AMERICAN SOCCER CLUB-NEW YORK ATTENDS THE LIJSL CONVENTION
Player appearances and the unveiling of the team’s mascot “Maverick” were part of a great weekend for the Long Island soccer community
Long Island, NY (March 2nd, 2026) – American Soccer Club-New York was part of the historic return of the Long Island Junior Soccer League Convention this past weekend at Hilton Long Island in Huntington.
The event had been on hiatus since the COVID pandemic, but the two-day convention returned and attracted thousands of attendees.
“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 weekend featured the first public appearance by the Fighting Tomcats mascot “Maverick” who was introduced to the Long Island soccer community on Saturday.
“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.”
The inspiration for the name “Maverick” comes from the movie “Top Gun” starring Tom Cruise who played Pete “Maverick” Mitchell. Cruise’s character flew the Grumman F-14 Tomcat which was often referred to as the “Fighting Tomcats”, the nickname for ASC New York.
Maverick is now available to appear at youth soccer events, school assemblies and other public events. For more information, please email the team at info@ascnewyork.com.
Many Fighting Tomcats players were on hand to sign autographs and take photos with the youth soccer players who were in attendance. The team also had a prize wheel for the fans to spin with the prizes including tickets, hats, scarfs and bracelets.”
“It’s awesome,” said ASC-New York defender Andrew Watson. “I used to come here as a kid. It’s great being able to be in the older guys’ shoes and help the younger kids out.”
The Fighting Tomcats players participated in a demonstration and meet and great on Saturday at the convention while ASC New York Head Coach and LIJSL Sporting Director John Fitzgerald made several speaking appearances during the two-day event.
“LIJSL and ASC New York are partners supporting players on Long Island,” said Fitzgerald. “The bulk of our ASC New York roster began their playing journey in their local clubs within LIJSL.”
American Soccer Club-New York will be making additional announcements in the upcoming weeks including player signings and schedule. The 2026 National Premier Soccer League season will begin in May. Mitchel Athletic Complex in Uniondale will be the club’s primary home venue.
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.
