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. We also 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 winter indoor practices, while others have a full indoor season with weekly training and tournaments. Similarly, some teams may offer more practices in the summer than others, and some teams may seek out more tournaments than others. Teams may also have different approaches when it comes to the distribution of playing time, but every player will play each game. 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 2023

Mondays 5:15-6:45 PM, Manes

Saturdays 10:00 - 11:15 AM, Croton Landing (NW)

Spring 2024 Game Schedule and Scores

2013 Girls - Croton Goats

The Goats (formerly Kunoichi) will be entering their third season at Croton FC and consists of girls born in 2013. The team competes in the Westchester Youth Soccer League (WYSL). Michael Steinthal, Brian Loges, Katie Kelly, and Cheryl Redmond coach the team.

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 2023

Thursdays, 5:00 - 6:30, Croton Landing

Saturdays 10:30 am - 12:00, Cedar Lane

Spring 2024 Game Schedule

2014 Girls - Croton Thundercats

The Thundercats are entering their second year in Croton FC. Stephen Gosnell, Mark Stumer, and Fernando Fabian coach the team. 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 2023

Wednesdays 4:15 - 5:45 , Croton Landing

Saturdays 8:15 - 9:45 AM, Croton Landing (NE)

Spring 2024 Game Schedule

2015 Girls - Croton Crush

The Crush entered its first year in the WYSL league in the Fall of 2023. The team practices two times per week with games and tournament play on Sundays. The coaching staff is James Trombly and Dave Schoenholt. Although a newly formed team, each player has years of playing experience and is passionate about soccer. During this first year, the team’s focus is to build team chemistry, improve technical skills, sharpen the competitive desire to win, develop player speed, agility, and quickness, and most importantly have fun!

Players can expect to play multiple positions during the season and will be challenged to think about the question “why.” We are building strong, versatile soccer players by promoting player decision making with the opportunity to experience the game in all positions.

Practice Schedule for Fall 2023

Wednesdays 5:00 -6:30 , Croton Landing

Saturdays 11:15 - 12:45, Croton Landing (NE)

Spring 2024 Game Schedule

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.

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.”

For the 23-24, season, the Thunder will only be active for the fall season. The team offers practice flexibility to those participating on middle school soccer teams in the Fall, with Croton FC practices only held on Saturday for the team. In addition to WYSL matches on Sunday during the Fall, the team typically competes in 2 - 3 tournaments during the course of the year.

Fall 2023 Game Schedule and Scores

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). Silvio DiSisto and Simon Stanaway are the head coaches.

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.”