New Jersey Youth Soccer builds toward 2026 World Cup moment

The basics:

• New Jersey Youth Soccer serves about 130,000 players across 400+ clubs
• Organization expanding events, partnerships and community engagement
• Collaborations include Gotham FC, Capelli Sport and RWJBarnabas Health
• Leaders see 2026 FIFA World Cup as major opportunity for youth soccer

New Jersey Youth Soccer is building momentum at a pivotal time for the sport, both locally and globally. With roughly 130,000 players, from 5 to 19 years old, across more than 400 clubs, the organization is sharpening its focus on engagement, access and community impact as it continues to grow.

CEO Evan Dabby said that approach reflects a broader shift toward a more service-driven model centered on connecting and supporting players, coaches and clubs across the state.

That strategy is taking shape through expanded events, stronger partnerships, and new opportunities for players at all levels. From statewide gatherings like the Youth Soccer Summit and marquee celebrations such as the NJYS Annual Awards to collaborations with professional teams and major brands, the organization is building momentum across the state – while also preparing to tap into the generational opportunity and added visibility the 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to bring.

NJBIZ recently spoke to Dabby to discuss these topics and more. He began by describing NJ Youth Soccer’s background and its mission.

“It’s an organization that’s 40 years old and I’ve been there for now 12 years,” Dabby told NJBIZ. “Currently, and we’re on the upswing, service 130,000 players, north of 10,000 coaches, 400 clubs – in about 10 leagues. That’s New Jersey Soccer by the numbers.

“From a mission standpoint, and we put a lot of effort to that in recent years – this is new and fresh. We’re about connecting and empowering the youth soccer community. Anecdotally, I think it’s been changed from one of a governance and regulatory one to really service-oriented. The vision statement related to that we point to is to establish soccer as the preeminent sport in New Jersey that unites, grows, and inspires a lifelong passion.”

On a mission

And given those robust topline numbers of players, coaches and clubs Dabby spoke about, the organization stays aligned toward that mission.

“Engagement’s a big part of it,” Dabby explained. “The Youth Soccer Summit is a great example.”

That event was held March 1 at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison in partnership with Red Bull New York and presented by RWJBarnabas Health. It marks the second year of the statewide collaboration and 10th anniversary of the original Red Bulls Youth Club Summit. The program brought together club directors, administrators, and decision makers from across the Garden State for a day of insights, workshops, and industry-led discussions focused on the future of youth soccer.

It also featured Red Bulls leaders, such as Head Coach Michael Bradley, President and General Manager Marc de Grandpré, Head of Sporting Julian de Guzman and other key stakeholders in the soccer community.

“It’s partnered with our annual general meeting. Something that five years ago was just our board members – 15 people around the table – has grown each successive year,” said Dabby. He noted that just last year there were around 150 people on-hand — and this year grew to north of 300 participants registered. “So, engagement’s a huge part as think of that shift to being service-oriented and connecting and empowering the youth soccer community.

“And beyond that, it’s regular communications through the digital side of it. We engage our leagues quarterly in meetings. We’re really focused on that engagement – listening, learning and responding to what the needs are, so we can provide that service.”

In the midst of an evolution

Dabby agreed with the idea that the organization is in the midst of a bit of an evolution and focused on telling its story and educating New Jerseyans on what the organization does. “And I think even youth soccer in general is going through some evolution. So, I think we’re part of it,” he said.

Dabby noted how the organization has not raised its fees in 10 years. “And that’s a big deal, because we know the cost of playing is a hot topic. So, we’re proud of the little part that we play in that,” he explained. “And the way we’ve done that is through sponsorships, through grants, and just being smarter about how we conduct our business.”

Partnerships are a key part of the organization – and there is a variety of notable ongoing collaborations and new alliances being forged. Capelli Sport is one example. Capelli is a global sportwear brand headquartered in New York City. It has a major presence throughout the soccer world, including here in New Jersey, operating the Capelli Sport Complex in Tinton Falls and Capelli Sport Center in Carlstadt. Under the four-year partnership, Capelli Sport serves as the Official Partner of New Jersey Youth Soccer, including the NJYS Olympic Development Program and NJYS State Cups.

[W]e know the cost of playing is a hot topic. So, we’re proud of the little part that we play in that [having not raised its fees in 10 years]. And the way we’ve done that is through sponsorships, through grants, and just being smarter about how we conduct our business.
– Evan Dabby, New Jersey Youth Soccer CEO

The organizations said that the collaboration is designed to strengthen engagement at both the grassroots and competitive levels – while providing NJYS-affiliated clubs and leagues with expanded access to high-quality apparel, equipment and uniforms.

“We know that Capelli and [Capelli co-founder and CEO] George Altirs  – there’s a New Jersey nexus,” said Dabby. “This is home for them. And I’ve had the luxury of speaking to George – and this is something he’s passionate about.

“The fact that we had this opportunity to create this partnership is really great, really timely. We’ll have more events. Our upcoming State Cups will be at the Capelli Sport Complex. The Open Cup that we recently launched – the finals will be hosted there.”

On a local level

Dabby continued, “It’s great to have national brands – and I think that’s true with Dick’s Sporting Goods.” NJYS has a partnership with Dick’s, which offers its members exclusive discounts at New Jersey store locations, along with support for State Cups and the Olympic Development Program.

“But there’s also a recognition of local [businesses] and people that are doing great things in our backyard, so to speak – JAG Physical Therapy, RWJBarnabas Health, Capelli, and even our newest awards partner, ONit Creative Solutions – they are all New Jersey-based,” said Dabby. “Each one of our partners, we look at it because they provide value to us and our membership.

“And certainly, we’re committed to providing value to them – and that’s been a big part of our growth.”

Collaboration has been a focus for Dabby during his tenure. He cited an early one with fast-growing JAG Physical Therapy. Dabby noted his relationship with JAG CEO John Gallucci Jr., when they crossed paths at Major League Soccer.

“When I first started here, he was one of the first ones I reached out to – because we just weren’t doing that,” said Dabby. “We didn’t have those types of relationships at New Jersey Soccer. So, he was and JAG were one of the first to really buy-in to what we were looking to do and to evolve at New Jersey Soccer.

“And we’re still partners with JAG 10-plus years later.”

‘Growing the Girls Game’

In February, NJYS announced an extension of its partnership with reigning National Women’s Soccer League Champions Gotham FC – reaffirming a shared commitment to growing the girls’ soccer game and strengthening the youth soccer community across the state.

“Certainly, what they’ve achieved on the field has been extremely impressive in recent years – setting the bar what they do domestically and even internationally in their competition,” said Dabby. “But more than that, they are bought into the community. And that’s really our focus. ‘Growing the Girls Game’ is an initiative we have. They have a ‘Keep Her in the Game’ initiative. So, we’ve aligned on that outreach.”

Recognizing excellence

On Feb. 1, NJYS held one of its signature events, the NJYS Annual Awards Presented by RWJBarnabas Health. The gala recognizes New Jersey players, teams, coaches, referees, and volunteers for outstanding performances and/or their contributions to youth soccer in the state – as well as honors NJYS Hall of Fame inductees (this year was Alecko Eskandarian and Denise Reddy).

The 2026 iteration took place for the first time at American Dream in East Rutherford.

Dabby highlighted the growth and evolution of the event.

“When I started 10 years ago, it was 300 people at a banquet hall. And it was a very nice event,” said Dabby. “Over time, as we looked at who we’re about – we’re serving kids. And our former president opened up the idea of changing tradition – and we invited our State Cup winners. And that evolved the nature of the event.

“We went from 500 to 700 to 900 to 1,000 in recent years – where we were at capacity at the Pines Manor, which was a fantastic host.”

He said American Dream learned of the event and opened its doors in allowing NJYS to host it there. “And we took advantage of that to not be limited by time. Because it used to be a Friday night – and we did it on a Sunday,” he explained. “We weren’t limited by space, so we increased our participation, at least doubled it – let alone, we created New Jersey Youth Soccer Day at the Dream. There were thousands of youth soccer players and parents.”

Have to see to believe

And Dabby noted that mall patrons saw jerseys from all over the state, the scarves of award winners and more. “In the pictures, in the videos, it’s almost hard to believe until you see it and feel it,” said Dabby. “We made this true to our identity about kids and creating that lifelong passion for the game. We had our State Cups winner come down the red carpet onto the Dream stage in the middle of the mall to their own choreographed entrance, along with their selected music.

“We even awarded the best entrance with tickets to a Red Bulls game or a Gotham game. Some of the images were awesome. Kids entering through a limbo – another had like tiaras and pink scarves. It was all over the place. The kids had fun. We had a blast doing it,” Dabby continued. “And then we were able to create a Soccer Village activation with the Gotham FC championship trophy. The Red Bulls had their Wall Kick. RWJ had their health and wellness center with JAG, and PSE&G was there. Bank of America was giving out prizes.

“The list goes on, but we had major brands and our major partners there activating — all for the benefit of the kids, to take advantage of free opportunities and winning prizes.”

Students supporting students

Dabby pointed to the last two pieces of the puzzle – noting that is where the stars aligned.

“We had a red carpet – where after they get on stage, they go to get interviewed. And we partnered with Seton Hall University, and their students were there to interview,” Dabby explained. “These are students in the media program – and they got the experience to interview, and obviously the young players had the luxury and experience of getting interviewed.

“We will produce those little clips for them to enjoy and remember forever. And the last piece of the puzzle was – we always had our Hall of Fame, and we never gave it ample attention. But this is where things really worked to our collective favor. The New Jersey Hall of Fame is located at the American Dream Mall. It’s an unbelievable venue,” he continued.

“They were kind enough to open their doors to allow us to host the event, and it was just a truly professional experience – and everything we could have hoped for. And allowed us to honor Denise Reddy and Alecko Eskandarian into our Hall of Fame.”

Dabby said it was a full day to celebrate youth soccer with thousands on hand including kids, players, parents, coaches, students, partners and more.

“It was all hands on deck,” he said. “But it was the highlight of the year.”

It also yielded a tripling of social media engagement, with at least 50% of participants being first-time visitors to the mall. “American Dream is a premier venue in the state, if not, the country,” said Dabby. “And we’re happy to help people learn about what’s in our backyard. And American Dream was a great partner.”

Capturing the World Cup buzz

The conversation then shifted to the World Cup – a once-in-a-lifetime moment for the region – and how NJYS is approaching it and planning to capitalize on it.

“We’ve been in touch with the Host Committee ever since it formed,” said Dabby, who pointed out the group had a presence at the recent Summit. “And we’ve hosted multiple events with them over the year. We know that this is a generational opportunity. We don’t want to be passive about it. And we’re going to take every opportunity to connect our clubs, our leagues, our players, to that experience in meaningful way.

“Not just watching games but also feel like being part of that story. We know about the shift – and there’ll be an opportunity for community events that were formerly at Liberty State Park,” he continued, pointing to the Fan Fest that was scrapped in favor of programming all around the state. “We’re excited that we anticipate being part of events and engagement and activation throughout the state.

“As these plans start to get formalized, we’re in touch with multiple organizations, because our membership is literally in every part of the state. And we’re in a unique spot to be a complimentary partner, to increase that participation for those that live here,” said Dabby.

“We’re making sure 200,000 – when you talk parents and everything – know what’s available to them and take advantage of it,” Dabby continued. “Because it’s transformational. I watched the 1994 World Cup and picked up the World Cup for the first time. And we want 2026 to have that same effect for the next generation of New Jersey players.”

Stressing the point about the more widespread activations instead of all the action just being in Jersey City, Dabby said, “The outcome is something that we hope our membership in the soccer community and the whole New Jersey community leverages and takes advantage of – because we’ll be the center of the world come this summer.

“And it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”