The Kontonis Esperanza Cup is a co-hosted interleague youth soccer event bringing together select U11–U13 Division 2 teams for the 2025–2026 season from the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL), Big Apple Youth Soccer League (BAYSL), and Metro Kids Youth Soccer League (MYSL).
Held as a one-day pre-season competition, the Cup provides a competitive match environment designed to prepare teams for the Spring season while fostering collaboration and shared standards across leagues.
The event was envisioned by our late President, Paul Kontonis, as a platform to unite leagues and create meaningful opportunities for players in our community.
While the Kontonis Esperanza Cup launches at the Division 2 level, the long-term objective is to expand to additional age groups and the Girls City program in future seasons—continuing Paul’s vision of inclusive growth, competitive balance, and unity through the game.
For More information - Email - JPuma@cjslsoccer.com
Results
March 8 – Flushing Meadows Corona Park – Field 8
12:15 PM Kickoff
- Field 1: FC COPA Academy Brooklyn B13 Black (6) vs United Sherpa Football Club 2013 (1)
- Field 2: Coney Island Cyclones United Lions (0) vs Mikes FC 2015 (4)
1:30 PM Kickoff
- Field 1: Success Academy Soccer Program SA 2014B (4) vs Bambini SA (3)
- Field 2: South Brooklyn FC 2014 (8) vs Academia Argentina SA 2014 (3)
2:45 PM Kickoff
- Field 1: ARB SC 2013 (4) vs Gunners SA 2013 (1)
- Field 2: ARB SC 2015 (0) vs Guerreros FC 2015 (8)
Event Rules and Procedures
Awards: Medals
Immediately following each finals’ game, an awards ceremony honoring both the winners and finalists will be held. Both teams are required to participate.
Check-In
The team coach or manager must check in at the registration tent one hour prior to their game with three identical copies of the game day roster.
Game Day Requirement: Roster & Passes
Official US Youth Soccer photo roster – three copies total. Only players listed may play or be on the sidelines.
Walk-Out
Teams will line up at midfield immediately prior to kickoff at the referee’s direction.
Referees
Referee fees will be provided by CJSL and paid on the field prior to the match.
IFK
Deliberate heading results in an indirect free kick for the opposing team. Applies to all U11 matches.
Protests
Protests are not permitted. The tournament committee will decide all matters.
Overtime
- U11–U12: two (2) five-minute periods
- U13: two (2) ten-minute periods
Uniforms
All players must wear matching uniforms with legible numbers. Home team changes if colors conflict.
Flushing Meadows Corona Park – Field #8
Parking is available on site. Pets and alcohol are prohibited.
Regards,
CJSL Management
Selection Criteria
Kontonis Esperanza Cup – Division 2
Purpose
This competition is intended for Division 2 teams focused on development, confidence-building, and meaningful competitive exposure.
League Placement (Required)
- Must finish 1st place in the Fall season
Developmental Readiness
- Benefit from additional competitive repetitions
- Appropriate competitive alignment
Behavior & Team Culture
- Positive sideline behavior
- Respect for opponents and officials
League Compliance (Required)
- No forfeits or fines
- Club-wide compliance applies
Participating Clubs
BAYSL Teams
U11
- Guerreros FC
U12
- Bambini Soccer Academy
U13
- Gunners Youth Club
CJSL Teams
U11
- ARB SC – ARB SC 2015
- Coney Island Cyclones – United Lions 2015
U12
- Success Academy Soccer Program – SA 2014B Orange
- South Brooklyn FC – South Brooklyn FC 2014
U13
- FC COPA – FC Copa Academy Brooklyn B13 Black
- ARB SC – ARB SC 2013 Red
MYSL Teams
U11
- MIKE’s FC
U12
- Academia Argentina
U13
- United Sherpa Football Club
Official SponsorOne city. Three leagues. One legacy.