Astoria Knights football club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in New York City focused on providing athletic opportunities to young players from low-income backgrounds across NYC areas. We are committed to the long term development of players and encourage structure, discipline, accountability and healthy attitude towards growing as a player/person through unique coaching and mentoring. Our coaches and staffs bring many years of experience, professionalism and different cultures to our organization, using best practices from across the world. Our players range from U5 – U23+, and through our program they build sportsmanship, athletic abilities and confidence.
Our Vision
To cultivate good character to our players through mentorship, leadership and sports programs
Our Mission
AKFC seeks to create a pathway that will help our youths from low income backgrounds access to affordable and quality athletic opportunities like :(Educational scholarships )to Universities and Colleges which will enable them in pursuit of a career in any discipline/professional player in sports and become good citizens of United States and to the world at large.
Our premier Team, is the highest level a player can attain in our club, it ranges from U17+, we don’t have a home ground yet but practices in different locations across New York City metropolitan areas. Most times we use Randall’s Island park for practice and home games.
At this level we focus in helping well skilled ballers in understanding the importance of self discipline and respect towards the game of soccer professionally. Our men’s team are currently competing with UPSL Division 1 and hoping to move to up into UPSL Premier Division come 2024 season.
Astoria Knights FC has a goal , which is to be competing as PRO-TEAM come 2025/2026 in the USL1/2.
At this level we help players get scholarships to universities/colleges, also a path to sign professional contracts into big clubs around the world.
At this level, training sessions are focused towards tactics, players are been engaged with different types of exercises and techniques.
Strength, agility, speed, control and endurance are important part of the training at this level
Coaches do consider their methodology at this stage due to players health, since they will be experiencing many changes in the body ( Puberty stage)
Warm-ups ,stretching and cool down are essential at this stage for dynamic flexibility.
Players learn how to be discipline by following coaches instructions during practice sessions and games
FORMAT: 11 V 11
At the level players are in their young age and they love to play. So therefore practices are based on safety, happy and fun activities/games
Players are allowed to spend maximum time and contact with the ball to experiment the game by themselves.
Players learns our to build relationship and team work with other for the first time
Players are given different tasks and responsibilities in order to develop team behavior.
Basic skill like walking / running with the ball, hopping, jumping and running through agility ladder /octagon shape in combination with ball handling and control.
FORMAT : (4 V 4 – 5 V 5)
No League play, only in house competitions.
Our Reserve Team helps in building up our premier team. At this level players get more exposure and technical support in building up their skills and experiences towards becoming a professional soccer player.
Our Reserve team also called Team B is currently competing in Cosmopolitan soccer league (CSL) there they get experience and get promoted into premier team .
At this level, tactical training and small-sided games are essential during training sessions to understand the importance principle of attacking , transitioning, defending, speed of play, finishing and counters as well as pressing.
The physical aspect of the game at this stage is strength, speed and endurance with constant weekly training routine.
At this level players are expected to show commitment to learn, for the opportunity of getting full scholarship into university/college of the choice and keep developing their skills to have a better career.
FORMAT: 11 V 11
At this level is where players with special skills have ability to learn. Therefore, this is the right age to teach soccer players specific techniques and skills. Development of soccer skills and techniques is very essential at this age.
1 V 1 , 2 V 1 and 2 V 2 attacking and defending are very important to develop individual skills and abilities as well as passing/dribbling techniques in developing team work and personal skills.
Small-sided game are used during this development in understanding the principles of attacking and defending,ball possession, dribbling, Combination play, transitioning and finishing as well as zonal defending are all important aspects of tactical training.
Speed, coordination, agility, balance, rules of the game, respect and fair play are the main physical components to improve at this stage.
Our team will be competing in Leagues but scored and standings doesn’t matter as we are to play every player in team for improvement and development
FORMAT :
U9 – U10: 7 V 7
U11 – U12: 9 V 9
All players will be given a tryout for evaluation purposes, Coaches and staffs will evaluate all players and make selections based on ability and specific team needs. Coaches and Staffswill review evaluations collectively following the final tryout and make determinations on the team selection.
Players may receive an acceptance letter via email that they have been selected for an additional tryout during the Team /Academy training session. Those who do not make the program will receive an email that includes alternate soccer opportunities at AK Youth Academy where they can improve their skills in an appropriate environment.
Our practice days varies based on the age group men and women program practice two – four days per week and our youth program practice two – three days per week and our recreational program practices two days per week.
President/Head Coach, Co-Founder
Vice president/Founder
Secretary General
Head Coah U5 – U7