 16, 2021-The Girls-Under-15 State Open Cup championship game for the Jack Bauman Cup on June 5 at Stringham Park in Lagrange was an intriguing affair between Force FC of the Hudson Valley and the New York Surf Academy. Force FC prevailed, 1-0, on a goal by Lily Bandel and a shuotout in goal by Reese Dolan.
The cup’s namesake, Jack Bauman, is considered the father of women’s soccer on Long Island. Jack was devoted to the Massapequa Soccer Club, Eastern New York and making sure that girls had as many opportunities to play soccer as boys did.
New York Surf did not go home empty-handed as they received the Rocco Amoroso Sportsmanship Award, as determined by the game officials. Amoroso, a US Soccer Life Member who died in 2016, started the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) Sportsmanship Program in 1980 and it spread around the world.
Force FC will represent Eastern New York from June 25 to July 1 at Hammonton, New Jersey as part of the National Championship Series.
With over 100,000 youth soccer players––both boys and girls––and more than 25,000 volunteers, the non-profit Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) stretches from Montauk Point, Long Island to the Canadian border. Members are affiliated with 11 leagues throughout the association, which covers the entire state of New York east of Route 81. ENYYSA exists to promote and enhance the game of soccer for children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 19 years old, and to encourage the healthy development of youth players, coaches, referees and administrators. All levels of soccer are offered––from intramural, travel team and premier players as well as Children With Special Needs. No child who wants to play soccer is turned away. ENYYSA is a proud member of the United States Soccer Federation and United States Youth Soccer Association. For more information, please log onto http://www.enysoccer.com/