Eastern New York ODP Alumnus Jimmy Milligan Playing Midfield For the New York Cosmos
The Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) became Cosmos Country when hundreds of soccer fans had their photos taken with and received autographs from New York Cosmos players during the 33rd Annual LIJSL Convention on March 7. Former LIJSL player and now Cosmos midfielder Jimmy Milligan also met with the many Cosmos fans and signed autographs for them at the Roosevelt Field shopping mall on April 15 in a setting that was a little more intimate.
“For any kid growing up, it’s a dream to play for their local team. As a New Yorker, I’m thrilled to be playing for a team with such a revered history,” Jimmy said. “There’s been a lot of great moments during my career, but I’ll have to say the best moment came last year when we beat the Red Bulls in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.”
The now 23-year-old spent his formative years in the LIJSL playing for Brentwood United and Massapequa United as well as the Olympic Development Program (ODP) of the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA).
“I just had so many friends when I played with Eastern New York,” Jimmy explained. “So many great spirits and so many great times and really great trainers that helped me succeed.”
It was then on to St. John’s University where he earned NSCAA/Adidas Scholar All-America honors. In his senior year, he served as the Red Storm’s captain and helped lead St. John’s to the 2013 NCAA Tournament Second Round. Over the course of his collegiate career, the Medford resident appeared in all 80 games during his four seasons with the Red Storm, including 66 starts. The midfielder totaled eight goals, three game-winners and nine assists for 25 points.
Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association: With over 100,000 youth soccer players–both boys and girls–and more than 25,000 volunteers, the non-profit Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) stretches from Montauk Point, Long Island to the Canadian border. Members are affiliated with 11 leagues throughout the association, which covers the entire state of New York east of Route 81. ENYYSA exists to promote and enhance the game of soccer for children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 19 years old, and to encourage the healthy development of youth players, coaches, referees and administrators.
All levels of soccer are offered–from intramural, travel team and premier players as well as Special Children. No child who wants to play soccer is turned away. ENYYSA is a proud member of the United States Soccer Federation and United States Youth Soccer Association.
