News

The Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) Board of Directors is pleased to announce its 2024 scholarship fund recipients.

2024 CJSA Scholarship Recipients:

• Andrew Baranov (Bolton, CT)
• Arias Braeden (New Milford, CT)
• Luisa Raby (Old Lyme, CT)
• Dominik Stefanski (East Lyme, CT)
• Margaret Wernicki (Plantsville, CT)

The application process for the CJSA Scholarship Fund opens each spring. To be eligible for the scholarship fund, applicants must have played with a CJSA affiliated club and maintained a C+ average 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 in the corresponding fall. Additionally, all applicants must complete an accompanying 250-word essay on the topic of “What Soccer Means to Me.”

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 excited to announce the hiring of Andy Parker as its Grassroots Coaching Coordinator. In his new position, Parker will support grassroots (recreation and competitive) soccer programming while also developing community participation in non-traditional environments throughout the State of Connecticut.

“I am thrilled to return to my roots in Connecticut and join the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association as the Grassroots Coaching Coordinator,” said Parker. “Working with CJSA offers a unique opportunity to merge my love for soccer with my passion for grassroots development. I am eager to contribute to the growth of young players and coaches in my home state, developing a culture of positivity and inclusivity within the soccer community.”

Parker most recently spent three seasons as an assistant coach for the Brown University Men’s Soccer Program. This past fall, he helped in leading Brown to an undefeated conference record and an appearance in the Ivy League Tournament Final. Goalkeeper Hudson Blatteis also thrived under his guidance, with Parker helping him win Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year accolades.

“We are thrilled to have Andy on our team at CJSA,” said Josh Krusewski, Executive Director of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association. “His roots in Connecticut as a player and coach will be instrumental in providing our recreational and travel coaches with consistent resources and educational opportunities. Andy will play a big role in helping CJSA grow the game in more non-traditional environments such as YMCAs, Boys and Girls Clubs and after-school programs.”

Prior to his time at Brown University, Parker spent nine seasons at the University of Connecticut. While on the staff there, the Connecticut native assisted with recruiting, training sessions and film analysis while also creating a year-round goalkeeper training model. Husky goalkeeper Scott Levene excelled in his system, developing into the top player in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) at his position and leading the AAC in goals-against average (0.77), save percentage (79.2%) and shutouts (8). During his time on campus, Parker saw UConn appear in consecutive NCAA Tournament Quarterfinals (2012, 2013) while also qualifying for the national competition in 2015 and 2018 as well.

Parker, who holds a United Soccer Coaches Advanced National Diploma and USSF C License, earned four letters as a player for Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire. A Northeast-10 Conference All-Rookie Team selection, he started 72 games at Saint Anselm and left the program as its all-time leader in minutes played. The former Northeast-10 All-Academic Team member was also a two-time captain and selected as the 2011-12 Saint Anslem Student-Athlete of the Year. After acquiring his degree in International Business from Saint Anslem, Parker continued his academic pursuits at UConn and earned his Masters in Sports Management.

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 Ole FC Yankee Academy 15U Girls were crowned champions at the US Youth Soccer Eastern Regional Championships on Tuesday, defeating South Shore Futbol Club Legacy G2009 (NYE) in the 15U Girls Final by a tally of 1-0. With the win, Ole FC Yankee Academy has officially punched their ticket to the USYS National Championships later this month at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida.

Ole FC Yankee Academy (15U Girls) went undefeated at the Eastern Regional Championships, first winning their group on three consecutive victories before blanking PPA 2009 Green Girls (MD) in the semifinals, 1-0. Over the course of their five-match winning streak in West Virginia, they were stellar defensively and only gave up a single goal throughout the entire tournament. Collectively, they posted a 10-1 goal differential during their run to the 15U Girls Championship.

Also playing in the championship round on Tuesday was AC Connecticut (17U Girls), but they unfortunately fell to Aztec Girls 2007 NAL (MA) in the final. Prior to that last contest, AC Connecticut had been unbeaten at the Eastern Regional Championships, opening the tournament by claiming the top seed in their bracket on seven points before earning a 1-0 clean sheet over Aztec North Girls 2007 NAL (NH) in the semifinals.

The USYS National Championships Presented by New York Life is the country’s most prestigious national youth soccer tournament. The competition provides winners from each state with the opportunity to showcase their soccer skills against the best competition in the nation while emphasizing teamwork, discipline and fair 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!

The knockout stages have officially commenced at the US Youth Soccer Eastern Regional Championships, with a pair of Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) teams advancing to the finals of the tournament. Connecticut teams that are in pursuit of an Eastern Regional Championship include Ole FC Yankee Academy (15U Girls) and AC Connecticut (17U Girls).

Ole FC Yankee Academy (15U Girls) booked their reservation in the 15U Girls Final after blanking PPA 2009 Green Girls (MD) today in the semifinals, 1-0. Ole FC opened the Eastern Regional Championships by finishing on top of their table in group play, going undefeated with nine points (3-0 record) and outscoring their opposition by a tally of 8-1. Next up is a Tuesday meeting in the championship game against South Shore Futbol Club Legacy G2009 (NYE).

AC Connecticut (17U Girls) also remained unbeaten at the Eastern Regional Championships, earning a 1-0 clean sheet over Aztec North Girls 2007 NAL (NH) in the semifinals today. Prior to arriving in the elimination rounds, AC Connecticut claimed their spot in the semifinals by winning their group, recording seven points (2-0-1 record) on an 8-1 goal differential. They now face Aztec Girls 2007 NAL (MA) on Tuesday in the final, with the winner of that match lifting the 17U Girls Trophy.

USYS Eastern Regional Championships – Tuesday

15U Girls: Ole FC Yankee Academy vs. South Shore Futbol Club Legacy G2009 (NYE) at 9:00 AM

17U Girls: AC Connecticut vs. Aztec Girls 2007 NAL (MA) at 12:00 PM

CJSA teams that advanced to the elimination rounds of the USYS Eastern Regional Championships but unfortunately saw their run come to a close are AC Connecticut (13U Girls), Connecticut Rush Select (13U Boys) and Chelsea Piers Juventus (16U Boys).

Winners at the USYS Eastern Regional Championships will move onto the USYS National Championships later this month at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. The USYS National Championships Presented by New York Life is the country’s most prestigious national youth soccer tournament. The competition provides winners from each state with the opportunity to showcase their soccer skills against the best competition in the nation while emphasizing teamwork, discipline and fair 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!

Group play has concluded at the US Youth Soccer Eastern Regional Championships, with five Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) teams moving onto the next stage of the competition. CJSA teams that punched their tickets to the elimination rounds include AC Connecticut (13U Girls), Ole FC Yankee Academy (15U Girls), AC Connecticut (17U Girls), Connecticut Rush Select (13U Boys) and Chelsea Piers Juventus (16U Boys).

AC Connecticut (13U Girls) booked their reservation in the semifinals this Monday after winning their group on seven points (2-0-1 record) and a 7-1 goal differential. Joining them in the semifinal round will be Ole FC Yankee Academy (15U Girls), who finished on top of their table after going undefeated with nine points (3-0 record) and outscoring their opposition by a tally of 8-1. AC Connecticut (17U Girls) also claimed their spot in the semifinals on Monday by winning their group, earning seven points (2-0-1 record) on a 8-1 goal differential.

Connecticut Rush Select (13U Boys) are playing in the quarterfinals on Sunday after finishing on top of their bracket, registering six points on two victories and one defeat in the opening round. Also advancing to the next stage of the regional competition is Chelsea Piers Juventus (16U Boys), who will play in the semifinals on Monday after winning their group with six points on a pair of wins matched with a single loss.

USYS Eastern Regional Championships

13U Girls: AC Connecticut vs. Yardley Makefield Soccer 2011 Girls Flames (PAE) – Monday

13U Boys: Connecticut Rush Select vs. Premier 11B (PAE) – Sunday

15U Girls: Ole FC Yankee Academy vs. PPA 2009 Green Girls (MD) – Monday

16U Boys: Chelsea Piers Juventus vs. SDA 2008B (NYW) – Monday

17U Girls: AC Connecticut vs. Aztec North Girls 2007 NAL (NH) – Monday

CJSA teams that advanced to the USYS Eastern Regional Championships but unfortunately saw their run end after group play include Ole FC Academy (14U Girls), AC Connecticut (14U Girls), Ole FC Academy (16U Girls), Valley FC (16U Girls), Inter Connecticut FC (12U Boys), Ole FC Academy (13U Boys), Chelsea Piers Napoli (14U Boys), Ginga FC (15U Boys), Ginga FC (16U Boys), Inter Connecticut FC (17U Boys), Sporting Connecticut (17U Boys) and JA Elite FC (18U Boys).

Winners at the USYS Eastern Regional Championships will move onto the USYS National Championships in July at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. The USYS National Championships Presented by New York Life is the country’s most prestigious national youth soccer tournament. The competition provides winners from each state with the opportunity to showcase their soccer skills against the best competition in the nation while emphasizing teamwork, discipline and fair 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!

Courtesy of AAA Northeast (CJSA Sponsor)

If you are like most soccer families, you spend a lot of time driving to and from the fields. Summer road trips and vacations only add to your monthly mileage. While the cost of gas is lower than its peak price, it is still over $3 a gallon.

Knowing a few tricks can help maximize your miles per gallon:

• There is no need to warm up your engine, even on cold mornings. Today’s cars are designed to start and go, so you are just wasting gas by idling.
• Take advantage of discounts at gas stations. AAA members save with Shell Gas across the country. (Save 30 cents per gallon on the first fill-up, and 5 cents per gallon every time thereafter.)
• Gas stations on the highways often charge higher prices due to their overhead. Fill up locally before a trip. If you must fill up near the highway, use stations near state border lines, which tend to price their gasoline less aggressively. (Use AAA’s mobile app to find the best gas prices along your route!)
• Do not use the AC at max. It can reduce your mpg by 5%-25% compared to not using it. Park in the shade when you can, so your car stays as cool as possible.
• In large vehicles, simply taking out an unused third-row seat can remove more than 100 pounds from the car’s weight, which will save gas. Remove any other heavy items from the trunk or interior, including extra tires, unused child seats and more.
• Believe it or not, driving on rough roads such as dirt or gravel can cost you up to 30% of your gas mileage. Avoid driving on rough roads whenever possible.

Despite the fluctuation in prices, it is possible to save money on gas. Use a combination of any of the above tips to keep both your wallet and gas tank full!

Not a member yet but want to save on gas? Join AAA with our special 2-for-1 offer, exclusively for CJSA members! Visit AAA.com/2for1 today.

Champions were crowned at the finals of the Spring Connecticut Cup Presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, which was hosted in collaboration with Simsbury Soccer Club at Curtiss Park in Simsbury.

“We want to congratulate all of the finalists and champions who competed in our Connecticut Cup Finals,” said Josh Krusewski, Executive Director of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association. “These CT Cup Finals conclude what has been a great season for our teams, and we thank everyone involved for contributing to that success. We look forward to kicking off another season in the fall.”

The Connecticut Cup Presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods is available to teams playing in the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association that meet residency requirements. Connecticut Cup Finals are scheduled in the 11U to 15U age groups for girls teams, and from 11U to 16U in the boys division.

Champions – Connecticut Cup Presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods

11U Boys – Farmington

11U Girls – West Hartford

12U Boys – Haddam-Killingworth

12U Girls – North Haven

13U Boys – Greenwich

13U Girls – Naugatuck

14U Boys – Tolland

14U Girls – Wethersfield

15U Boys – West Hartford

15U Girls – Milford

16U Boys – Naugatuck

A full gallery of photos from the Connecticut Cup Finals is available online through GeoSnapshot. Users can browse the photos manually, or you can also upload a selfie for their discovery tool to locate any photos of your player. View photos.

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!