Exciting times ahead.
That was the theme of the Long Island Junior Soccer League Semi-Annual General Meeting on Thursday, June 4, at the Long Island Huntington Hilton.
A host of events are on deck for the League, starting with the annual TOPSoccer Friendship Cup on June 6 followed by the epic conclusion of the LI Cup during the final weekend on June 13-14. Other events are just on the horizon like the 3v3 Summer Soccer Series at Peter C. Collins Soccer Park on June 27 and Liberty Cup Long Island a month later on July 25-26.
The LIJSL Academy is also on the quest to repeat as a USL Youth National Champion after taking those honors for the first time in 2025.
Adding to thrills of the summer schedule is the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which kicks off soon, with several options for LIJSL members to join in at watch parties across Long Island.
“This time each year always provides plenty of excitement with LI Cup and all the other upcoming League-wide events,” LIJSL President Andrew Seabury said. “With the World Cup this summer, and New York as the epicenter as the host of the Final, it shines the spotlight even more on the bright near and long-term future of the League.”
A number of topics were discussed last night from upcoming FIFA referee rule changes and whether they would impact youth soccer as well as the upcoming age group changes.
Also, during the SAGM, several board members were unanimously re-elected to their positions.
Lastly, it was announced to the club presidents that LIJSL Sporting Director John Fitzgerald has stepped down from his role to focus on other responsibilities and the board has started a search for his replacement.
“I, along with the League as a whole, would like to thank John for all his efforts during the past three years,” Seabury said. “He worked hard on adding new competitions to the League’s portfolio and building up the foundation to be even stronger for us moving forward. We are grateful for his time with the League and wish him the best of success in his future endeavors.”