The Floral Park Soccer Club’s (FPSC), the Wolves (boys under 13), aka, “The Little Team That Could” proved they belong on the big stage by finishing their very first season as a travel team in the Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) undefeated.
In their final game against division rival Manhasset, the Wolves won 3-0 to solidify an undefeated season and clinch the division title. The Wolves finished with a record of 9 wins, 0 losses, and 1 tie.
This result is all the more extraordinary due to its unlikelihood. The Wolves were not supposed to win the division title or go undefeated. In fact, they were not even supposed to be a team. They were cobbled together at the very last minute of registration due to the extraordinary efforts of Coaches Kerry Connolly and Gerard O’Hara and FPSC Board Members George Braun and Tom Greco. Despite all odds, the Wolves far exceeded all expectations, and went unbeaten in an inaugural season the boys will remember forever (thus the nickname, “The Little Team That Could.”)
This year, U.S. Youth Soccer, altered the age groups, which forced teams to move up an age group in order to stay together. This left a vacant spot in the Boys Under-13 age group. Realizing this, parents Kerry Connolly and Gerard O’Hara stepped up to be coaches and went to work to assemble enough boys to represent the FPSC in this age group. In a very short time period, Kerry and Gerry held multiple tryouts, sent numerous emails and made personal phone calls to gather just enough interested players. Then George Braun and Tom Greco, FPSC Board Members, worked with the LIJSL office to allow the creation of the Wolves at the very last minute of registration.
After learning that they could, in fact, become a travel team, the boys were eager to prove themselves. They came to every practice ready to work hard and to every game ready to compete and they never gave up. Their efforts paid off, as they did not lose a game all season.
Coaches Kerry Connolly and Gerard O’Hara said of their team, “They have talent, but even more heart than talent—a coach’s dream. We are immensely proud of these boys and we are grateful to all of those who helped make this team happen.”
The Wolves represent the FPSC in the LIJSL, where they compete against other town teams across Long Island. To learn more about the FPSC, visit www.FPIndians.com.
