Decade of Community, Competition, and Growth in Youth Soccer
The Frances G. Young Recreation Tournament has become a beloved tradition in New Jersey youth soccer, providing recreational players with an exciting and competitive tournament experience. What started as a small event with just 48 teams has now grown into a major youth soccer tournament, celebrating its 10-year anniversary with nearly 70 participating teams.
A Tournament Built on Passion and Dedication
The tournament was first launched by Edward Young, a dedicated member of Hazlet United Soccer Association (HUSA), who wanted to create an inclusive event for recreational youth soccer players. After a successful first year, the HUSA Board renamed the tournament in honor of Young’s late wife, Frances G. Young, who passed away in 2009, cementing her legacy within the community.
New Jersey Youth Soccer has proudly supported the event through its League America Grant from U.S. Youth Soccer, reinforcing its commitment to growing the game at all levels and ensuring that recreational players have access to high-quality tournament experiences. 
Steady Growth and a Bright Future
For years, the tournament consistently drew between 43 and 48 teams, but in the last four years, that number has surged to nearly 70 teams—a testament to Young’s dedication and the tournament’s positive impact on the soccer community. His hard work, passion, and commitment have transformed this event into a staple of New Jersey youth soccer, bringing families, teams, and players together to celebrate the sport in a fun and competitive atmosphere.
As the Frances G. Young Recreation Tournament continues to grow, it serves as a reminder of the power of community-driven soccer events and the importance of providing opportunities for all players to develop, compete, and enjoy the game.
Carrying On An Important Tradition
As expected, the event holds personal significance for the founder and his family thanks to its namesake.
Young’s wife, a beloved schoolteacher in Hazlet, had a deep love for children and firmly believed that she was meant to make a difference in their lives. Similarly driven by the desire to make a positive impact on youth in their community, her husband joined the HUSA Board and the foundation was created for this remarkable youth soccer recreational tournament.
FROM YOUNG’S PERSPECTIVE, RECREATIONAL PLAYERS OFTEN TAKE A BACK SEAT TO TRAVEL PLAYERS.
Recognizing the need to provide recreational players with a dedicated weekend and put them in the spotlight, he established this tournament. Its success is unparalleled in the region.
Bringing his late wife’s favorite color into the event, purple is prominently and proudly incorporated into the event. The participating teams wear purple uniform shirts bearing her name, along with purple socks and Frances’ initials are even in purple adorning every center circle on each soccer field.
The tournament also includes the tradition of launching purple balloons and observing a moment of silence in her memory.
Young’s vision for the 2023 edition is to create the most wonderful experience possible for the boys and girls participating, leaving everyone eager to return the following year.
The Youth Soccer Tournament Grows With Purpose and Vision
Driven by the belief that every individual has a purpose, Young stated, “I think that I’m realizing my purpose, and I’m proud and blessed that I can do what I’m doing, not just for the children of Hazlet but for all children as well.”
Young’s ultimate goal is to involve his own children in organizing and eventually taking over the tournament, knowing that they are doing it in honor of their mother and as a tribute to him. Moreover, he hopes that future generations will become involved and that his granddaughter will one day participate in the tournament representing her hometown.
Although Young has no children currently playing in the HUSA recreational tournament, his dedication and passion for organizing this tournament never wavered.
“My wife will always live on through my children and my granddaughter,” he said. “Doing this tournament and seeing her name all over the fields allows her to live on because she always believed, as I always will, that it’s all about the kids.”
Evan Dabby, NJYS Executive Director, attended the tournament and met Young, his family as well as other attendees. “Ed and the Hazlet United Soccer Association deserve all the credit for creating this opportunity of giving hundreds of young players a special day to enjoy soccer,” said Dabby. “Walking around the fields, it was so evident how much this event means to the Hazlet community.”
“NJ YOUTH SOCCER LOOKS FORWARD TO SUPPORTING THIS EVENT IN THE FUTURE AND HELPING IT GROW.”
Evan Dabby, Executive Director NJYS
This Frances G. Young Recreation Tournament was made possible with help and contributions from its event partners and sponsors that include Saker ShopRite, Ray Catena Lexus of Freehold, Dental Health Centers of Holmdel, and Giuseppe’s Pizza of Hazlet.
About NJ Youth Soccer Association
New Jersey Youth Soccer, a 501(c) (3) organization affiliated with U.S. Youth Soccer and the U.S. Soccer Federation is comprised of more than 100,000 players from 5 to 19 years old; 10,000+ coaches; and thousands of volunteers. Members collectively support the sport of soccer through training, practice, competition, and the spirit of good sportsmanship. The association features recreational, travel soccer programs at multiple skill levels; Olympic Development Programs (ODP); tournaments including the National Championship series; coach and referee training and certification programs; and TOPSoccer, a program for children with disabilities.
