East Hudson Youth Soccer League honors its dedicated volunteers

(Via Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association) – Founded 40 years ago as the West-Put Youth Soccer League, the East Hudson Youth Soccer League (EHYSL) has a long and proud history serving youth soccer players in Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Orange, Ulster and Sullivan counties with even a club from Pennsylvania recently getting in on all the fun.

Last Saturday night, Nov. 8 at Anthony’s Catering in Hopewell Junction, the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association’s second largest league held its annual Hall of Fame and Annual Honors Dinner, and in the speeches, the theme of constancy was prevalent. The all-star line-up of honorees who have been volunteering in youth soccer for many years:

• Volunteer of the Year – Wilfred Lopez – Beacon Soccer Club
• Boys Travel Team Coach of the Year – Mike Keiser – East Fishkill Soccer Club
• Girls Travel Team Coach of the Year – Kara Gadonniex – LaGrange Soccer Club
• Girls Travel Team Coach of the Year – John Vigna – West Point Soccer Club
• Boys Recreational Coach of the Year – Brendan Conniff – Hyde Park Soccer Club
• Girls Recreational Coach of the Year – Nick Mastrantuono – Poughkeepsie Soccer Club
• Hall of Fame Induction – Dave DeCato – LaGrange Soccer Club

“I am a product of East Hudson soccer,” said Coach Gadonniex. “I even have my 1986 United States Youth Soccer Association player pass here with me to prove it. I was coached by Pat Parker, Gary Montalto and other great coaches through the years I played, and bring many of their philosophies to my coaching activities.”

“I started volunteering for the Beacon Soccer Club as a result of my association with folks such as Pat Kerr, and Robert and Christine Galloway,” continued Wilfred Lopez, volunteer honoree, “And was inspired by their long tenures as volunteers and coaches working to bring the joys of soccer to the children of Beacon.”

The last presentation added to the EHYSL Hall of Fame its 56th and newest inductee, Dave DeCato. The LaGrange Soccer Club’s Director of Coaching, Kieran McIlvenny, commented, “For almost two decades, long after his own children stopped playing, Dave has been providing guidance and opportunity for LaGrange girls to play, grow and develop as players and young women, epitomizing the ideals and qualities defining the East Hudson Hall of Fame. There are not many folks more deserving of this recognition than Dave DeCato.”

“It is through the dedicated efforts of folks such as these that make youth soccer the great program it is,” added EHYSL President Jim Purdy. “What little thanks we can give these honorees pales in comparison to their contributions and those of the hundreds of other parents and supporters of youth soccer every year. We rely on them, and thankfully can count on them, for so many things.”