NJYS Awards Dinner 2025: A Night of Champions, Inspiration & Soccer Excellence in 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.
NJYS Awards Dinner 2025: Youth Soccer Excellence
New Jersey Youth Soccer (NJYS) kicked off 2025 in style, hosting its highly anticipated NJYS Awards Dinner on January 31st at the Pines Manor in Edison, New Jersey. Presented by RWJBarnabas Health, this event was more than just a ceremony; it celebrated dedication, passion, and excellence in youth soccer, honoring the players, coaches, and contributors who make the game thrive in New Jersey. 
Honoring Legends & Rising Stars
The night’s biggest moment? It is hard to pick just one. The excitement was palpable in the air as the youth soccer teams walked onto the stage to be honored. Of course, another big moment was Steve Shilling‘s induction into the NJYS Hall of Fame, recognizing his lasting impact on the sport. The celebration continued with awards presented to the talented coaches, and dedicated volunteers who have helped shape the next generation of soccer talent.
A First-Class Celebration
Forget the typical awards dinner with predictable speeches and forgettable meals—this event was anything but ordinary. With a professional, first-class atmosphere and an energy that matched the passion of the game itself, the NJYS Awards Dinner set a new standard for honoring the sport’s best and brightest.
Looking Ahead to the Future
As NJYS continues to foster growth and opportunity in youth soccer, this night served as both a reflection on achievements and a powerful inspiration for the future. With the support of RWJBarnabas Health, NJYS remains committed to building a stronger, more inclusive soccer community in New Jersey—one that continues to shape tomorrow’s stars.
This annual youth soccer event was attended by over 1,000 soccer loving people and recognizes 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.
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 also serves as an opportunity for players and coaches to interact with some of the sport’s most respected figures.
“I am beyond grateful to the staff that works countless hours to prepare for this event and 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.
“Most people don’t realize just how much preparation goes into making an event like this happen—but that’s a testament to our incredible team working tirelessly behind the scenes,” said Dabby. “The goal is always to create a seamless, unforgettable night, and thanks to the dedication of so many, we made it happen.”
“Attending the New Jersey Youth Soccer Annual Gala was an unforgettable experience, truly showcasing 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 young players whose achievements were celebrated that night. Seeing the next generation of talent honored on such a prestigious stage, surrounded by a community that genuinely believes in their potential, was incredibly inspiring. NJYS continues to set the standard for supporting and uplifting youth soccer.”
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 MLS
- 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, former CEO of US Youth Soccer who was also in attendance to celebrate the State’s soccer elite.
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Beyond the awards themselves, this event is a powerful testament to the impact of soccer in shaping young lives. The game teaches more than just skills—it instills dedication, discipline, and teamwork, qualities that extend far beyond the field.
Celebrating these achievements not only recognizes the hard work and commitment of players and coaches but also ignites inspiration in the next generation, encouraging them to dream big, push boundaries, and chase their soccer aspirations.
“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.
This wasn’t just a dinner. It celebrated the game we love and the people who make it great. ⚽🏆
For more information on NJYS and the 2025 NJYS Awards Dinner, visit www.njyouthsoccer.com
