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The Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) is set to host its 2026 Leadership Symposium on Saturday, February 28th, at the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton in Bristol, Connecticut. The event will run from 8:00 AM to 12:45 PM and will once again serve as a cornerstone gathering for leaders across the Connecticut soccer community.

Registration is currently open for the 2026 CJSA Leadership Symposium, which is designed to empower the soccer community with tools and knowledge to enhance the game for club leaders, coaches, players, families and administrators. Through a series of educational workshops and interactive sessions, the event will address critical topics impacting youth soccer today.

“We’ve built a dynamic lineup with something for everyone, and we encourage our members to take advantage of the wide range of sessions and opportunities available throughout the day,” said Josh Krusewski, Executive Director of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association.

Sessions at the CJSA Leadership Symposium

Attendees at the CJSA Leadership Symposium can participate in the following sessions designed to educate and inspire:

• Tackling College Sports Recruiting Truths
• Prevent to Perform: ACL Injuries (Advanced Physical Therapy)
• Anxiety Management (Deep Breaths Counseling & Mental Performance)
• State Registration System (Playmetrics)
• When Fun Turns Frenzy: Adults, Expectations and Youth Sports (Presented by Nate Taylor, LPC, Loomis Chaffee)
• Summer of Soccer: How Connecticut Clubs Can Activate in 2026, “The Big Tournament” (Presented by Josh Krusewski)
• Speeding Up the Brain-Body Connection (Advanced Physical Therapy)
• Supporting Players, Coaches & Parents in Avoiding Burnout (Deep Breaths Counseling & Mental Performance)
• Social Media & Marketing Your Club (Resolution Promotions)
• TOPSoccer: Best Practices and CJSA Support (Presented by Bill Fallon, CJSA TOPSoccer Chair)
• Focus on the Field: Admin & Business Services
• CT State Referee Programming (Connecticut State Referee Program)
• US Soccer 9v9 Course (Advanced Registration Required)
• US Soccer 11v11 Course (Advanced Registration Required)

Please note that workshops are subject to change. Prior to the Leadership Symposium, check our website for any updates regarding the event schedule.

CJSA is also honored to welcome Kari Seitz as a featured guest speaker at the 2026 CJSA Leadership Symposium. Seitz is one of the most distinguished figures in international soccer officiating, having made history as the most experienced female referee in the world. Over her remarkable career, she officiated at four FIFA Women’s World Cups and multiple Olympic Games, representing U.S. refereeing at the highest levels of the sport. Beyond her on-field achievements, the National Soccer Hall of Famer has continued to shape the future of the game through leadership roles focused on referee development and empowerment worldwide, making her insights especially inspiring for all members of the soccer community.

CJSA would also like to extend its gratitude to the sponsors and supporters of the 2026 CJSA Leadership Symposium, which include DICK’S Sporting Goods, GCI Outdoor, Kwik Goal, Soccer Wars, NYCFC, Hudl, Soccer & Rugby Imports, PRIME Hydration, Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ, New England Revolution, Nike, Deep Breaths Counseling & Mental Performance, Hartford Wolf Pack, Advanced Physical Therapy, and Resolution Promotions. The event is also powered by the book From the Sandlots to the World Cup: Inside Seven Decades of American Soccer, which was written by Dr. Joseph Machnik.

Leaders from clubs across Connecticut are encouraged to attend and take advantage of this opportunity to connect, learn and prepare for the year ahead.

The Connecticut Junior Soccer Association recently announced the winners of its 2025 annual awards, who will be celebrated as part of the 2026 Annual President’s Awards Dinner on Friday, February 27th. 

To contact the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association, please call (860) 676-1161 or email office@cjsa.org. Also make sure to follow us on social media!

The Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) is proud to announce its 2025 annual award winners, who will be recognized during the CJSA Annual President’s Awards Dinner at the Bristol DoubleTree by Hilton on Friday, February 27th. The evening will bring together players, coaches, referees, administrators, volunteers, and supporters from across the state to celebrate the individuals and teams who continue to make a lasting impact on youth soccer in Connecticut.

“The Connecticut Junior Soccer Association Awards Dinner is our opportunity to celebrate the people who make youth soccer in our state so special,” said Josh Krusewski, Executive Director of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association. “From referees and administrators to coaches, teams, and players, we recognize the dedication, leadership, and passion that help our game thrive throughout Connecticut.”

Each year, the President’s Awards Dinner shines a spotlight on the people behind the game. The event honors those individuals who lead, teach, mentor, officiate, and serve their communities to help young athletes grow both on and off the field. From recreation programs to competitive play and TOPSoccer, these award recipients represent the very best of CJSA and the spirit of the soccer community statewide.

2025 CJSA Annual Award Winners

• CJSA Administrator of the Year: Peter Cicolini
• CJSA Volunteer of the Year: Jason Partenza
• CJSA Coed Recreation Coach of the Year: Justin Zizik
• CJSA Boys Recreation Coach of the Year: Vinny Piscitelli
• CJSA Tommy Leahy TOPSoccer® Buddy of the Year: Rayna Esch
• CJSA TOPSoccer® Coach of the Year: Jeff Gallagher
• CJSA TOPSoccer Volunteer of the Year: Stephen Kish
• CJSA TOPSoccer Athlete of the Year: Michael Galbicsek Jr.
• CJSA Boys Competitive Coach of the Year: Peter Lepak
• CJSA Girls Competitive Coach of the Year: Luigi Guerrera
• PRIME Hydration ODP Female Player of the Year: Emily McKelvey
• PRIME Hydration ODP Male Player of the Year: Max Gadarowski
• CJSA Youth Female Referee of the Year: Penelope Harrold
• CJSA Youth Male Referee of the Year: Luke Kalke
• Mark Wollman Referee of the Year Award: Scott Singerman
• Special Recognition: Randy Gage
• Special Recognition (USYS Presidents Cup): Wethersfield 15U Girls
• Special Recognition (USYS Presidents Cup): Naugatuck 14U Girls

CJSA is also honored to welcome Kari Seitz as the featured guest speaker for the 2026 Annual President’s Awards Dinner. Seitz is one of the most distinguished figures in international soccer officiating, having made history as the most experienced female referee in the world. Over her remarkable career, she officiated at four FIFA Women’s World Cups and multiple Olympic Games, representing U.S. refereeing at the highest levels of the sport. Beyond her on-field achievements, the National Soccer Hall of Famer has continued to shape the future of the game through leadership roles focused on referee development and empowerment worldwide, making her insights especially inspiring for all members of the soccer community.

Members and supporters across CJSA are invited to join us for this special evening dedicated to celebrating excellence, leadership, and the continued growth of the game across Connecticut. Seats for the CJSA Annual President’s Awards Dinner are available in a variety of packages, and tickets for this signature CJSA event can be purchased now online.

To contact the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association, please call (860) 676-1161 or email office@cjsa.org. Also make sure to follow us on social media!

This past weekend, Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) officially crowned its champions for the Fall Connecticut Cup Presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods. The final round of play took place at Curtiss Park in Simsbury, and the event was hosted in collaboration with Simsbury Soccer Club.

“Congratulations to all of the teams that took home a championship,” said Josh Krusewski, Executive Director of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association. “We hope to see a lot of you representing CT in the summer as we host the Northeast Region Presidents Cup on our home soil. Thank you to all who made the environment a positive one.”

Connecticut Cup Presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods – Fall Champions

• 11U Girls: Darien
• 12U Girls: Cromwell
• 13U Girls: Stamford
• 14U Girls: WAM
• 15U Girls: Waterford
• 11U Boys: Tolland
• 12U Boys: Farmington
• 13U Boys: South Windsor
• 14U Boys: Trumbull
• 15U Boys: Guilford

The action on the field was highly competitive, with 10 different clubs having champions across the 10 divisions. Also adding to the gameday atmosphere at Connecticut Cup was an onsite sponsor activation by Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ.

The Connecticut State Referee Program (CSRP) also marked a major milestone at this year’s Connecticut Cup Finals, showcasing its newly launched Referee Development Academy. With support from both the Women’s Referee Academy pilot and the broader Academy pool, CSRP assigned a dynamic mix of emerging officials to the event. For the first time in tournament history, half of all matches were led by all-female referee crews, while male officials from the Academy also delivered strong performances throughout the weekend. The collective effort reflected CSRP’s growing depth and commitment to developing a more inclusive future for officiating in Connecticut.

Participation in the Connecticut Cup Presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods is made available to teams playing in the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) that meet residency requirements. Winners in the competition advance to US Youth Soccer’s Northeast Presidents Cup, which will be hosted next June in Simsbury, Connecticut.

Event Photos Now Available
Families and teams can now browse and purchase official event photos from the Fall Connecticut Cup Finals. CJSA has released a full gallery online, with a special offer of 5 photos for $5 available through Sunday. Visit the photo gallery.

To contact the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association, please call (860) 676-1161 or email office@cjsa.org. Also make sure to follow us on social media!

The Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) Board of Directors is pleased to announce a scholarship fund that is available for high school seniors graduating in 2026. The application process for the scholarship fund is now open, and the deadline for entries is April 30, 2026.

“We are proud to continue our support helping families subsidize the cost of college education through this scholarship program,” said Josh Krusewski, Executive Director of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association. “These scholarships are available to member players, and we encourage college-bound seniors within the CJSA system to submit an application.”

To be eligible for the scholarship fund, applicants must have played with a CJSA affiliated club and maintained a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.3 or higher in high school. Only graduating seniors qualify for a scholarship, and they must have plans to attend a two or four-year college or accredited technical school next fall. Additionally, all applications must be completed with an accompanying 250-word essay on the topic of “What Soccer Means to Me.”

The Connecticut Junior Soccer Association encourages any interested seniors who meet the above criteria to apply for the scholarship fund. No applications will be accepted after April 30, 2026. Apply Today.

To contact the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association, please call (860) 676-1161 or email office@cjsa.org. Also make sure to follow us on social media!

Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) has launched a new initiative to bring afterschool soccer programs to more communities across the state. Aimed at expanding access to the game while providing kids with a safe and healthy activity once the school day ends, the programming is being made possible through a partnership with Kwik Goal as its official equipment provider.

“We are proud to bring new afterschool soccer programs to communities across Connecticut, creating more opportunities for kids to play, learn and build friendships through the game,” said Andy Parker, CJSA Grassroots Coaching Coordinator. “Thanks to Kwik Goal, our official equipment supplier, every program will have the resources needed to support a fun and positive experience.”

Focused on breaking down barriers to participation, this afterschool initiative offers players free equipment, professional coaching and mentorship from CJSA staff and local college athletes. In addition to serving as role models for participants, coaches and mentors are instilling values of teamwork, discipline and confidence that carry into the classroom and beyond. Nearly 200 young players in Hartford, New Haven and Norwich have already taken part in the programming, with plans underway to expand even further statewide.

For CJSA, the collaboration with Kwik Goal reflects a shared vision of growing the game and strengthening communities through sport. Together, the organizations are ensuring that more kids across Connecticut have the opportunity to play, learn and thrive.

“Our partnership with CJSA reflects a shared commitment to growing the game and reaching more communities,” said Tim Tobin of Kwik Goal. “Supplying the equipment for the CJSA Kickin’ It After School Programs ensures that every child has the chance to participate, learn and enjoy soccer in a safe, supportive environment. We’re proud to contribute to the development of the next generation of players.”

Founded in 1981, Kwik Goal has established itself as an industry leading supplier of soccer goals, field equipment and training equipment. An official provider to U.S. Soccer, U.S. Soccer Foundation, ECNL and United Soccer Coaches, Kwik Goal offers a versatile line of products that can be used at every level of play.

To contact the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association, please call (860) 676-1161 or email office@cjsa.org. Also make sure to follow us on social media!

Earlier this month, Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) teamed up with Soccer Wars to bring one of the sport’s most unique competition formats to Newington, Connecticut. Players ages 8–18 from across the state and beyond came together for two days of fast-paced matches where adaptability and leadership were just as important as skill.

“It was awesome being able to bring our club-neutral event to Connecticut!” said Casey Clark, CEO of Soccer Wars. “I couldn’t have asked for better support for our first event on the East Coast—from the multiple states of families who attended and from Josh, Amy, and the entire CJSA staff for believing in the vision of what we’re building across the U.S. We’re honored to work with partners who share our mission: creating something for all levels and all positions to enjoy, compete, meet new people, and hopefully leave with an even deeper love for the game of soccer.”

A Unique Competition

Unlike traditional tournaments, Soccer Wars does not require teams to sign up together. Rather, players register individually and then rotate through small-sided matches with different teammates each game. Points are earned for both individual and team performances, and the highest scorers advance to the championship match. The format keeps the competition fresh, challenges players to adapt quickly and creates opportunities for everyone to step into the spotlight.

For CJSA, co-hosting the event was about more than the games on the field. It provided players of all skill levels and backgrounds a chance to compete, grow and connect through the sport in a new way. The sidelines were filled with families cheering not just for their own kids, but for new friends and teammates met along the way, all while capturing the community spirit that makes youth soccer so impactful.

“Soccer Wars did an awesome job with their event in Newington,” said Josh Krusewski, Executive Director of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association. “It was really well organized and a big success. With how well things went this year, the sky’s the limit going forward. I’d definitely recommend it to my colleagues in other state associations.”

What sets Soccer Wars apart is the variety of ways players can test themselves. The event features three signature formats:

• Player Wars: Fast-paced, small-sided battles that lead to the showcase finals.
• Goalie Wars: Goalkeepers go head-to-head in rapid-fire matchups.
• Skill Wars: A series of challenges designed to spotlight individual technique and creativity.

Combined with a festival-style atmosphere that is complete with music, food and community activities, Soccer Wars is as much a celebration of the game as it is a competition.

Looking Forward

The Newington stop marked a successful step in Soccer Wars’ national expansion and highlighted CJSA’s commitment to providing innovative opportunities for players across Connecticut. As this format grows, so does the platform for young athletes to test their skills, develop leadership and share their love of the game.

To contact the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association, please call (860) 676-1161 or email office@cjsa.org. Also make sure to follow us on social media!