A weekend to remember for the Fighting Tomcats at the LIJSL Convention 

By Peter Schwartz

In their inaugural season last year, the American Soccer Club-New York Fighting Tomcats arrived on Long Island and began to lay the foundation for the community’s newest sports franchise. After just missing out on the National Premier Soccer League playoffs, the organization hit the ground running making preparations for season two with the goal of not only punching their tickets to the playoffs but also to compete for an NPSL championship.

A big part of that process, along with continuing to find the right players to build a winning soccer club, is to be a force in the community and that’s what ASC New York did last weekend appearing at the return of the Long Island Junior Soccer League Convention at Hilton Long Island in Huntington.

“What an incredible weekend for soccer on Long Island,” said ASC New York Managing Partner and General Manager Jim Kilmeade. “I want to congratulate our partners at the Long Island Junior Soccer League on successfully relaunching the Convention and truly galvanizing the soccer community once again. The attendance and energy throughout the weekend were outstanding and a testament to the strength of the game in our region.”

The event attracted thousands of players, coaches and parents from the Long Island soccer community as they enjoyed clinics, speaking engagements and vendor booths. The Fighting Tomcats were front and center at the convention with player appearances, prize giveaways and the introduction to the newest member of the organization…

 “Words cannot describe how excited to be the Fighting Tomcats’ mascot,” said Maverick. “I can’t wait to entertain the fans and watch our team win a lot of games and compete for a championship. I’m looking forward to the start of the season and it’s going to be exciting calling Mitchel Athletic Complex our primary home.”

While the weekend was filled with fun for all of the attendees who were able to connect with so many other members of the Long Island soccer community, there was an educational aspect to the event. Between the player clinics and coaching seminars, there was a little something for everyone who loves the beautiful game.

It was an especially satisfying weekend for someone who holds a dual role in the Long Island soccer community.

 “LIJSL and ASC New York are partners supporting players on Long Island,” said ASC New York Head Coach and LIJSL Sporting Director John Fitzgerald. “The bulk of our ASC New York roster began their playing journeys in their local clubs within LIJSL. I am connected with both camps, so I know the intrinsic value that each brings to the other. In building the ASC New York squad, our first look is at the high-level local talent on Long Island.”

It was great to see so many youth soccer players, parents and coaches stop by the Fighting Tomcats booth and learn about the club while getting a chance to meet the players, staff and mascot. For the ASC New York players who were on hand to sign autographs and take photos, it was a full-circle moment as they were once on the other side of the table.

“I used to come here as a kid,” said Fighting Tomcats defender Andrew Watson. “It’s great being able to be in the older guys’ shoes and help the younger kids out. Seeing the kids and having them at the games is a great atmosphere showing them what it’s like to play at the higher level.”

“When I was younger, I was doing the same as all these young players are doing,” said Fighting Tomcats midfielder Sean Fitzgerald. “They look up to us because they want to be in our shoes when they’re older and this is great because most our games are going to be at Mitchel.”

For American Soccer Club-New York, last weekend at the LIJSL Convention was very special. For the organization to be a part of the event’s return and to be able to share the vision of what lies ahead for the club made for an unforgettable 48 hours.

We hope to see everyone we met at the convention at our home games this season!

About American Soccer Club-New York

Founded in 2024, the American Soccer Club-New York (ASC NY), known as the “Fighting Tomcats,” are a Long Island-Metro NY team, competing in the National Premier Soccer League. The club’s identity pays tribute to the region’s aviation heritage through the iconic Grumman F-14 Tomcat. ASC NY is committed to developing local talent and signed 16-year-old Dylan Lopez in its inaugural 2025 season. The Club’s focus is on engaging the community and elevating Long Island as the epicenter for American soccer development. The organization played its home matches at Hofstra University’s Captains Field in 2025 and has already made its mark with early competitive success, US Open Cup qualification and charitable partnerships, and a strong focus on youth development and regional pride.

For more information about American soccer Club- New York, please Contact ASCNY.