In 1973 Sinasi arrived to the United States from his native Turkey for what he thought would be a summer vacation. Instead it turned out into a life-changing experience when he quickly fell in love with the USA. Soon after that trip to Manhattan ended, Sinasi was putting down roots in New Jersey, specifically in the New Brunswick area of Central Jersey. Within a few years in New Jersey, Sinasi started his own business in New Brunswick and was soon building a family. He was also building a tremendous relationship with the New Jersey soccer community.
Sinasi’s love for soccer had been cultivated while growing up in Turkey where he played the sport for 10 years in his own town of Malatya. For three years he worked as a physical therapist in a local hospital and also a a part-time trainer for Malatya’s pro soccer team. His dedication to soccer flourished in New Jersey once he became aware of the game’s strong support in the ethnic communities in the Garden State.
Before long, Sinasi had formed an amateur side in the Turkish community under the banner of Instanbul Sports, Cultural and Educational Center. The club quickly became successful while hosting cultural and sports activities. Sinasi was President of the Club for more than 20 years. His first management decision was to enter the Istanbul soccer team into the Metuchen Soccer League.
After one year in that program he joined the Garden State Soccer League and soon joined the GSSL Board of Directors where he continues to serve today as Assistant Vice President. His coaching ability produced a successful team that went undefeated for two years in a row. He made the Istanbul SCE center an active member of the Federation of Turkish-American Associations and he has served as a Federation member to this date.
Having joined the North Brunswick Youth Soccer Association when his sons were still in Elementary school, Sinasi helped build such organization by helping to develop many boys and girls under his guidance. US national team goalie and English Premier League star Tim Howard, a North Brunswick native, was one of the many youngsters who came out of the youth programs that Sinasi supported. Sinasi’s son, Ahmet, also became a standout player, he earned a degree in Sports Management and today coaches college soccer.
A volunteer at the 1994 World Cup games in Giants Stadium, Sinasi has helped the NJSA to host numerous U-23 and U-20 Regional tournaments in the summer, while continuing as an active GSSL board member and actively staying involved with the Istanbul Sports, Cultural and Educational Center and continuing to coach successful soccer teams.
