The Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) and league sponsors Modell's Sporting Goods and Adidas are looking to the 75,000+ soccer players in the LIJSL to nominate standout coaches and players for several awards.

The LIJSL and Modell's are calling on boys and girls soccer players that participate on a U12 LIJSL travel team to submit an essay explaining why they feel their coach is a good sport and a role model.

One girl and one boy will be selected as the winner and their coach will receive a $500 savings bond and be recognized as a Sportsmanship Coach of the Year at the 26th Annual LIJSL Convention Dinner in March of 2008.

To enter simply submit a neatly printed or typed essay no less than 100 and no more than 250 words on "Why you feel your coach is a good sport." Include your name, address, team and club name on the entry. All entries must be postmarked by Dec. 1, and mailed to the attention of:

Sportsperson of the Year Contest

Long Island Junior Soccer League

101 Sunnyside Blvd., Suite 555

Plainview, New York, 11803.

In addition, Adidas and U.S. Youth Soccer, the largest youth sports organization in the United States, are asking LIJSL teammates, parents and coaches to nominate any LIJSL player in the Under-6 through Under-18 age who they feel had the "Goal of the Year" and "Save of the Year." Nominations must be submitted with a video clip of the Goal or Save. The completed nomination must be postmarked by Nov. 1.

For details on any of the contests and links to the U.S. Youth Soccer Web site visit the LIJSL official Web site www.lijsoccer.com or call 756-9696.

The Long Island Junior Soccer League was established in 1966 as a non profit, educational organization and is one of the largest youth soccer leagues in the United States, with over 100 member clubs representing approximately 75,000 players from Nassau, Suffolk and Queens. The LIJSL is operated by volunteers committed to enabling young people to Build Character Through Soccer. The League's mission is to foster the growth and development of youths under the age of 19, at all levels of competition, emphasizing fun, respect and team-building. As an umbrella organization, the League provides a coaching academy, clinics, tournaments, special competitions, scholarships and special programs for players of all abilities.