(November 13, 2025- NEW YORK MILLS, NY) – The Edwin J. Wadas Foundation is proud to announce Anel Pajatovic as the 2025 Ed Wadas Volunteer of the Year. Pajatovic was awarded $5,000.00 to support the youth sports charity of his choice at the recent Game Changer Event held by the Foundation. There were 14 other outstanding volunteers recognized at the event that each received $500.00 to support the youth sports
charity of their choice. Anel, like Ed, has shown incredible dedication to the advancement of youth sports. He has helped to ensure that local children can have the opportunity to participate in the sport of soccer. Anel supports underserved youth by volunteering at free clinics, buying equipment, transporting athletes, and covering tournament fees.
For the past 4 years, he has spearheaded the Livi Strong Foundation’s memorial soccer tournament and has almost tripled its’ size since its inception. In addition, Pajatovic serves as the Founder and President of United Elite Krajisnik Football Club where he also coaches 6 teams. He serves as the Director and a coach for Whitestown AYSO. Under Pajatovics’ leadership, both a UPSL, a semi-pro league, and a MASL 2 team, which is known as “farm team” for Utica City FC, have been created in the Mohawk Valley. “The Edwin J. Wadas Foundation is proud to recognize volunteers who value the life lessons that youth sports
can teach our children. Anel, and all of the nominees, have embodied the principles that Ed valued and encourage keeping the joy in youth athletics” stated Victoria Cataldo, Executive Director.
About Ed Wadas:
For over 60 years Ed volunteered as a scorekeeper, announcer, statistician, track and field
official and in every other possible capacity in his selfless desire to help young athletes succeed and realize the benefits of participation in athletic programs. Ed was an outstanding role model and never passed up an opportunity to emphasize sportsmanship, respect for opponents and officials, and the value of hard work to all the young athletes he encountered. His true passion was volunteering at youth sporting events and using his personal financial resources to support and enhance youth athletic programs in Oneida and Herkimer Counties.
To learn more about the Edwin J. Wadas Foundation visit wadasfoundation.org.
