The winter months and colder weather have arrived, but that doesn’t mean Long Island Junior Soccer League teams are slowing down.
There will be a whole host of ENYYSA/LIJSL sanctioned indoor tournaments to be played in the coming weeks. Events hosted by Oceanside United Soccer Club, West Islip Soccer Club, East Meadow Soccer Club, and East Islip Soccer Club also highlight longevity in giving players options for meaningful competition between the fall and spring LIJSL seasons. Also, all member clubs are insured when taking part in an ENYYSA and LIJSL sanctioned tournament.
Oceanside’s Rudy Lamonica Memorial Tournament enters its 55th annual event, while West Islip is holding the 40th annual Adam Novellano Memorial Tournament, East Meadow is hosting their 30th annual World Cup Indoor Tournament, and East Islip is hosting their 30th annual Winter Indoor Classic Tournament. Despite challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, each club has still been able to maintain play of their tournaments, while keeping safety of all attendees in mind.
“LIJSL member clubs have a longstanding history of hosting quality indoor events for players,” LIJSL Managing Director Steve Padaetz said. “Despite difficulties from the pandemic, it’s a great pleasure to see these events continuing, while also following the protocols needed to ensure the safety of all participants.”
The tournaments, which provide a platform for players to hone their technique indoors, also serve as community events for the host clubs.
“Sponsoring and running the Rudy is a labor of love for the Oceanside United Soccer Club,” said Richard Eisenberg, who serves as the tournament director. “Started 55 years ago to honor the memory of Rudy Lamonica, son of Phil and Bessie Lamonica (an Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association and LIJSL hall of famer) this annual event continues to celebrate Rudy’s love of the beautiful game by giving thousands of children the opportunity to share their own love of the beautiful game. OUSC truly appreciates the community support which makes this annual event so special.”
While Oceanside’s tournament is all booked, slots remain open for West Islip, East Meadow, and East Islip.
“The East Meadow SC invites all of our friends across Long Island and beyond to our 30th Annual East Meadow World Cup Indoor Tournament taking place over President’s Day Weekend,” East Meadow President Michael Cartier said. “Once again, we will be hosting our indoor tournament at the amazing Coleman Country Day Camp turf fields. In our 30th year we plan on selling out as we do every year, so please register early! Hope to see you there!”
LIJSL Sanctioned Tournament Schedule
1/29-1/30 55th Annual Rudy Lamonica Memorial Tournament (OUSC)
2/5-2/6 40th Annual Adam Novellano Memorial Tournament (WISC)
& 2/12
2/19-2/20 30th Annual East Meadow World Cup Indoor Tournament (EMSC)
2/26-2/27 30th Annual Winter Classic Indoor Tournament (EISC)