By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association
November 9, 2021-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased to announce that David Phaff of Middle Country Children’s Soccer in the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) is being honored as our TOPSoccer Coach of the Year.
Coach Dave gained experience with the Commack TOPSoccer Program and recently started Middle Country’s TOPSoccer Program.
His leadership is on display weekly as he mentors Middle Country's teenage volunteers to make the experience enjoyable for all parties involved.
To help further the program, Dave has used contacts he has developed in central Suffolk County to market it and this season, there is another increase in participants. He, alongside his wife Tara, have contacted families of players and encouraged them to spread the word to other groups about TOPSoccer and all the benefits of the program. He has worked with the Town of Brookhaven Disability Task Force and was recognized by councilman Kevin LaValle of District 3 for starting this program.
Dave and Tara have even brought their daughter's Girl Scout troop to offer snacks to all TOPSoccer players. His enthusiasm hasn’t only been infectious to his family but to everyone he discusses the program with. Middle Country has many returning volunteer Buddies due to his appreciation of these teenagers sacrificing their time to be Buddies.
Additionally, Dave has been involved as a trainer as well as a volunteer coach within Middle Country.
With approximately 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 nine 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. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/