Day Off, Game On: NY Empire FC Hosts Youth Soccer Showcase

On the eve of Thanksgiving, NY Empire FC brought the community together with a highly successful youth soccer clinic at their state-of-the-art training facility. The event drew 50 young players, eager to sharpen their skills and learn from the club’s accomplished coaches.

The clinic was designed by Max Ferro, NY Empire FC’s head coach, who also serves as the ENY ODP head coach and holds a prestigious USSF C license. Ferro’s program emphasized technical skill development, tactical awareness, and building player confidence.

Coaches Lenny Lopez, Justin Silva, and Allison Seidman led the evening’s sessions, bringing their unique expertise to the field.

Lenny Lopez, a striker for NY Empire FC, is known for his dynamic attacking play, drawing from his experience in MLS Next Pro and as a four-year captain at Iona. He worked closely with players to enhance their offensive strategies.

Justin Silva, NY Empire FC’s goalkeeper, provided hands-on training for aspiring keepers, focusing on positioning, reflexes, and game-readiness.

Allison Seidman, a former captain at Plattsburgh and an expert in fitness and wellness, added a holistic approach to the clinic, emphasizing the importance of conditioning and injury prevention alongside technical drills.

“The Thanksgiving Eve clinic was a fantastic opportunity to engage with our youth players and share the game’s fundamentals and advanced techniques,” said Ferro. “Seeing their enthusiasm and growth in just a few hours is what our club is all about—building the next generation of talent.”

Parents and players alike praised the event for its organization, energy, and the chance to learn from professional-level coaches. The clinic also highlighted NY Empire FC’s commitment to developing youth programs, which complements the club's successful men’s team competing in the UPSL.

As the holiday season continues, NY Empire FC looks forward to more events and opportunities to inspire young players, starting with their five-week high-intensity training series launching in December.

For more information about NY Empire FC’s youth programs and upcoming events, visit nyempirefc.com