NJYS Awards Dinner 2025: Honoring Excellence, Celebrating Passion and Inspiring the Future of Youth Soccer
New Jersey Youth Soccer hosted its annual 2025 NJYS Awards Dinner on January 31st, honoring standout players, coaches, and contributors—including Hall of Fame inductee Steve Shilling—for their impact on youth soccer in New Jersey.
New Jersey Youth Soccer (NJYS) hosted its annual 2025 NJYS Awards Dinner Presented by RWJBarnabas Health on Friday, January 31st at the Pines Manor in Edison, New Jersey.
Award dinners are not always exciting, nor are most galas that commemorate accomplishments that have been achieved. This amazing event is truly a standout in a world of plastic chicken dinners and is a professional, first class event.
The prestigious youth soccer event celebrates outstanding youth soccer players, youth soccer teams, youth soccer coaches, youth soccer referees, and those volunteers who have made significant contributions to youth soccer in New Jersey over the past year. Winners were interviewed on the Red Carpet and youth soccer State Cup champions entered the hall for a parade set to their own music selection.
With over 1,000 soccer loving people attending, the evening was a landmark gathering of soccer excellence in the USA.
A Celebration of Excellence in Youth Soccer
The NJYS Awards Dinner is an annual highlight, bringing together members of the soccer community to recognize achievements and inspire future generations. The event serves as an opportunity for players and coaches to interact with some of the most respected figures in the sport.
“I am beyond grateful to the staff that works countless hours to prepare for this event, as well as the more than 20 volunteers, including my wife and children. In the end, our team of more than 40 event staff showed up that night with energy and enthusiasm to execute an intricate production plan involving video tributes, red carpet interviews, podcast shows and more.” said Evan Dabby, CEO of New Jersey Youth Soccer.
“I doubt most people have a true sense of the preparation required for an event like this but I hope that is also a sign of how smooth the night goes and the quality people we have behind the scenes making the magic happen,” added Dabby.
“Attending the New Jersey Youth Soccer Annual Gala was an incredible experience, celebrating the heart and future of the game,” said Diane Scavuzzo, Editor in Chief of SoccerToday. “The energy in the room was electric, and the passion for soccer was undeniable—especially in the eyes of the young players honored that night. It was truly inspiring to see the next generation of talent recognized on such a prestigious stage, surrounded by a community that deeply believes in their potential — with the incredible support provided by this outstanding state youth soccer association.”
A Night of Soccer Legends and Industry Leaders.
The event featured an impressive lineup of distinguished guests from the soccer world, including:
- Tab Ramos – Former U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) captain, professional coach, and NJYS/National Soccer Hall of Fame member
- Tony Meola – Former USMNT player, broadcaster, and NJYS/National Soccer Hall of Fame member
- John Harkes – Former USMNT captain, professional coach, and NJYS/National Soccer Hall of Fame member
- Alecko Eskandarian – Former USMNT player, professional coach, and current **Vice President of Player Development for Major League Soccer
- Lauren LaRusso & Bruce Revman – Co-Host City Managers, NY/NJ FIFA World Cup 2026
- Skip Gilbert – CEO, US Youth Soccer
- Evan Dabby – CEO, New Jersey Youth Soccer
- Nan Vogel – Senior Vice President, NJ/NY Gotham FC
- Dave Jervis – Senior Director of Youth Programs & Academy Business Operations, New York Red Bulls
- Glenn Crooks – NJYS Hall of Fame Member, NYCFC Radio Broadcaster
- Steve Shilling – Honored inductee into the NJYS Hall of Fame
“It’s always amazing to me how important NJYS has been on the national landscape over the last century,” said Tab Ramos, former U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) captain, professional coach, and NJYS/National Soccer Hall of Fame member. “As a representative of past National Teams I’m proud to have come from this same environment and I’m sure that somewhere in that room was a piece of the future of the National Teams.”
“Some of the best players in the world were born or played in this state … in New Jersey,” said Skip Gilbert, CEO of US Youth Soccer who was also in attendance to celebrate the State’s soccer elite.
RELATED NEWS: EVERY KICK COUNTS: NEW JERSEY HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT ORGANIZES FOOTGOLF FUNDRAISER FOR KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Beyond the awards themselves, this gathering serves as a vital reminder of the power of sports in shaping young lives. The dedication, discipline, and teamwork fostered through soccer extend well beyond the field, helping young athletes develop essential life skills. Honoring these achievements not only validates the hard work of players and coaches but also inspires younger generations to aim high and pursue their dreams in the sport.
“As New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive academic health system, RWJBarnabas Health is proud to be a longstanding partner of New Jersey Youth Soccer, while supporting the next generation of more than 110,000 young athletes along their soccer journey,” said Justin Edelman, Senior Vice President, Corporate Partnerships, RWJBarnabas Health.
“The NJYS Awards Dinner is a terrific evening that celebrates the dedication and passion of players, coaches, administrators and families, and we are delighted to help foster a healthier and safer community through programs, events and education for kids of all ages and levels,” added Edelman.
“This event is a special night where we honor the individuals and teams who have contributed to the growth and success of soccer in New Jersey,” said Dabby. “We are thrilled to welcome such a distinguished group of guests and look forward to celebrating the dedication and passion of our soccer community.”
Honoring Steve Shilling’s Legacy
This year’s NJYS Awards Dinner held special significance as Steve Shilling is inducted into the NJYS Hall of Fame. Shilling’s dedication to youth soccer has left a lasting impact on the sport, mentoring young athletes, fostering player development, and contributing to the growth of the game in New Jersey.
Shilling is the founder of EDP (Elite Development Program), which has grown into one of the nation’s premier youth soccer development leagues and tournament organizations.
Additional awards included Bob McNulty Coach of the Year, Recreation Program of the Year presented by MLS GO, Recreation Coach of the Year, Youth Referee of the Year, Comeback Player of the Year Presented by JAG Physical Therapy, Goal of the Year Powered by the New York Red Bulls, Save of the Year Powered by NJ/NY Gotham FC and TOPSoccer Volunteer of the Year Presented by RWJBarnabas Health.
“It was an exciting evening to be n the same room as so many aspiring youth soccer players exuding passion and energy for the beautiful game, along with legends like Tony Meola and Tab Ramos,” added Scavuzzo.
For more information on NJYS and the 2025 NJYS Awards Dinner, visit www.njyouthsoccer.com
