Karnado, Bernstein Formally Honored at 2019 NJYS Awards Dinner Presented by RWJBarnabas Health
New Jersey Youth Soccer recently hosted its 31st Annual NJYS Awards Dinner presented by RWJBarnabas Health, where many players, coaches and members of the soccer community were celebrated at the Pines Manor in Edison, N.J. Two of those honorees were Amital Karnado and Luke Bernstein, who were selected as the 2018 NJYS Youth Referees of the Year.
“The NJ State Referee Committee is very proud of Amital and Luke,” said Dan Paolini, State Youth Referee Administrator. “As former players, they have combined their understanding of soccer with hard work and a passion for excellence. This recognition honors them but also acknowledges the many fine officials serving youth soccer in New Jersey.”
Karnado started playing soccer at a very early age and continued to play travel soccer until she was 18-years-old.
Both her father and sister were referees, which always sparked her interest in that side of the game. When she was 14, her father attended a referee course with her, and that officially started her transition into refereeing. Karnado immediately began to referee games after receiving her referee certification, and she continues to do so today while attending Montclair State University as a college student. The lessons that Karnado has learned through playing and refereeing soccer are something that she feels will be extremely beneficial to her future career as a physical educator.
“It is a privilege to receive this award,” said Karnado. “Soccer has always been a huge part of my family life. Refereeing has equipped me with life skills that I implement on the field, apply to my health and physical education studies, and will guide me in my future professional life.”
Bernstein also began playing soccer at a young age in his hometown of Springfield. At the age of 14, he received his first referee badge and began to work local recreation matches. The following year, he transitioned to competitive travel leagues. He has since begun to officiate NJYS State Cup games and recently refereed at the ODP Winter Friendlies.
Bernstein currently attends Oratory Prep School in Summit, where he is a very active student on campus.
“I am honored to have been selected for this amazing award, and I hope to continue to be involved with New Jersey Youth Soccer as a referee,” said Bernstein. “I would like to thank NJYS, the New Jersey State Referee Committee and anyone who was involved in the selection process.”
To find out more about NJ Youth Soccer or to contact us directly, please email communications@njyouthsoccer.com. Also make sure to follow us on social media: @NJYouthSoccer
