About Us
The EDP Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to the advancement, education, and career development of both boys and girls soccer players by providing opportunities to grow and prosper. This organization is a vital resource dedicated to establishing connections between athletics and education beyond high school. Our programs are designed to inform and inspire athletes to attend college, trade, or technical school. Learn how you can share in the Foundation’s mission and help to better the lives of our youth.
Mission
To enable young soccer players to reach their full potential on and off the field, with an emphasis on college or educational opportunities by providing a full range of the highest quality soccer-related experiences. We aim to empower each player by creating connections that help them to achieve their collegiate goals.
Vision
To deliver opportunities for EDP Clubs, coaches, parents and players by:
• Providing access and connections to college for all young athletes, regardless of circumstance
• Raising awareness among young athletes considering a career in soccer after high school
• Educating young athletes of their collegiate opportunities, as well as the advantages of earning a college degree
Goals and Objectives
• Organize EDP league games on college campus each season and calendar year
• Host educational college seminars at EDP Showcases each calendar year
• EDP Cup Spring & EDP Cup Fall Showcase
• Run educational College Nights programs for players and parents at EDP partner clubs
• Partner with EDP on the EDP College Combine
• Award academic scholarships for players based on character and sportsmanship
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
You can make a difference in a young athlete’s life. Discover the ways that you can get involved and get the word out about the EDP Foundation and its programs. Contact us to learn more.
Email Us: info@edpfoundation.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Peter Gooding
Chairman
Former President, United Soccer Coaches
Former Director of Athletics, Amherst College
Gooding is a former Amherst College Men's Soccer Coach and Athletic Director. He served as President of the United Soccer Coaches (USC) as well as their Director of Coaching. Currently, Peter is a senior staff coach for the USC Academy Program, which he helped initiate and design. Gooding has received several accolades, including the Honor Award by the USC, the USC Merit Award, the prestigious Bill Jeffrey Award, and has been inducted into the Coaches' Hall of Fame.
Elsa Shilling
Treasurer
Accounting & HR Manager, EDP Soccer
After completing a Bachelor's degree in Economics in Ecuador, Elsa relocated to study at Rutgers University for her Master's degree in Economics. In 1992, Elsa found employment in the Translations and Mutual Funds Departments at Bloomberg LP in Manhattan. Following 21 years at Bloomberg, Elsa transitioned into the soccer industry. Mrs. Shilling established the accounting department at SAJE Enterprises LLC, playing an integral role in the development of SAJE and EDP Soccer.
Bohdan Porytko
Secretary
Executive Director of Programming, EDP Soccer
Bohdan Porytko has spent two decades evolving competitive platforms for youth soccer, including creating MAPS, the first successful northeastern league for regional play. Mr. Porytko is President of CJYSA, and serves on the Boards of New Jersey Youth Soccer and US Adult Soccer's Region One, in addition to his primary role as Programming Director for EDP Soccer. Prior to that, Mr. Porytko was General Counsel of Levelor Lorentzen Inc., a staff attorney at ADP Inc., and an associate at Pitney Hardin & Szuch.
Steve Shilling
Program Consultant & Liaison with EDP Soccer
President, EDP Soccer
President, SAJE Enterprises, LLC
Steve Shilling has spent the last 18 years developing youth soccer in New Jersey. He is currently President of SAJE Enterprises and EDP Soccer, a company which he also founded. Steve also serves as a member of US Soccer and is involved with USASA, United States Youth Soccer and New Jersey Youth Soccer. Prior to his involvement with youth soccer, Mr. Shilling was an economics professor after gaining his Master's degree in Economics and Finance from Rutgers University.
Blake Henry
Finance Committee
CEO, Silver Management
Blake Henry joined EDP in 2014 to advance its mission of empowering young people to achieve their full potential. Mr. Henry is CEO of Silver Management, an investment services technology company he founded in 1991. Prior to founding Silver, he was a Computer Programmer for IBM Corporation and CACI Field Services. Mr. Henry played soccer and studied management information systems (MIS) at Drexel University prior to earning his B.S. in Economics at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Robin Dean
Program Consultant
Executive Vice President, Gate 1 Travel
Robin Dean is a long-time supporter of EDP and its mission. Mr. Dean was formerly Executive Director for West Windsor Plainsboro Soccer Association (WWPSA), where he also served as a Board Member. Mr. Dean is a Partner and Executive Vice President of Gate 1 Travel, a leading international tour operator. Prior to joining Gate 1 in 1995, Mr. Dean spent 10 years in the tourism business in New York. Mr. Dean earned an MA in Theology from the University of Cambridge in England.
Amy Hough
Program Consultant
Head Coach, Elizabethtown Women's Soccer
After a stellar collegiate career as a keeper with La Salle University, Amy Hough began coaching in 2009 as an assistant at both La Salle University (2009-2011) and Lehigh University (2011-2016). She’s now entering her 7th season as head coach of women's soccer at Elizabethtown where she coached 16 all-conference players and the program’s first-ever all region goalkeeper in 2021. Her teams have qualified for the United Soccer Coaches’ Team Academic Award all 6 seasons that she has coached. Hough holds an Advanced National Diploma from United Soccer Coaches and was the Landmark Coach of the Year in 2019. She has supported the EDP Foundation since its inception, coaching at camps, and speaking at numerous showcases and college recruiting advisory sessions.