'Putting Berkeley On The Map': Champion Golden Eagles Celebrated

BERKELEY, NJ — The Berkeley Golden Eagles AYF had a great season, and the Berkeley Township Council took time to give the boys certificates at the Monday night meeting to celebrate their success.

"We're actually putting Berkeley on the map," said the organization's President James Vandenbos, who shared how for the first time ever, the team hosted the semifinal national championship games on their own field.

"We were picked out of many teams and many fields to host it," he said. "And we were the first pick, which was huge for us."

The 12U Division B South Champions were presented with individual certificates, and Coach Kyle Mackown said they would be back for more.

"We'll just keep coming back here and getting certificates from you. We plan on winning," Mackown said.

Five of the boys were presented with another certificate, Julian Molitor (14U), Micah Lee, Austin Vandenbos, Anthony Marrano and Joey Laycock (12U), as they were selected to head to Florida and compete in nationals.

Mackown said that the "wrecking crew" of boys had an unbelievable season and would only continue to grow.

"These young men that are sitting in front of you have made myself, the coaching staff and the town proud," Mackown said.