Competitive Youth Soccer in New York City Since 1933.
Founded in 1933, the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL) stands as a pillar of youth soccer in New York City. With a legacy rooted in development and diversity, CJSL delivers year-round outdoor and indoor competition, alongside rigorous coaching and referee education programs that empower our culturally rich community of clubs and players.
Led by dedicated members of the soccer community, the CJSL is a not-for-profit organization committed to improving the sport for all players. As a proud affiliate of US Youth Soccer and Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association, CJSL offers competitive and developmentally appropriate league play across the New York metropolitan area—from U7 co-ed development to high-stakes U19 matchups. Every player is placed where they can grow, compete, and thrive.
Leadership Team
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Paul Kontonis
President
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Max Watson
First Vice President
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Jonathan Puma
Second Vice President
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James Svendsen
Treasurer
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Dimitrie Draguca
League Director
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David Gordon
Games Chairman
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Ron Restrepo
Director of League Club Development
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Darren Marshall
Coaching Education Director
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Derick Adams
Recording Secretary
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Chip Reed
Referee Director
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Andrew Ashmall-Liversidge
Referee Assignor
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Sean Resch
Trustee
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Danny Segelin
Trustee
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Ivo Mohorovic
Trustee
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Steve Batalas
Trustee
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Maritza Vasquez
Office Staff
Life Members
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Claudio Bulian
Life Member
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Carlo Bucich †
Life Member
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Emil Cohill †
Life Member
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Dimitrie Draguca
Life Member
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James Svendsen
Life Member
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Michael Leandrou
Life Member
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Ron Restrepo
Life Member
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Jim Vogt
Life Member
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Burt Wilkes
Life Member
Past Presidents
We honor our past presidents whose leadership and vision helped grow the game of soccer across New York City.
2024 – Current Paul Kontonis
2018 – 2024 Ron Restrepo
2016 – 2018 James Svendsen
2012 – 2016 Dimitrie Draguca
2004 – 2012 Burt Wilkes
2002 – 2004 Carlo Bucich
2000 – 2002 James Vogt
1998 – 2000 James Svendsen
1994 – 1998 James Vogt
1988 – 1994 Frank Reiss
1984 – 1988 Wil Cintron
1980 – 1984 Michael Maxes
1977 – 1980 Herbert Heilpern
1970 – 1977 Joseph Goldberg
1966 – 1970 Herman Behncke
1960 – 1966 Alois Emmel
1933 – 1960 Erwin Klaus
Hall of Fame
The CJSL Hall of Fame celebrates individuals whose service and dedication have left a lasting impact on youth soccer in the Metropolitan area.
2003
Emil Cohill (First Member)
Bernd Boehm
Dr. Gabriel Nigrin
Manfred Schellscheidt
Michael Windischmann
2005
Hans Bayen
Erich “Pop” Werner
George Donnelly
Herbert Heilpern
Edward Falbo
2009
Claudio Reyna
Lenny Roitman
John Wolyniec
Dieter Ficken
Franco Legovic
2013
Carlo Bucic
Claudio Bulian
Miguel Brunengo
Joey Fink
Jimmy Svendsen
James Vogt
Michael Leandrou
Burt Wilkes
2023
Paul Gardner
George Gjokaj
Dusanka Maurisic
Frank McCarthy
Ivo Mohorovic
Sig Samuelsen
Honor Awards
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Legacy Club Award
This award honors longtime member clubs whose unwavering commitment and service have helped shape the CJSL.
2021: Eleftheria
2022: Istria SC
2023: BW Gottschee
2024: Downtown United SC
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New Club of the Year Award
Presented to clubs that have recently joined the league and made an immediate impact through sportsmanship, service, and support of the CJSL mission.
2021: Formativas Barcelona
2022: Juventus Academy NY
2023: Soccer Kids NYC
2024: Success Academy
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Club Person of the Year
Awarded to an individual whose passion and tireless service have uplifted both their club and the broader CJSL community.
2021: Jean Marc Perez – Manhattan Kickers
2022: John Tucker – Gjøa
2023: Sandra Kurtovic – FC United Bronx
2024: Nadia Caballero – DV7
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Referee of the Year
Recognizing referees whose professionalism, consistency, and dedication have supported fair play and youth development throughout the season.
2021: Chip Reed
2022: Luben Mihaylov
2023: Andrew Ashmall-Liversidge
2024: Patricia Thelwell
We are the best of New York City youth soccer.
Come meet with us.
Our office hours are:
Monday - 10am - 3pm
Tuesday - 10am - 3pm
Wednesday - 10am - 8pm
Thursday - 10am - 3pm
Friday - CLOSED
Saturday - CLOSED
Sunday - CLOSED
Phone: 718-491-4009