The annual Long Island Soccer Player Hall of Fame (LISPHOF) dinner and induction ceremony was held on Saturday, March 22 at the Long Island Huntington Hilton. The Long Island Junior Soccer League helped co-sponsor this year’s event.
During the ceremony, former LIJSL President Addie Mattei-Iaia was honored with this year’s Paul LeSueur Ambassador of the Game Award.
Mattei-Iaia was the League President from 2004-15. She also sat on the board of directors for 30-plus years and was the chairperson of the LIJSL Convention for 25 years. She is currently the chairperson of the LIJSL Hall of Fame, which will have its own induction ceremony on Saturday, April 6.
In attendance as Mattei-Iaia received her award were several LIJSL board members, including LIJSL President Andrew Seabury, Vice President Michael D’ Ambrosio, Secretary Jose Alarcon and Trustees Matt Power and Michael Longo. Both Seabury and D’ Ambrosio, who was speaking on behalf of Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association, shared their thoughts about Mattei-Iaia’s impact on the LIJSL and soccer on Long Island at Saturday’s ceremony.
“There have been few people who have had such an impact on the Long Island soccer environment as Addie – we can be recognized for how we played the game but equally we should recognize how we provide the environment for players to reach the heights of the beautiful game,” Seabury said of Mattei-Iaia’s achievement. “Addie as President for LIJSL and for her contributions at the state and national level should rightfully be recognized for her contribution and impact on shaping Long Island to be the soccer powerhouse it is today.”
Mattei-Iaia is the second former LIJSL President to receive the Paul LaSueur Ambassador of the Game Award. Peter C. Collins was honored posthumously in 2022.
Over the course of the evening, the LISPHOF also recognized the Class of 2025, which included Lloyd Monsen, Edner Breton, Manny Matos, Keith Van Eron, and Michelle O’ Brien.
