Girls Soccer Team Heading to National Championship in Kansas Next Week

A girls soccer team from Toms River will make a run for a US Youth Soccer National Championship title next week, marking the first TRFC team to play for the honor.

After winning the state cup in June, the Toms River FC Elite United (U-16) girls soccer team beat out 600 other teams from 13 states to take the Region 1 championship. Next week, the team will travel to Kansas to play for the national championship.

“This team has the memory of Hurricane Sandy still fresh in their minds yet they continue to amaze us as parents,” said Nick Dell’Acqua, whose daughter Alyssa plays goal.

Coached by Carl Leschinski and assistant Scott Logan, the team’s State Cup win marked the first time a Toms River team took the honor. The team recently visited the Township Council, where officials offered congratulations. 

“I’m proud of the team’s accomplishments both on and off the field,” said Mayor Thomas Kelaher in a statement. “Their athleticism should be commended as well as their spirit of volunteerism. Many of the girls volunteered their time during Hurricane Sandy, and our residents will be forever grateful for that.”

As the team prepares to travel to Kansas, they’re asking any locals who would like to support their journey to make a donation. Donations can be made through the club’s website or by mailing a check to Coach Carl Leschinski, 224 Atsion Way, Toms River, NJ 08753. The tax ID is 22-2138095.