Christine Gloth, NJ Youth Soccer (Photo by Cos Lymperopoulos)

New Jersey Youth Soccer continues its celebration of the 2024 NJYS Awards Presented by RWJBarnabas Health, officially recognizing Roberto Aguas of FC Copa Academy as the NJYS Bob McNulty Coach of the Year. In honor of Bob McNulty, NJ Youth Soccer honors a travel level coach each year who best demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to good sportsmanship as well as player and team development.

“I extend my heartfelt appreciation to NJYS for bestowing upon me the prestigious title of the Bob McNulty Coach of the Year,” said Roberto Aguas of receiving the award. “It is a tremendous honor to stand among the accomplished coaches in the richly talented New Jersey community. Reflecting on the two decades since the establishment of FC Copa, I feel blessed to have had the privilege of working with exceptional players who committed themselves to learning, supportive parents who entrusted me with the education and guidance of their children and dedicated fellow coaches who collaborated with me. These past 20 years have marked an extraordinary chapter in my life, filled with cherished memories that will remain etched in my heart forever.”

Coach Aguas founded FC Copa Academy in 2004 with a desire to offer a different kind of service in the youth soccer world. His passion was to provide a true academy atmosphere that focuses on the personal development of players both on and off the field, obtaining success in the game of soccer with a high level of emphasis on education, and the ultimate goal of placement into college and universities. Coach Aguas also serves as the President and Executive Director of Coaching for FC Copa Academy, which has grown into one of the nation’s most recognized clubs.

 Coach Aguas has worked tirelessly to create an atmosphere which will enable players to find success through the pillars of respect, hard work, structure and discipline. He has led six teams to the number one ranking in New Jersey and four teams to number one rankings in the country. He has also guided teams to wins at some of the most prestigious tournaments, showcases and leagues in the country. He has personally coached over 200 players and had oversight of 400 additional players who have gone on to play collegiate soccer. He also coached and mentored FC Copa players who have reached the professional ranks or have been called up to youth national teams. His resume speaks for itself, making him a very worthy recipient of the NJYS Bob McNulty Coach of the Year Award. 

In addition to a plaque to commemorate his achievement, Coach Aguas was also treated to a congratulatory video tribute from Gregg Berhalter, New Jersey native and head coach of the US Men’s National Team, that was played on the video screens for the awards dinner audience to enjoy. He also received a custom ball from SIGND displaying a QR code that provided access to his personalized video.

NJ Youth Soccer held its 2024 NJYS Annual Awards Dinner Presented by RWJBarnabas Health earlier this month, where many players, coaches and guests of the soccer community were on hand at the Pines Manor in Edison, N.J. With more than 1,000 attendees, the event saw a capacity crowd for the annual celebration.

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