Over 10,000 soccer players, coaches, referees, volunteers and fans are expected to flock to the 30th Annual Long Island Junior Soccer League Convention at the Huntington Hilton on Route 110 in Melville, Long Island from March 2 to March 4. Coaches meetings, administrator meetings, sportsmanship awards, referee clinics, exhibitors from around the world…this year’s convention again promises something for everyone.
CLICK ON COMPLETE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS BELOW.
The LIJSL, the largest league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), has these special convention events planned:
Volunteer Awards Dinner
The Volunteer of the Year from the LIJSL clubs and the league’s newest Hall of Famers will be honored on Friday night, March 2. Cocktails begin at 7 p.m.
LIJSL-NSCAA “D” Course
This is a four-hour course, free-of-charge, designed for those who will be coaching youth soccer players from four to 10 years of age. The LIJSL encourages those parents and coaches involved in soccer for the first time to take this class to learn the proper methodology in teaching youth players being exposed to the wonderful game of soccer. The course is on Saturday, March 3 from 9 am to 1 pm in the Mattituck Room. Seating is limited so the league strongly suggests registering in advance to guarantee your seat. Click on the attached flyer for registration information.
ENYYSA Premier League Meetings
ENYYSA volunteers will be hosting two meetings of the Premier League teams on Saturday, March 3. There will be a 10 am meeting in Executive Room 1 for Under-12 to Under-14 teams followed by an 11 am meeting in the same room for Under-15 to Under-18 teams.
Sports-Specific Training and the Young Athlete
Join strength and conditioning coach Mike Mejia for a look at the effect that specialized training has on youth injuries. Topics will include age- and gender-appropriate conditioning protocols, recommended warm-up and stretching guidelines as well as innovative strengthening exercises for large groups. Saturday, March 3 at 10 am and Sunday, March 4 at 9 am, both in the Eisenhower Room.
Performance Anxiety: What Can We Really Learn From Youth Sports Performance Testing?
Join strength and conditioning coach Mike Mejia in this interactive workshop that will provide an in-depth look at popular youth fitness tests. Athletes will have an opportunity to test their power, agility and strength. Special focus will be placed on proper bio-mechanics to reduce injury potential. Saturday, March 3 at noon and Sunday, March 4 at noon, both in the Eisenhower Room.
LIJSL Volunteer Reception
Sponsored by adidas, Eurosport and Modell’s Sporting Goods, the Volunteer Reception will take place from 5-9 pm on Saturday, March 3 in the Savoy. All LIJSL volunteers are welcome.
CPR and AED Training Course
Craig and Kristin LoNigro from Long Island Sports Care Group are conducting a CPR and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) training course on Sunday, March 4 from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm in the Mattituck Room. This course will take approximately four hours and upon completion the individual will be American Cross-certified. The course is open to any adult at a cost of $50. Seating for the course will be limited and will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. Click on the attached flyer for registration information.
Getting Into Their Heads
Join LIJSL coach Brittany Henderson along with sports psychologists Amanda Ferrante and Dr. Jack Bowman as they discuss practical ways of bringing mental training to your team both on the field and through the Internet. Sunday, March 4 at 10 am in the Eisenhower Room.
LIJSL College Forum
This forum is for all interested high school sophomores, juniors and their families. A panel of college coaches, players and soccer parents discuss NCAA requirements, financial aid and finding the right college. Translation into Spanish by LIJSL coach Ernesto Phan for Latino parents who might not understand English. 2:30 to 4:30 pm in the Savoy on Sunday, March 4.
Donations
Bring those deflated soccer balls, clean uniforms and cleats that are taking up space at home. The collection in the Hargrave Room will go to needy kids.
