West Side Soccer League was founded by a group of parents in 1987. Upon its founding, it was associated with the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) as Region 611. Burton Haimes, then President of AYSO, played a critical role in the League's beginning. With the goals of balanced teams and everybody plays, the first games were held on October 4th of that year with 10 teams and 118 players.
The founding Board Members of West Side Soccer League were Neville Coleman (Commissioner), Tim Wood (Chief Referee), Zina Steinberg (Treasurer), Margery Rosenthal (Chief Team Parent), Enrico Amaducci (Chief Coach & Safety Officer), Bill Stewart (Field/Equipment), Marvin Conan (Registrar), Tedda Marcus and Michael Weisser (Sponsorship). Neville Coleman, first Commissioner of the League, was succeeded by Marc Freedman (1997-2001), Eddy Collyns (2001-05), Dana DiPrima (2005-2015), Meredith Berkowitz (2015-2021), and now Vilda Vera Mayuga (2021-present).
1987 | West Side Soccer League Founded & Associated with AYSO |
Neville Coleman becomes first WSSL Commissioner | |
Starts with 10 teams of 118 players and core philosophy of Everybody Plays & Good Sportsmanship | |
1996 | Travel teams separate from WSSL to become Manhattan Soccer Club |
1997 | Marc Freedman becomes second WSSL Commissioner |
Opened 101st Street Field in Riverside Park | |
2500 players registered | |
1999 | Kantor Fields open on Randall's Island |
2001 | Eddy Collyns becomes third WSSL Commissioner |
Registration exceeds 4,000 players | |
Coach Education Nights Launched | |
WSSL supports Riverside Park field development with $400K | |
2005 | Dana DiPrima becomes fourth WSSL Commissioner |
WSSL opens new artificial turf fields at 103rd and 107th Street in Riverside Park (Thanks Marc & Eddy!!) | |
On-line registration & website management for divisions & teams launched | |
2006 | Small sided games introduced for all divisions |
2007 | First Annual "WSSL Salutes" Volunteer Appreciation Event |
2011 | Riverside Park Honors WSSL for its commitment to the Park |
WSSL Partners with NY Futsal for Winter Futsal Program | |
2012 | WSSL Launches Tournament Program (Spring) |
WSSL Launches new Travel Program (Fall) | |
2015 | Meredith Berkowitz becomes fifth WSSL Commissioner |
WSSL Launches new Development Academy Program (Fall)
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