Christine Gloth, NJ Youth Soccer (Photo by Cos Lymperopoulos)
New Jersey Youth Soccer hosted its 2024 NJYS Awards Dinner Presented by RWJBarnabas Health on Friday, February 2nd, where players, coaches and guests of the soccer community attended the annual celebration at the Pines Manor in Edison, N.J. This year’s event was witness to a record setting audience with more than 1,000 attendees.
“As NJ Youth Soccer offers a full line-up of competitive, recreation and inclusive programs for kids of all ages and levels, RWJBarnabas Health is delighted to serve as a longstanding partner,” said Justin Edelman, Senior Vice President, Corporate Partnerships, RWJBarnabas Health. “The Awards Dinner continues to be a highlight of the soccer calendar, and it is inspiring to see NJYS recognize so many individuals who make a meaningful impact in communities across the state.”
In addition to hundreds of players, parents, award winners and scholarship recipients, a host of VIPs and special guests were also present to celebrate the evening. Jess Yeager, President of NJ Youth Soccer; Skip Gilbert, CEO of US Youth Soccer; and Dr. Jason Krystofiak, Medical Director of Sports Medicine and Medical Director of the Matthew J. Morahan III Health Assessment Center for Athletes at RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Athletics Team Physician; delivered the opening remarks. Other distinguished guests in attendance included Tab Ramos, former US Men’s National Team captain, National Soccer Hall of Fame and NJYS Hall of Fame member; Ed Foster-Simeon, President and CEO of the US Soccer Foundation; Michael Lazar, Managing Director of External Relations at the US Soccer Federation; Dan Lynch, representing the NYNJ FIFA World Cup Host Committee; Chris Savino, Senior Director of Major League Soccer; as well as Glenn Crooks, radio voice of New York City FC and an NJYS Hall of Fame member.
“As I said at the event, decades ago when I played, New Jersey was revered as a hotbed for soccer in the US, and the awards dinner simply amplified that sentiment for today’s soccer ecosystem,” said Skip Gilbert, CEO of US Youth Soccer. “With over 1,000 in attendance, the dinner was an exciting reflection of the passion for the sport, the success on the field and the commitment to excel by New Jersey players, coaches, referees and families. My thanks to Evan Dabby and the NJYS team for inviting me to their incredible celebration, and I look forward to watching what the state will do next to drive soccer forward.”
As the event emcee, Ally Melendez treated the crowd to an exceptional evening. A New York Emmy nominated sports and lifestyle host, Melendez is currently working as the in-arena host for the New York Red Bulls (Major League Soccer), Brooklyn Nets (National Basketball Association) and New York Mets (Major League Baseball).
To highlight the evening, Nelson Ramirez was inducted into the NJYS Hall of Fame. To commemorate his induction, Just One Soccer League created a video tribute that was shared with the crowd. Ramirez was also joined on stage with fellow NJYS Hall of Fame inductees in attendance such as Tab Ramos, Glenn Crooks, Raul Donoso, Flo Egan and Barry Towbin.
Award winners were also treated to video tributes from prominent members of the soccer community. Gregg Berhalter, New Jersey native and head coach of the US Men’s National Team; Cindy Parlow Cone, President of the US Soccer Federation; Tony Meola, NJYS and National Soccer Hall of Fame member; Tab Ramos, NJYS and National Soccer Hall of Fame member; Mark Geiger, legendary US Soccer referee and NJYS Hall of Fame member; Yael Averbuch, General Manager of NJ/NY Gotham FC; Daniel Edelman, player for the New York Red Bulls; Michelle Betos, goalkeeper for NJ/NY Gotham FC; Skip Gilbert, CEO of US Youth Soccer; Juan Carlos Amoros, head coach of NJ/NY Gotham FC; and Luis Robles, former New York Red Bulls goalkeeper; all offered their praises.
NJ Youth Soccer also revealed its Goal of the Year Powered By the New York Red Bulls and Save of the Year Powered By Gotham FC. Each of the winners will be invited to a home match at Red Bull Arena this season where their goal and save videos will be displayed on the video board.
“The NJYS Awards Dinner has become a highlight on the youth soccer calendar, and it has grown to be a true destination for our soccer community,” said Evan Dabby, NJYS Executive Director. “We aim to develop a lifelong passion for the sport, and this event is a true embodiment of that value. We thank RWJBarnabas Health for their incredible support towards the celebration of New Jersey’s soccer community.”
More than 20 NJYS State Cup Champions, as well as USYS Regional and National Champions, were celebrated throughout the evening, culminating with USYS National League Elite 64 National Champions FC Copa Academy 2006 Girls. Each team was honored with a team parade and photos on stage in front of the capacity crowd, as well as being featured in their own personal Red Carpet Interview.
Juan Ramirez, Gabby Gil and Olivia Russomanno led the interview festivities on the Red Carpet. Ramirez is a member of the New York Red Bulls Freestyle Crew who entertains fans with their ball skills before every Red Bulls home game. Gil and Russomanno are products of NJ Youth Soccer and members of the Rutgers University Women’s Soccer Program.
The NJYS Olympic Development Program (ODP) was on display with USYS Interregional players in attendance. These players and parents were treated to a special Meet And Greet with Tab Ramos, where Ramos highlighted meaningful takeaways with respect to his development as a player from youth to professional levels, including his representation of our nation during two FIFA World Cups. He also described his coaching experiences with youth national teams and Major League Soccer in terms of guiding the development of players at these levels of the game. Ramos further emphasized the importance of taking accountability and responsibility for one's own development and performance as these players strive toward reaching their full potential. With the official announcement being released the night prior, there was also a special opportunity to celebrate and recognize Dylan Pino, Sandro Cunningham and Madelynn Sadusky on their selections to the USYS ODP National Team.
Players also had the opportunity to win giveaways from many NJYS partners and donors as part of a social media campaign during the event. Players took a shot at posting their best photos and videos from the night for a chance to go home with a free gift from RWJBarnabas Health, JAG Physical Therapy, New York Red Bulls, US Soccer and Hudl.
Important to note is the 2024 NJYS Awards Dinner Presented By RWJBarnabas Health was made possible due to the tremendous hard work and enthusiasm from a team of more than 30 NJYS staff, volunteers and student mentors. Their collective effort created an unforgettable night for all attendees.
Follow NJ Youth Soccer over the coming weeks to celebrate the award winners and scholarship recipients from the NJYS Awards Dinner Presented by RWJBarnabas Health, including more details on each of the honorees.
To find out more about New Jersey Youth Soccer or to contact us directly, please email [email protected]. Also make sure to follow us on social media: @NJYouthSoccer