Teams
Croton FC provides a fun and competitive environment to learn the game of soccer for young players. Our teams are made up of players in the elementary school and middle school age range (U9 - U14). We seek players who love the game. And we encourage our coaches to be positive, and focus on growing the love of the sport in players.
However, within this framework, we endeavor to give each team and coach discretion as to the required commitment level and how to run their respective team. For instance, some of our teams have just a few indoor practices, while others have a full indoor season with weekly training and tournaments. Some teams may seek out more tournaments than others. Teams may have different approaches when it comes to the distribution of playing time. We find this discretion allows teams to develop and grow in a way that meets the needs of a particular group, as opposed to imposing a one-size-fits-all approach. Below please find a description of each team along with current schedules. Teams are organized by birth year of players (not grade), and on occasion can have players who are born in later years (i.e. younger players).
2010 Girls - Croton Blaze
The Blaze team has been the home for girls born in 2010 since our inaugural season in 2018. The team previously competed in the East Hudson Youth Soccer League and currently competes in the 1st division of the Westchester Youth Soccer League (WYSL). Justin Wagner, David Becker, Tim Cox, and Xochilt Chantel are the current coaches.
Practices are held two times per week in the Fall and Spring season, with indoor practice once a week during the Winter. In addition to WYSL matches on Sunday during the Fall and Spring, the team typically competes in 3 – 4 tournaments during the course of the year. The coaches also lead informal summer pickup games.
The team is competitive, with players committed to improving both individually and as a unit. The majority of the team supplements training with a winter program and/or summer soccer camps. The coaches recognize players may have other outside activities, but ask that soccer be one of the leading priorities for each player. The team’s character is best described as intensely fun - with girls frequently cracking jokes and smiles, but also seriously committed to finding ways to put the ball in the back of the net.
Practice Schedule for Fall 2022
Weekday practices vary; Please confirm with coach
Saturdays 10:00 - 11:30 AM, Croton Point Park
2013 Girls - Croton Kunoichi
The Kunoichi (Japanese for Ninjas!) will be entering their second season at Croton FC and consists of girls born in 2013. The team competes in the Westchester Youth Soccer League (WYSL). Michael Steinhal is the head coach and will continue the team in the 2022-23 season.
Practices are held two times per week in the Fall and Spring season, with weekly indoor training during the Winter. In addition to WYSL matches on Sunday during the Fall and Spring, the team typically competes in 1 - 2 tournaments during the course of the year.
The team is looking for additional players that love the game of soccer and are interested in growing together as a team.
Practice Schedule for Fall 2022
Thursdays, 5:30 - 7:00, Manes (will transition to 5 - 6:15 mid-October due to time change/daylight!)
Saturdays 10:00 - 11:30, Croton Landing (SW)
2014 Girls - Croton Thundercats
The Thundercats are a new team for 2022. We want the players to have fun playing the game while they also develop their skills. From music during practice to a practice focused on off-ball movement, we work to balance these goals.
This age sees players moving to larger field with more players, adding goalies, and starting to learn offsides. Play also continues to transition from individual skills and movement to a more strategic approach to the game. We work to make the players take ownership of their skills and encourage practice outside of our weekly meetings.
We actively maintain a small roster to offer players maximal playing time, and we seek to place the team in a division where they will be competitive. This combination means we expect players to be committed to the team.
The team practices twice a week during spring and fall and also has winter indoor training. Outside of practice we hold team events such as USWNT game watches or after-game dinners.
Practice Schedule for Fall 2022
Wednesdays 5:30 -7, Croton Landing (will transition to 5 - 6:15 mid-October due to time change/daylight!)
Saturdays 8:15 - 9:45 AM, Croton Landing (SE)
2009/2010 B - Croton Thunder
The Thunder team has been the home for boys born in 2009 and 2010 since our inaugural season in 2018. The team previously competed in the East Hudson Youth Soccer League and now competes in the Westchester Youth Soccer League (WYSL). Joe Barillaro is the head coach.
Practices are held two times per week in the Fall and Spring season, with indoor practice once a week during the Winter. The team offers practice flexibility to those participating on middle school soccer teams in the Fall. In addition to WYSL matches on Sunday during the Fall and Spring, the team typically competes in 2 - 3 tournaments during the course of the year.
The team is composed of players looking to elevate their soccer skills and that have a passion for the sport. The team recognizes and encourages players to have interests outside of soccer, but asks that soccer be one of the leading priorities for each player. Coach Joe notes “at this age group, the focus shifts to game strategy development, and positional development. We use high school level drills for learning. The goal of the team is to prepare the players to play at the high school level.”
Practice Schedule for Spring 2022
Saturdays 8:30 - 10 AM, Croton Point Park
2011 Boys - Croton Hooligans
The Hooligans team has been the home for boys born in 2011 for three seasons. The team previously competed in the East Hudson Youth Soccer League and now competes in the Westchester Youth Soccer League (WYSL). Ben Abbatiello is the head coach.
Practices are held two times per week in the Fall and Spring season, with occasional indoor training during the Winter. In addition to WYSL matches on Sunday during the Fall and Spring, the team typically competes in 1 - 2 tournaments during the course of the year.
The team consists of competitive young boys committed to improving both individually and as a unit. The majority of the team supplements training with offseason programs and/or camps. The team supports a diverse athletic schedule in other sports and activities, but asks that soccer be one of the priorities for each player. Coach Ben describes the Hooligan team culture as a “family” with a “healthy growth mindset.” He adds “the team holds itself to very high standards and expects both parents and kids alike to fully participate to be the best versions of themselves on and around the pitch. We have a lot of fun along the way and are a very close knit community group with each season it's own chapter.”
Practice Schedule for Spring 2022
Thursdayas 5:15 - 6:45 PM, Manes (will transition to 5 - 6:15 mid-October due to time change/daylight!)
Saturdays 12 - 1:30 PM, CET Upper
2012 Boys - Croton Eagles
The Eagles team will be entering their second season at Croton FC and consists of children born in 2012. The team competes in the Westchester Youth Soccer League (WYSL). Nate Mulliken is the head coach.
Practices are held two times per week in the Fall and Spring season, with occasional indoor training during the Winter. In addition to WYSL matches on Sunday during the Fall and Spring, the team typically competes in 2 - 3 tournaments during the course of the year. The coaches also lead informal summer pickup games on Saturday mornings.
The team is competitive, with players committed to improving both individually and as a unit. Players who attend multiple extra-curricular activities are asked to prioritize soccer. Coach Nate describes the group as a “well-rounded team” with “strong friendships.” The Eagles are a team committed to improvement and are passionate about winning. Coach Nate adds “this team has fun together and enjoys seeing the benefits of their hard work and commitment.”
Practice Schedule for Spring 2022
Wednesdays 5:00 - 6:30, Croton Landing
Saturdays 10 -11:15 AM,Croton Landing (SE)
2013 Boys - Croton Bull Sharks and Tiger Sharks
For 2022, Croton FC will field two teams for boys born in 2013. The Bull Sharks and Tiger Sharks will practice together, and each team will compete in the Westchester Youth Soccer League (WYSL). Jim Leon and Nathaniel Asher will coach the teams.
Practices are held two times per week in the Fall and Spring season, with weekly indoor training during the Winter. In addition to WYSL matches on Sunday during the Fall and Spring, the team typically competes in 3 - 4 tournaments during the course of the year. The coaches also lead informal summer pickup games.
Coach Jim notes that “players who have a love for the game and wish to compete at a higher level will find this team is a great vehicle for cultivating not just technical ability and fitness, but also lasting friendships for many years to come.”
Practice Schedule for Spring 2022
Wednesdays 5:00 - 6:30 PM, Croton Landing
Saturdays 8:15 - 9:45, Croton Landing (N)