Neptune Soccer Association
Awards and Scholarships
The Neptune Soccer Association has long ties to the Neptune community. Since it was formed in 1970, many volunteers have donated their time and expertise to the NSA and its recreation and travel programs. Everything the NSA does is meant to set an example of leadership, sportsmanship, and community service to its thousands of players. It annually awards travel players who exemplify these values in memory of some of our most deserving and dedicated volunteers and players.
The George Conti Jr. Memorial Scholarship
George Conti was a Neptune Soccer Travel player tragically killed in a car accident in 1988. In his memory, the Neptune Soccer Association has annually awarded a girl and boy Neptune resident high school senior a $1,000 scholarship in his name.
All applications must be postmarked by April 30th and addressed to "NSA Scholarship Committee", PO Box 165, Neptune, NJ, 07754.
Download the George Conti Jr. Memorial Scholarship Application
The Joe Studick Sportsmanship Award
Joe Studick served as NSA Tournament Director, NSA President, and Coach of two NSA travel teams in his years with the organization. He was an integral part of securing the Sunshine Park fields as the Club's home. To honor his contributions and his sportsmanship, the NSA presents a $50 award to an NSA travel player who exemplifies great character and temperament during games and practices.
NSA coaches nominate Travel players annually for this award.
The Shay Schembri Spirit Award
Shay Schembri was born and raised in Neptune. He was a member of the Neptune 1980-81 State Champion soccer team. Shay went on to coach for the NSA and later served as its Vice President. To honor Shay's embrace of the association, the NSA awards a $50 award to NSA travel player who shows dedication and team spirit during games and practices.
NSA coaches nominate Travel players annually for this award.
The Michael P. McGhee Leadership Award
Mike was a highly respected President, Tournament Director, and coach for the NSA for many years who passed away in 2021. During his long tenure his dedication and guidance was critical to the association's growth. This award is given to the NSA player who demonstrates leadership on and off the field.
NSA coaches nominate Travel players annually for this award.
Luke and John Greco Memorial Neptune Soccer Awards
The Luke and John Greco Memorial Awards are extended by the Greco family every June.
Luke and John Greco loved everything about Neptune soccer. Every week John displayed his fiery spirit, athleticism, and comradery with coaches and teammates. John “Johnny G” always brought his “Beast Mode” attitude and performed his best skills to beat each competitor. His older brother, Luke, proved to be the perfect spectator. He would roll up in his wheelchair next to the team bench and offer advice to individual players while in the huddle. Luke’s positive cheers ignited the game, and his frequent trips to the snack shack to socialize and eat was always comical. Both our beautiful boys were the essence of the Neptune soccer family and lived life to the fullest no matter what the circumstances; either down by 3 and still giving your all or despite your physical disability, still contributing to the excitement and enthusiasm of the game environment. Luke and Johnny will always be remembered for these attributes and forever leave memorable imprints on our hearts. #JG20 #ForeverLukestrong!
NSA Travel Team Awards
$500 each to one boys’ and one girls’ NSA Travel teams
The team that scores the most amount of goals and has the least amount scored against will be named the winner. In the event of a tie the team with the most tournament game wins will be named the winner. The monetary amount will be placed in the team’s account for team use.
NSA Travel MVP Player Awards
$250 each to one boy and one girl NSA Travel Player
This award will be granted to players who possess both Luke and John’s characteristics (i.e., sportsmanship and positive attitude). The monetary amount will be allotted to a Neptune Soccer player towards their annual registration costs/individual fees that are required for the year. Neptune Soccer Association will elect the recipients.
