The Long Island Junior Soccer League is delighted to announce four new members to the LIJSL Hall of Fame. The Class of 2026 will be inducted this spring and includes Pete Bussa, Efi Domb, Steve Padaetz, and Jim San Filippo. All four will be honored at a ceremony on March 29 at Smithtown Stonebridge Country Club.
Bussa has made a lasting impact in the Oceanside soccer community. Not only was he a successful coach of multiple teams, he later served as Oceanside United Soccer Club President from 1994-2002. While no longer on the sidelines, Bussa is a mentor for many younger coaches in the game. He’s also been an incredible advocate for players with special needs and started OUSC’s TOPSoccer program. He is currently the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association TOPSoccer Chairperson.
Domb was a longtime coach and trainer for the New Hyde Park Soccer Club. He also served as a referee for LIJSL games for over 20 years and received recognition by Long Island Soccer Referees Association as the co-Referee of the Year in 2016. Domb will be inducted posthumously into the LIJSL Hall of Fame.
Padaetz has held various roles across the game. He has had an affiliation with Oceanside United Soccer Club for over 30 years through coaching a number of travel teams and holding a variety of administration roles before serving as Club President. He also held roles with ENYYSA for 15-plus years, eventually serving as Vice President of the Board of Directors. He volunteered his time with the League as well for almost 15 years, serving on the Games Committee as Division Supervisor and then Age Group Coordinator. Padaetz also worked in the League Office as Marketing Director before transitioning to the Managing Director role.
San Filippo has dedicated the last 40 years to the soccer community in Levittown. He has been a coach, referee, and currently serves as Levittown Soccer Club President. Most importantly, he has been a mentor for the many young athletes that have come through the club, teaching them not only about the game, but instilling valuable life lessons.