NJ Youth Soccer hosts over 500 at 28th annual awards dinner

EDISON, NJ (Via NJ Youth Soccer) – NJ Youth Soccer hosted over 500 guests at its 28th annual awards dinner held at the Pines Manor in Edison where it honored New Jersey players, teams, coaches, referees and volunteers for outstanding performances and contributions in 2015.

“NJ Youth Soccer provides the structure for more than 150,000 children to play soccer in urban, suburban and rural locations throughout our state,” said Roy Squillario, President of NJ Youth Soccer. “The majority of our leadership – coaches, trainers, administrators – are comprised of volunteers who dedicate many hours of their time to make this organization a success.” Squillario went on to say there are thousands of coaches, parents and volunteers contributing throughout the year and, without them, the children would not have the excellent programs that are offered.

Jillian Loyden, former U.S. Women’s National Team, Sky Blue FC player, NJ native and member of NJ State ODP Team, was the keynote speaker. She was a member of the 2011 Women’s World Cup team that competed in Germany and the star goalkeeper for Sky Blue FC in 2013 and 2014. Jillian discussed her ties to NJ Youth Soccer, including her time in the NJYS ODP program, her experience with the USWNT and Sky Blue FC. Jillian now heads a foundation she started that serves and provides resources to children who have faced unfavorable circumstances.

Tony Meola was inducted into the 2015 Hall of Fame and recognized for his lifetime achievements in the game of soccer. Tony first made a name for himself leading the Kearny Scotts American Thistle FC youth teams to success. He also played on the NJYS State Olympic Development Team. Some of his 18 year professional career achievements include playing for various MLS teams and the USMNT, being named MVP, MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, and led the Kansas City Wizards to an MLS Cup victory, where he was named MLS Cup MVP. Tony was in Florida at the MLS Player Combine but filmed an acceptance speech.

The evening acknowledged many of the state’s boys and girls U.S. Youth Soccer National Championship Series, Presidents Cup team champions as well as players selected for the U.S. Youth Soccer Region I ODP pool team. The following honorees were presented with awards for their individual contributions:

Bob McNulty Coaches of the Year: Michael Mascone, Middletown Soccer Club
Recreation Coach of the Year: Jacquelynn Hart, Barrington Soccer Club
TOPSoccer Volunteers of the Year: Meghan Donovan and Dillon Wintz
Liesel Krehan Volunteer of the Year: Troy Memis and Kevin Dearman
Youth Referees of the Year: Carlos Gonzalez Escobar and Magda Zwierzchowski
Allan Sinclair Memorial Scholarship: Jatzia Gilzean-Colon and Ryan Foley
Jeanine Willis Scholarship: Amy Beringer and Denilson Olivera
Brett Fenster Memorial Scholarship: Abigail Lewis