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