From ENYYSA, Randy Vogt
By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association
October 22, 2025-United Soccer Coaches has announced the selection of John Fitzgerald as the 2025 Mike Berticelli Excellence in Coaching Education Award recipient for his outstanding contributions to coaching education and his singular service to the game.
Fitzgerald becomes the 26th person to receive prestigious recognition from his peers. The award is named in honor of Mike Berticelli, the Association’s former Vice President of Education and men’s coach at the University of Notre Dame who passed away in 2000.
Fitzgerald is Sporting Director and Director of Coaching Education for the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL), the largest league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA).
Fitzgerald's extensive experience and dedication to soccer make him a prominent figure in the coaching community, particularly on Long Island where he continues to influence the development of young players and the growth of the sport.
The Smithtown resident is a highly respected coach with over 35 years of experience spanning professional, collegiate and youth soccer. He is currently the head coach of the American Soccer Club New York, a newly established team competing in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL). Fitzgerald brings an impressive depth of knowledge and a proven record of achievement to this position, having earned recognition throughout the New York soccer community.
“John embodies what the Berticelli Award is about and is truly deserving of this honor for his passion and dedication to coaching education,” United Soccer Coaches President Paul Payne explained.
Fitzgerald's coaching journey includes several notable roles:
• Associate Head Coach, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy: In this role, Fitzgerald contributed to the team's six NCAA Division 3 tournament appearances, helping the program achieve a strong reputation and consistent performance.
• Director of Coaching, New York Cosmos: Fitzgerald was responsible for overseeing training and player development programs. He also served as assistant coach for Cosmos B, who captured the 2015 NPSL national championship.
• Head Coach, Long Island Lady Rough Riders: Under his leadership, the Lady Rough Riders won a national championship in the W-League, further establishing his credentials.
• Longtime coach in Eastern New York’s Olympic Development Program (ODP), including Boys Director of Coaching.
• Current head coach of East Region ODP Boys 2009 team.
Fitzgerald has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to coaching. He was named the 2004 NSCAA/Adidas Northeast Regional Assistant Coach of the Year and the 1997 Newsday Coach of the Year, as well as head coach of that years’ Umbro W-League All-Star select team His involvement in coaching education includes serving as the NSCAA State Director for Long Island and as a National Staff Instructor as well as a US Soccer coach educator. Fitzgerald's teams have accumulated significant successes, including a record of 228-100-20 at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy as well as multiple conference championships and NCAA tournament appearances.
The Berticelli Award will be presented at the association's Awards Ceremony on Friday, January 16, 2026, in conjunction with the 86th Annual United Soccer Coaches Convention in Philadelphia.
With over 100,000 youth soccer players––both boys and girls––and more than 25,000 volunteers, the non-profit Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) stretches from Montauk Point, Long Island to the Canadian border. Members are affiliated with 10 leagues throughout the association, which covers the entire state of New York east of Route 81. ENYYSA exists to promote and enhance the game of soccer for children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 19 years old, and to encourage the healthy development of youth players, coaches, referees and administrators. All levels of soccer are offered––from intramural, travel team and premier players as well as Children With Special Needs. No child who wants to play soccer is turned away. ENYYSA is a proud member of the United States Soccer Federation and US Youth Soccer.
Editor's Note: LIke the author, Vogt, we go back over 40 years with Fitz and are so happy for him to be lauded in this fashion.