Although 14 of the LIJSL Scholarship Awards are memorial awards, they memorialize seven individuals for the way they lived, rather than defining them by the way they died. These individuals had a passion for soccer, and soccer was part of their life.
We are grateful for the corporate and foundation support that enables LIJSL to expand these awards. The contributions made by many individuals, families, and organizations enable us to honor the exceptional young adults that are a product of the Long Island Junior Soccer League.
To apply for any of the above scholarships, you must submit an application. Please click here to download the LIJSL Scholarship form.
Vincent Gubin Memorial Scholarship
Born in Siberia in 1935, Mr. Gubin played soccer across Europe as a youth while his family moved from country to country to avoid the turmoil of World War II. As a teenager, he arrived in New York City. Through much tragedy and poverty, and without a working knowledge of the English language, he continued to show his love of soccer. As an adult, he relocated to Holbrook, NY and began to pass his knowledge and love of the game on to others as a long-time coach, most notably at St. John’s CYO in Bohemia. A stellar teacher and coach, he was known for his kind, gentle demeanor and his unyielding work ethic. This scholarship is named in his honor.
Bobbi Marks Memorial Scholarship
A native of England, Ms. Marks moved to Port Washington with her husband, a US Serviceman who served in England in World War II, in 1945. She became involved in the LIJSL through her grandchildren, who played in the league. Upon seeing all the positive programs established by the league, she and her husband David set out to give back to the league. They were major contributors to the Special Children’s Program, and established the Bobbi and David Marks Scholarship Fund for promising young men and women. Upon her death in 2004, the scholarship fund was renamed in her honor.
Matthew Scarpati Memorial Scholarship
A stellar athlete who played multiple sports, Matthew was a 2008 graduate of Hall Hollow Hills HS East, and a senior captain of the school soccer team. He attended the University of Buffalo for one year before passing away at the age of 19 in 2009. A best friend to his family and friends, he is remembered for his curiosity and generosity, and the energy he had for learning.
Michael Scarpati Memorial Goalkeeper Scholarship
Though he excelled at other sports such as tennis, swimming, and baseball, soccer was Michael’s passion, and he became a top flight goalie who went on to play soccer at Chaminade HS and Bryant College. Michael enjoyed working with younger players and was a huge supporter of his younger brothers, who also played soccer. Known for his passion and heart, he died in 2001 at the age of 20.
Eurosport Scholarship
Eurosport has been an important sponsor of the LIJSL in conjunction with Adidas, and is a willing partner in nearly every league program, from the annual convention, to the TOPSoccer Program and the Select Player Development program.
Carolyn Page Memorial Scholarship
A long time coach in the Massapequa Soccer Club intramural and travel programs, and was an integral part of running the club’s annual Memorial Day Tournament. She went on to become an administrator in the girls Select program. She passed away after a 14-year battle with cancer, but left us as the epitome of the ultimate soccer mom and consummate volunteer.
Frank Gorman Memorial Scholarship
Gorman started playing soccer at age three as a member of the Brentwood Soccer Club. He went on to become a HS All-America in track and a stellar soccer player at Brentwood HS, and later played college soccer at Hofstra University. A very giving person, Frank served as a youth soccer referee, coach, and trainer, and also coached at the high school level. Known for bringing people together and for his big personality, Frank passes away in 2003 at the age of 26.
Modell’s Scholarship
Modell’s has been a sponsor of the Long Island Junior Soccer League for more than 20 years, and are major supporters of the Sportsmanship Program and the LIJSL Convention.
Sandra Atlas Bass Scholarship
This scholarship award was established through the generousity of the Sandra Atlas Bass and Edythe & Sol Atlas Fund, Inc. A real estate executive and philanthropist involved with many charities in the Long Island region founded the fund.
John R. Pinezich Memorial Scholarship
A long time resident of Northport, where he and his wife of 50 years, Evelyn, raised their three children, he was the founder and first president of the Northport Soccer Club. His love of soccer was endless, and his skill was evident. As a player, he played four years at Penn State and captained the Nittany Lions NCAA championship team in 1954, earning All-American honors. A year later, his team won the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, thanks to his two goals in the final six minutes of play. A youth coach for over 30 years, he led LI teams to three gold medals in the Empire State Games in 1982, 1983, and 1984. Throughout his life, he touched us all with his strength, modesty, dignity, curiosity, and passion. His openness of emotion, love and generosity embraced us all. We are honored to establish this memorial fund in his memory.
Peter C. Collins Presidential Scholarship
As president of the LIJSL from 1977 to 2004, Peter Collins oversaw a period of tremendous growth in the league. Long Island Junior Soccer League more than quadrupled in size under his watch, and established benchmark programs like TOPSoccer, the LIJSL Sportsmanship Program, and the Exceptional HS Senior Games, which have been copied by leagues around the US and the world. He oversaw the creation of the annual LIJSL Convention and the LI Soccer Park, and grew the LI Cup into the largest single elimination youth soccer tournament in the world. A long time soccer coach in his hometown of Hicksville, Peter is a member of the LIJSL, Eastern New York, and National Soccer Hall of Fame.
TOPSoccer Volunteer Scholarship
This scholarship is supported by Modell’s and given in memory of George Hoffman, a member of the LIJSL Hall of Fame, and a member of the league Board of Directors for decades before his untimely passing in 1997.