Livio D’Arpino Award

Livio D’Arpino was the former Vice President of the Eastern New York State Soccer Association. He also served on several US Adult Soccer committees on behalf of Region I. Born in Italy in 1946, Livio immigrated to America in 1955. Along with his brother Dario and others, Livio founded Frosinone SC in 1971, which developed into a powerhouse in the Metropolitan New York area. That same year Livio joined the Italian American Soccer League as a Trustee and then served as its Secretary from 1975 to 1979. He became President of the league in 1980. Livio began his work with the Eastern New York State Soccer Association in 1979 as Recording Secretary. Five years later, he was elected General Secretary. Livio then became involved with the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association, eventually serving as Vice President on behalf of both youth and adult associations. His committee appointments include the Appeals Boards of both State Associations, the Budget Committee at US Adult Soccer and ENYSYSA Olympic Development Program as its Chair. Livio took part in many facets of the game from 1971 until his unexpected death in 2003.  He had the pleasure to see former Frosinone SC players Chris Armas and Mike Petke rise to the ranks of Major League Soccer.

In memory of Livio, Region I recognizes members who have made significant contributions to the game at both the region and state level. We are proud to present this distinguished list in Livio’s name.

RECIPIENTS OF THE LIVIO D’ARPINO AWARD

  • 2003 – Salvatore Rapaglia (Eastern New York)
  • 2004 – Brian Alexander (Western New York)
  • 2005 – Anthony Falcone (Maryland)
  • 2006 – Richard Groff (Eastern Pennsylvania)
  • 2009 – Larry Frisoli (Massachusetts)
  • 2010 – Walter McClinton (Eastern Pennsylvania)
  • 2011 – John Zangrilli (New Jersey)
  • 2012 – Tony Dubrowski (Massachusetts)
  • 2013 – Pat Varsallona (New Jersey)
  • 2014 – Matthew Krywonos (Western New York)
  • 2015 – Peter Pinori (Eastern New York)
  • 2015 – Anna Steffen (Maryland)
  • 2016 – Werner Fricker Jr. (Eastern Pennsylvania)
  • 2017 – James Sadowski (Metro DC-Virginia)
  • 2018 – David Borts (Rhode Island)
  • 2019 – Dave Laraba (West Virginia)
  • 2022 – Fritz T. Marth (New Jersey)
  • 2023 – James Bollinger (Eastern Pennsylvania)
  • 2024 – Scott Michael Mapes (Vermont)

Rocco Amoroso Award for Fair Play

Rocco Amoroso was an advocate for decades for the cause of sportsmanship in soccer in the United States. He developed the Sportsmanship Program of the Long Island Junior Soccer League in 1980, the first program of its kind not only in soccer but youth sports. Concerned with the lack of civility on the playing fields, Rocco saw it as a mission to develop mature teenagers and responsible citizens through the lessons of teamwork and Fair Play. The goal was to Build Character Through Soccer, a sentiment that comes from the Sportsmanship Program and continues to be the league’s slogan and mission statement to this day.  Rocco’s Sportsmanship Program guidelines were adopted by Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association and the American Youth Soccer Organization. In addition, the principles of the program have been incorporated by leagues in Ireland and China. And the Rocco Amoroso Sportsmanship Cup is given annually to men and women teams by the Eastern New York State Soccer Association.

Rocco’s emphasis on sportsmanship changed the fabric of youth and adult soccer in New York, throughout the United States and indeed in other parts of the globe, for the good of the game and the development of the character of its players. An enthusiastic public speaker, Rocco gives speeches on sportsmanship throughout Eastern New York at the meetings of the diverse youth and amateur leagues, including annually at the Eastern New York State Soccer Association Annual General Meeting.

Rocco was instrumental for getting Region I to recognize sportsmanship in our game and we are proud that our Fair Play Award is named in his honor.

RECIPIENTS OF THE ROCCO AMOROSO AWARD FOR FAIR PLAY

  • 2012 – Western New York Women Select Team
  • 2012 – Phoenix Majors (Eastern Pennsylvania)
  • 2013 – Real Caribe (Eastern New York)
  • 2014 – Christos FC O30 (Maryland)
  • 2015 – Newtown Pride FC (Connecticut)
  • 2016 – West Chester United SC (Eastern Pennsylvania)
  • 2017 – Michael Fricker (Eastern Pennsylvania)
  • 2018 – FC Motown & Jackson Lions FC (New Jersey)
  • 2019 – Fairfield GAC FC (Connecticut)
  • 2021 – Cory Osterbind & Renegades FC (Metro DC/Virginia)
  • 2022 – Olympiacos NY (Eastern New York)