Tosh Farrell Soccer Magazine June 2020 | Page 27

This would not have been accomplished if not for the hard work and dedication put forth by the leadership at US Youth Soccer, within the State Associations of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Maryland & Virginia, and the member leagues NSL, CCL, & NCSL. The many individuals that need to be recognized for achieving this milestone include Chris Moore, Greg Smith, Bob Trudeau, Mike Borislow, Rusty Wightman, Steve Votolato, Mark Cantor, Flo Egan, Denise Edwards, Steve Robinson, Brian Kuk, Richard Smith, and many others. On a personal note, I want to thank my dear friend, John Barata, for his persistence and perseverance to developing players in New England. What started out as a long shot question and discussion between us at Maguire’s Bar & Grill in Easton, MA back in December of 2017, “What do we need to do to bring the NSL back to US Youth Soccer?” has finally come to fruition. It has been a great pleasure and honor to work with you on this, it took longer than we thought, but we finally got it across the finish line. Now their is another development pathway in New England for players to compete and vie for the National Championship. Congratulations to all and I look forward to seeing you on the pitch. Thomas