CJSL Announces 2025 Honorary Award Winners
Downtown United SC 2024 Legacy Club Honoree
The Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Honorary Awards — a tradition started in 2021 to recognize the clubs, referees, and individuals who exemplify the spirit, service, and passion that continue to drive youth soccer in New York City.
The awards will be presented at the CJSL Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday, June 26, 2025, at the Gjøa Clubhouse (850 62nd St, Brooklyn, NY). Doors open at 7:00 PM. Attendance is mandatory for all clubs.
2025 Honorary Award Winners
Legacy Club Award – SC Gjøa, for decades of foundational impact and excellence in CJSL.
New Club of the Year – Triboro United, for quickly establishing a culture of integrity, growth, and participation.
Club Person of the Year – Elmer Campos (Soccer Fun for Kids & Elite Players Center), for unwavering dedication to player development and community uplift.
Referee of the Year – Tommaso Martello, for setting the standard in fairness, professionalism, and consistency on the field.
“Each of these awardees represents the very best of our league,” said Paul Kontonis, CJSL President. “Their contributions—on the sidelines, on the field, and in our communities—elevate the sport and inspire the next generation of players.”
Dimitrie Draguca, CJSL League Director, added, “We’re fortunate to have clubs with such rich histories and individuals who give so much of themselves. Their passion fuels the league’s legacy and our mission.”
Past Honorees
Since the CJSL Honorary Awards began in 2021, we’ve proudly celebrated the clubs and individuals who exemplify the spirit of our league. Legacy Club honorees have included Eleftheria (2021), Istria SC (2022), BW Gottschee (2023), and Downtown United SC (2024) for their decades of dedication. New Club of the Year has gone to standout newcomers like Formativas Barcelona (2021), Juventus Academy NY (2022), Soccer Kids NYC (2023), and Success Academy (2024), each making an immediate impact. Club Person of the Year has recognized the tireless service of Jean Marc Perez of Manhattan Kickers (2021), John Tucker of Gjøa (2022), Sandra Kurtovic of FC United Bronx (2023), and Nadia Caballero of DV7 (2024). And our Referee of the Year award has honored top officials Chip Reed (2021), Luben Mihaylov (2022), Andrew Ashmall-Liversidge (2023), and Patricia Thelwell (2024) for their professionalism and commitment to fair play.
We look forward to honoring these individuals and clubs at the AGM. Their contributions represent the heart of what makes the CJSL so impactful and enduring after more than 90 years of competition.
