About Us

Community Over Competition

The purpose and mission of the MSAL is to foster a citywide community of student-athletes, develop positive leadership skills and habits in our students, and teach personal responsibility through an understanding of what it means to represent one’s community.

Manhattan Youth

NYCMSAL is funded by Manhattan Youth After-School. Manhattan Youth Recreation and Resources, Inc. provides the highest quality childcare and after-school programs plus academic, recreational and cultural activities for children, families, and individuals who live or work in Manhattan, regardless of income. Manhattan Youth After-school is proudly funded by the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD).

Origin Story

Founded in 2002 by John DeMatteo, the Middle School Athletic League (MSAL) started with Track & Field and Basketball. We expanded our offerings in 2003 to include Soccer and Table Tennis, and introduced a Baseball division in 2004,the same year Rob Schliessman joined our team. With Neil Potter’s involvement in 2015, we further developed and grew throughout New York City.

A significant milestone came in 2018 when Zane Holmes was appointed to oversee the league’s expansion into all four boroughs. Jason Bissonnette also joined us at that time to manage operations in the Bronx. Today, MSAL proudly serves over 180 middle schools across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx.

Our Leadership Team

Meet the team who makes it all possible.

Zane Holmes

Director of Operations

As the Director of Operations for the Middle School Athletic League (MSAL), Zane has been instrumental in transforming the league into a competitive, four-borough entity serving over 180 middle schools across New York City. 

John DeMatteo

Commissioner

John plays a pivotal role in facilitating and coordinating various sports activities and events for middle school students.

Rob Schliessman

Commissioner

Rob plays a crucial role in the coordination and execution of MSAL events, all aimed at providing enriching athletic experiences for middle school students in New York City.

Jason Bissonnette

Commissioner

Jason plays a pivotal role in the MSAL program, facilitating communication, ensuring adherence to rules and policies, and actively contributing to the organization and execution of sports events throughout the academic year.

Neil Potter

Commissioner

Neil plays a crucial role in the MSAL program, facilitating communication, fostering partnerships, and ensuring the successful execution of sports events throughout the academic year, ultimately contributing to the enrichment of the athletic experience for middle school students in New York City.

Brian Rivera

Director of Communications

Brian is responsible for all of the visual elements which represent MSAL. Aside from the design of our logo and development of our website, Brian is responsible for designing all of our uniforms and uniform policies so our student athletes are able to play and perform in equitable spaces.

Brittany Mejia

Director of After-School Programs
Manhattan Youth

Brittany has been involved in youth development in the Downtown Manhattan community in many different capacities since she was fifteen years old. Brittany currently versees over 20+ Programs serving Middle School Students and Families across NYC free of charge. She is a big advocate of MSAL and believes in providing equitable spaces for students to compete and learn leadership skills.

Bob Townley

Executive Director
Manhattan Youth

Bob’s commitment to helping families secure employment and childcare has been the driving force in his work. Bob’s other love is sports and recreation. In the mid-1980s he became Youth Coordinator of Community Board One, and he started Manhattan Youth in 1986 with Lower Manhattan parents.

PROUDLY FUNDED BY:

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Friday, Sept 29, 2023

All Games Are Cancelled.