Authorities have charged Gustavo Rosas Plata, a youth soccer coach from North Plainfield, with assaulting a 16-year-old player during a match at the Warinanco Sports Center in Roselle.

The incident occurred on October 19, 2025, during a game between North Plainfield Soccer Elite and Elizabeth Youth Soccer. Witnesses reported that after a player from the Elizabeth team fell near the sideline, Plata allegedly kicked the teenager.

Following an investigation that included interviews and video review, the Union County Police Department charged Plata on November 18 with fourth-degree simple assault in the presence of a child under 16 at a youth sports event. He was processed and released pending a court date.

This incident highlights growing concerns over adult behavior at youth sporting events. In June, a former youth baseball coach was ordered to pay $650,000 for assaulting a 72-year-old umpire during a game in Somerset County.

Community members are calling for increased oversight and stricter penalties to ensure the safety and integrity of youth sports.

For more information, contact the Union County Police Department at 908-527-4000 or email info@ucnj.org.