Springtime Weather In February Enjoyed Today By Kids Of All Ages At Roosevelt Island McManus Soccer Field

Roosevelt Island Soccer Field Renamed To Honor Retired Public Safety Chief Jack McManus For Bringing Outstanding Community Policing Service To RI And Coaching Youth Soccer Too

On October 2, the newly renovated Roosevelt Island soccer field was reopened and renamed in honor of recently retired Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Chief Jack McManus

Image From RIOC Facebook Page

for his outstanding service to the Roosevelt Island community these past 6 years and for his work coaching soccer to many of our local youth.

I spoke with the Chief after the ribbon cutting and renaming ceremony for the Roosevelt Island Jack McManus Soccer Field. Chief McManus was clearly moved by the outpouring of appreciation and respect telling me:

... This is overwhelming. In a million years I would never see this coming. I don't do it for that reason. I enjoy working with the kids. I'm flattered beyond explanation  and appreciative and.... I'm so happy that my family could be here as well.

 Image Of Chief McManus With His Family Following Renaming Ceremony

Chief McManus also talks about why he decided to coach soccer to the Roosevelt  Island youth and how it helped the Public Safety Department.



Here's the renaming ceremony hosted by Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal



followed by the young Roosevelt Island soccer players

Image from RIOC Facebook Page

running on the newly renovated



Jack McManus Soccer Field for the first time.

Newly Renovated Roosevelt Island Soccer Field To Be Renamed After Retired Public Safety Chief And Youth Soccer Coach Jack McManus Tomorrow Afternoon, You're Invited - A Well Deserved Honor For Chief McManus

Retired Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Chief and Youth Soccer Coach Jack McManus 

 Image From Adib Mansour

will receive a well deserved honor tomorrow as the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) renames the newly renovated Octagon Soccer Field



as Jack McManus Field. 

According to RIOC:

Octagon Field will be renamed Jack McManus Field this Wednesday, October2nd at 4:00PM. What’s more is that we will not be issuing permits for the field until October 28th, which means residents can use it whenever they’d like between now and then. It’s RIOC’s way of thanking the community for being patient during this process.

More on what Chief McManus means to the Roosevelt Island community at this prior post.

Roosevelt Island Youth Soccer Program For Kids 5-18 Starts October 1 At Newly Renovated Octagon Soccer Field - Tryouts Scheduled For Saturday September 21, Register For RI Soccer Program Now

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) reports that the 2019 Fall Youth Soccer Program begins Tuesday October 1 at the new renovated Octagon Field.

According to RIOC:

Youth Soccer- Fall Program

Roosevelt Island's most popular sport, soccer, will begin the 2019 season with tryouts Saturday, September 21st at Firefighter's Field beginning at 8:30 AM. The program, which was temporarily relocated to Firefighter’s and Capobianco fields last fall, will return to its original home, Octagon Soccer Field, in October. Register here!

This year’s season will officially begin on Tuesday, October 1st with practices held Tuesday and Friday evenings from 6- 8 PM and games played on Saturday's from 8:30 AM- 3 PM. The season will conclude with championship game play on Saturday, November 16th. The program will be compiled of teams in the following age divisions:

Kinderkickers (5 - 6 year-olds)
Minors (7 - 8 year-olds)
Sophomores (9 -10 year-olds)
Juniors (11-13 year-olds)
Seniors (14 -18 year-olds)

As previously reported, the renovated Octagon Soccer Field will re-open by end of September and the second phase of the renovation is currently underway which::

... will reconstruct paths and seating areas to meet ADA requirements, reconstruct the bathrooms, provide a new shade pavilion near the bathrooms, install new spectator seating and upgrade the planted areas....

The new artificial turf has been laid on Octagon Field



so play can resume while work continues on Phase 2 of the renovation.

Roosevelt Island youth can register here for the Soccer Program.

Roosevelt Island Octagon Soccer Field To Open For Play By End Of September After Being Closed More Than One Year For Replacement Of Unsafe Artificial Turf Surface, Renovations To Continue On Comfort Station, Seating Area, Paths And ADA Accessibility Thru Summer 2020 - Soccer Field Will Be Renamed For Retired PSD Chief Jack McManus Upon Completion Of Renovations

The Roosevelt Island Octagon Soccer Field has been closed since August 17 2018 due to unsafe conditions of its artificial field turf.

After long delay due to difficulty securing a qualified contractor, renovation of Octagon Field and replacement of the artificial turf began in May 2019.

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) announced yesterday that the first phase of Octagon Field renovation will be completed later this month which will allow the Soccer Field to reopen for play by the end of September. Work on Phase 2 of the renovation, which includes Comfort Station improvements began yesterday.

According to RIOC:

Beginning Wednesday, September 4, 2019, the comfort station and adjacent paths of Octagon Park will be closed until Summer 2020. Two temporary toilets, including one ADA accessible unit, will be installed for public use while the comfort station is closed.

This second phase of the Octagon Field and Comfort Station improvements will reconstruct paths and seating areas to meet ADA requirements, reconstruct the bathrooms, provide a new shade pavilion near the bathrooms, install new spectator seating and upgrade the planted areas.

RIOC is coordinating with the Phase 1 team to ensure safe operations throughout the site. Ongoing Phase 1 improvements to the field are expected to be completed on schedule in late September. Once the field reopens, fencing and other temporary measures will be adjusted to allow people to access the field safely.

We appreciate your continued patience and cooperation while we make these improvements. If you see any unsafe activities at the construction site, please contact PSD at 212-832-4545 or report it by using our Occupant Help Center.

During the RIOC March 7,2019 RIOC Board of Directors meeting, Project Manager Prince Shah describes the Octagon Field renovation project.



Once the Octagon Soccer Field opens for play later this month, the next issue will be how much time is available for local community kids and adults to use the field instead of it being permitted to outside groups and corporate leagues.

Upon completion of the renovations, the Octagon Field will be re-named for retired Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department Chief Jack McManus 

 Image From Adib Mansour

who was the soccer coach many local kids.

Do You Want To Win Tickets To NYC Ticker Tape Parade Honoring US Women's Soccer Team 2019 World Cup Champs - Share Your Photo Playing Soccer On Twitter And You May Win 2 Tickets From Roosevelt Island Council Member Ben Kallos, Do It Now

NYC is hosting a ticker tape parade for for the United States Women's Soccer Team 2019 World Cup Champions on Wednesday July 10

🚨 HAPPENING NOW: join us at City Hall on Wednesday to honor World Cup Champions @USWNT! Tickets available here: https://t.co/RY7nydBuMf #OneNationOneTeam #USWNT pic.twitter.com/wTGfSyxN7B

— NYC Mayor's Office (@NYCMayorsOffice) July 8, 2019

Would you like to go to the parade? Roosevelt Island NYC Council Member Ben Kallos is giving away two tickets to the City Hall ceremony. Here's what you have to do to win the tickets

Win two tickets to be at the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team World Cup Ceremony at City Hall Wednesday at 10:30am. To win you must:

1) Live in Council District 5
2) Post a photo of you playing soccer in Manhattan using #WorldCupDistrict5 #USWNT pic.twitter.com/mQsdKBg7Lu

— Ben Kallos (@BenKallos) July 8, 2019

Perhaps there are future US Soccer Team Women and Men players right here on Roosevelt Island?

UPDATE 5:30 PM

The 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup champions are taking pictures with fans after reaching Newark Liberty International Airport and they'll soon be heading to New York, where they'll have a press conference near their hotel pic.twitter.com/vZuk5XqAHw

— POLITICO (@politico) July 8, 2019

Hey Susan - RIOC President Susan Rosenthal Answers Roosevelt Island Residents Questions On Playground Renovations For Summer, Octagon Soccer Field Fencing, Tree Removal And Enforcing Dog Poop Rules

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Susan Rosenthal answers your questions in this sixth installment of Hey Susan feature.

HEY SUSAN!

An occasional column of questions and answers to and from RIOC President and CEO Susan Rosenthal

HEY SUSAN!

What is the latest update on the playground updates and repairs? Weren’t there plans to enlarge the playground and redo the sandbox last fall? With summer coming and the kids outside all day, it would be a shame to close them for renovations now. Is there any plans to revise the kids’ sprinklers which could use a major overhaul as well given the rocky sharp surfaces and the poor drainage?

SUSAN: The landscape architecture consultant hired to prepare drawings for improvements needed in the park is currently doing their analysis and inventory of needs. One part of the plan is to replace the sandbox with new “climbing” equipment. Once the analysis is complete, the consultant will make recommendations for work to be included in the contract. We have scheduled design work to finish late summer so the construction work can take place in the fall, when the kids are back in school.

HEY SUSAN!

Is it true that RIOC is going to permanently fence in the Octagon Soccer Field and remove about 10 trees?

SUSAN: The design for Octagon Soccer field include a low 3’-6” fence along the south and west sides of the field to keep the ball on the field of play. The fence along the west side will have a 76’ opening at the center of the field for access. There are seven trees in poor condition that will be removed. These trees will be impacted by the excavation work needed to make the paths ADA accessible. We are also planting ten trees as part of the work for this contract.

HEY SUSAN!

RI's residents allow their dogs to poop in the small park located in front of Piccolo Trattoria pizzeria. Residents ignore the 3-4 signs that are very well located around this area. On this regard, what can you do? Can RIOC place bigger signs? Can you introduce fines to dog's owner?

SUSAN: We will speak with our public safety officers about strictly enforcing the rules about dog waste and request they issue summons as appropriate. We can also analyze which sites have the most offenders and install additional signage and/or dog waste bag dispensers, as needed.


Do you have a question you’d like to have answered by RIOC President & CEO Susan Rosenthal? Send it to the subject HEY SUSAN! at information@rioc.ny.gov. Want to report a problem? Send us feedback at rioc.ny.gov/Requesttracker.aspx.

Here's just one example of a dog owner ignoring signage right in front of him prohibiting dogs on grass

in the Rivewalk Commons area.

Roosevelt Island Youth Center 9 Week Spring Soccer Season At Firefighters Field & Sportspark Gym Starts Saturday April 29 - Boys And Girls 9 To !8, Residents And Non Residents Encouraged To Register By April 22 Deadline Says RIOC

The Roosevelt Island Youth Center Spring Soccer Season begins Saturday April 19. Registration is now open

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC):

Registration is now open for Roosevelt Island's nine-week Spring youth soccer program, sponsored by the Roosevelt Island Youth Center.

The program is open to both residents and non-residents of Roosevelt Island. Boys and girls ages 5-18 are encouraged to sign-up by the April 22nd deadline.

The free program will run every Saturday from April 27th through June 29th. The program will take place at two locations: ages 9-18 will play at Firefighter’s Field between 9 AM – 12:30 PM and Ages 5-8 will play inside the Sportspark gymnasium between 1:30 PM – 5 PM. A detailed schedule will be released after the close of registration.

The program will provide varied workshop sessions of skills, drills, and scrimmages. Please note that space is limited. Registration is first come, first serve.

Click here to sign-up by Monday, April 22nd.

For any questions, please call 212-832-4559.

Don't know why the 5-8 year olds have to play soccer indoors at Sportspark Gym instead of outside at Firefighters Field or why the older kids have to be off the field by 12:30. Hopefully, it's not because the field is being permitted to Zog or other similar outside groups.

Image From RIRA PETITION TO SAVE OUR PLAYING FIELDS

Will find out. Stay tuned.

UPDATE 4/18 - According to a RIOC spokesperson:

The plan to keep Firefighters Field permit-free on Saturday’s remains. Having the younger kids (5-8) at Sportspark was intentional, providing more focused skill development and a better understanding of the game. The spring soccer schedule will also allow for more play time on Firefighters field for the community.

Roosevelt Island Dads Playing With Kids Kicked Off Closed Octagon Soccer Field Yesterday and Issued Trespassing Summonses By PSD - Sign RIRA Petition To Save Roosevelt Island Playing Fields For Residents - When Will Octagon Field Open?

Yesterday afternoon, 2 Roosevelt Island dads and their kids were playing soccer on the closed and fenced in Octagon Field.

Image From RIOC

They were playing until stopped by eight Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Officers, removed from the field and the 2 dads were issued summonses for trespassing.

we had eight psd officers kick us off the field and issued summons with no warning today. cc @Rooseveltisland @MainStreetWIRE @RI_Daily pic.twitter.com/Xwgl1u6lj2

— Tapan Parikh (@tap2k) March 31, 2019

And this happens when I am giving a walking tour to our friend about how unique this island is and how much despite of @RIOCny ‘s nondemocratic operation we like it here. Today was a huge setback...

— Niti Parikh (@designNPS) March 31, 2019

Any more info as to what exactly happened? RIOC says field is closed and sign posted. According to RIOC, nobody should be on field.

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) March 31, 2019

if @RIOCny actually believed in community policing, they would have at least issued a warning before giving out a summons to two dads with kids

— Tapan Parikh (@tap2k) April 1, 2019

I asked RIOC President Susan Rosenthal and Public Safety Deputy Director Kevin Brown:

Any update on why the parents were given summonses for being on The Octagon field yesterday.

Why was a warning not given first and why were 8 PSD officers sent.

Deputy Director Brown replied today:

On Sunday, we had 8 people trespassing on Octagon field. Two adults and six youths were discovered playing soccer on the Octagon field. There was damage to the brackets which are keeping the Octagon field fence closed (PSD did not witness the damage). The two adults were issued summonses for trespassing and escorted off the field. An E- ticket was processed to fix the fence which was damaged. Signs are posted on the fencing that entering will be trespassing.

Roosevelt Island residents, parents, kids and adults have been frustrated for a very long time with the lack of available playing fields

Image From RIRA

caused by the permitting of fields to outside groups such as Zog Sports

Image From RIRA

as well as the long delayed renovation of currently closed Octagon Field.

The same day that the Roosevelt Island parents were being summonsed for Trespass at the Octagon Field, Firefighters Field was being used by what appeared to be an outside permitted group (though not confirmed they were permitted).

The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) has started:

RIRA PETITION TO SAVE OUR PLAYING FIELDS

with 1262 signatures so far to date.

According to the RIRA Petition:

RIOC is no longer leaving our playing fields open for the residents of Roosevelt Island. RIOC is now permitting ALL our fields against the interest of our community at the expense of Island children, adults and families.

Image From RIRA

RIOC never included Islanders in the planning and conversations about the Octagon field that includes a 10-foot fence encircling the field requiring the removal of 11 big, old, healthy, shade trees. RIOC's plan completely ignores and disregards Roosevelt Island Arbor Foundation’s designation as a “Tree City USA”.

Action Petitioned For:

OPEN PLAY, PERMIT-FREE hours after school and on the weekends at Octagon field and other playing fields. Keep Octagon field FENCE FREE. RIOC NOT CUT the trees. Reduce permitting to Off Island groups, limiting the hours to late evenings when our children don't use the field.

Click here to sign the RIRA Save Our Playing Fields Petition.

Roosevelt Island elected officials, NY State Senator Jose Serrano, NY State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright and NYC Council Member Ben Kallos have become involved with the playing field issue.

According to Ms Seawright's March 15 newsletter:

Read more »

Roosevelt Island Octagon Soccer Field Renovations Delayed At Least Thru Fall 2019 Says RIOC- Community Seek Greater Access To Ball Fields For Local Kids and Residents, Limit Permitting To Off Island Groups

In August 2018, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) abruptly closed down the Octagon Soccer Field announcing:

Deteriorating turf conditions at the Octagon Sports Field have forced its closure, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation announced today.

The field, which is located on the northern part of the Island, is an outdoor soccer field, used by the community daily and is one of the most popular fields on Roosevelt Island. It is used from March to mid-November, for activities including soccer, football, lacrosse, and rugby.

Existing permit holders including several adult sports leagues that held paid reservations-at $175 per hour- are being contacted and will be given refunds, RIOC said.

Due to numerous unsafe snags, rips and tears on its turf, RIOC plans to repair and redevelop the field as well as all surrounding fixtures and facilities, including comfort stations, seating, security features, and lighting design.

This major renovation will begin in the Fall of 2018....

As of February 2019, the Octagon Soccer Field renovations have not begun.

RIOC reported on February 1:

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation announced several new field usage policies today to provide more options for outdoor play while the Octagon Field is under renovation.

RIOC policy changes:

All permitting on Firefighter’s Field, excluding RIOC programming, will be suspended on Fridays and Saturdays, allowing open play until the Octagon Field renovation is complete;

Island residents will be surveyed to seek new community usage policies for the renovated Octagon Field.

Capobianco Field will be opened to permitted requests to alleviate overuse of Firefighter’s Field.

“We understand that the closing of Octagon is a serious inconvenience to young soccer players, their teams, and parents,” said Susan Rosenthal, CEO and president of RIOC. “We’re announcing these updated policies today to let the community know we’re listening, we’ve heard you, and we’re working to accommodate your requests.”

Octagon Field was closed last summer due to safety and liability concerns about the deteriorating field conditions. A full-scale renovation is underway, which will include new turf, bleachers, and a new comfort station.

While the pre-construction phases for the Octagon renovation project began in June 2018, due to unforeseen delays, the field work is now expected to be complete in Fall 2019. Once field work is complete, the Octagon will be re-opened for public use while the adjacent work on the bleachers and comfort station are completed.

RIOC did not say what are the "unforeseen delays" in renovation of the Octagon Soccer Field.

Roosevelt Island parent Miguel Pincay expresses the opinions of many who use the Octagon Soccer Field and other Roosevelt Island ball fields:

The condition of the Firefighters field is now worse than the Octagon Turf field.

The Sunday football league is the reason why the field was unusable after just a couple of weekends.

The community knew that and made it known to RIOC, yet, the Sunday Football league must go on.

The Cappobianco field sits on a slant and it doesn’t drain well. The Pony field has even worse drainage issues.

Still, RIOC wonders why the community is frustrated and fed up.

According to RI Fields For RI Residents Facebook Page

For those who don't already know the issue is this....

Roosevelt Island has an abundance of playing fields and yet because of RIOC’s permitting policies the reality is we, the residents, have limited access to them for open play and pick-up games. Organized teams and groups (mostly from off-Island) are prioritized over our children’s right to play spontaneously in their own backyard. Our property tax helps pay for these fields!

Capobianco Field which was a dedicated open play field will now be permitted out because of Octagon Field’s closure.

Capobianco and Pony Fields will be permitted out every day of the week.

Firefighter’s Field will be permitted out Mon-Thurs and Sunday.

Firefighter’s Field will be reserved for RIOC’s youth soccer program every Saturday starting in the spring.

Octagon Field is closed until Fall 2019 earliest and after that we expect RIOC will want to heavily permit it out

This means that the only time for open play for our kids and our community is Friday at Firefighters Field -- but because of school/work, that really means Friday afternoon/evenings at Firefighter's Field is the only time we can reliably count on having access to a field for open play.

What we want:

Limited permitting for non-RI sports groups. Permitting when children are less likely to use field (after 8pm, and during school hours).

Dedicated open play hours for residents (permits not required to use fields during these times) on weekends during the day and after school, for example.

Organized RI youth teams that are not part of RIOC’s youth programming should have equal access to fields for permitted practices and games.

Improved field maintenance and implementation of rules that will help keep fields in better condition (for example, an enforced policy that flag football cleats are not permitted on fields as they cause damage making them unsafe).

Stay tuned for more.

UPDATE 10:15 PM - During this eventing's Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council Meeting Public Session, Roosevelt Island mom Lauren Blankstein and her son reported on the lack of available playing time for local kids on Roosevelt Island ball fields due to the closing of Octagon Field and permitting of other fields to off-Island groups.

According to Ms Blankstein:

... I don't understand how on this Island with all this open space and green space that our kids are so restricted...

... Where are our kids supposed to play...

Ms Blankstein's son Niv Betel added

... I don't know if I'm right or wrong ... but I feel that...

RIOC thinks the:

... beautiful fields can only be used for business and not for residents. And I feel that's wrong.

Here's the presentation by Ms Blankstein and Seth.

RIOC Shuts Down Roosevelt Island Octagon Sports Field Today For Major Renovation To Begin In Fall - Artificial Turf Unsafe With Numerous Snags, Rips And Tears

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) announced the closing of the Octagon Sports Field



today.

According RIOC:

Deteriorating turf conditions at the Octagon Sports Field have forced its closure, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation announced today.

The field, which is located on the northern part of the Island, is an outdoor soccer field, used by the community daily and is one of the most popular fields on Roosevelt Island. It is used from March to mid-November, for activities including soccer, football, lacrosse, and rugby.

Existing permit holders including several adult sports leagues that held paid reservations-at $175 per hour- are being contacted and will be given refunds, RIOC said.

Due to numerous unsafe snags, rips and tears on its turf, RIOC plans to repair and redevelop the field as well as all surrounding fixtures and facilities, including comfort stations, seating, security features, and lighting design.

This major renovation will begin in the Fall of 2018.

The soccer program, organized this past spring by RIOC, will still be offered in the fall at different locations.

Registration Begins Today For New Roosevelt Island 8 Week Spring Soccer Program For Kids In Grades 6 -12 - Skills, Drills, Scrimmages & Games Says RIOC

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Information Officer Alonza Robertson reports:

The new Roosevelt Island Youth Soccer program is extending an open invitation to boys and girls, of all skill levels in grades 6-12, to “get in the game.”

On Thursday, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC), announced registration is now open for their nine-week spring soccer program that will feature skills training, fundamental drills, scrimmages and games to be led by New York City-area collegiate soccer players and parent volunteers.

The program is open to both residents and non-residents of Roosevelt Island.

“There are more than three million young people playing soccer in the United States and that number continues to rise every year,” said Erica Spencer-EL, RIOC’s newly-appointed Director of Community Affairs and managing director of Island’s Youth Center.

“Interest in youth soccer is just as high here on Roosevelt Island,” she said. “We’re excited to debut something popular, fun and physically beneficial for our children.”

Like many youth sports, experts agree that soccer teaches life lessons about collaboration and cooperation.

“Besides mastering the ability to control, shield, juggle, and dribble the ball with both feet, we want to teach our young people how to work together,” said RIOC President Susan Rosenthal.

The free program will run every Saturday from May 5 through June 30 at the Island’s Octagon Field. Starting at 9 a.m., there will be eight different workshop sessions, organized by age and skill level, lasting up to 90 minutes.

Click here to sign-up. Registration ends Monday, April 30. Parents interested in volunteer coaching are encouraged to email the program at RIYouthSoccer@rioc.ny.gov.

“Soccer is the first of, what we hope will be, many new program options for our Youth Center and community as a whole,” Spencer-EL said.

RIOC previously announced that the Roosevelt Island spring soccer program would partner with St Johns and Fordham University.

RIOC plans for the operation of Roosevelt Island Youth Center was discussed at April 14 meeting with parents. Video of meeting here.

Click here to sign-up for the Roosevelt Island Spring Summer Soccer Program.

Roosevelt Island Youth Program Soccer League Celebrates End Of Season With Exciting Championship Games And Thanks Coaches, Players & Volunteers For Support

Roosevelt Island Youth Program (RIYP) Executive Director Charlie Defino reports:

The Roosevelt Island Youth Program is proud to celebrate the culmination of another great season for the Roosevelt Island Youth Fall Competitive Recreational Soccer Program.

We had over 400 youth participate for the fourth consecutive year, special thanks to Andrey Chichagov, RIYP's staff sports coordinator and his assistant Franz Enama for another competitive season.

We also want to thank “The Legend” Tommy Howlin for his 25th season with our very successful instructional Kinder Kickers program for 5- and 6-year-olds.

Mr. Defino shares these scenes from the November 18 RIYP Championship games:

Moment before the lone goal in the Sophomore championship game,  

Sophomore award ceremony

Assistant coaches rewarding Head Coach Amir Ghirani with a card,

Championship Sophomore team,

Players shaking hands after the New England Revolution won 2-0 over the Portland Timbers in the Minors Championship Game,

Juniors Los Angeles championship team

Photos by Roy Frank, Masayo Ogawa and Taj Young

Read more »

Roosevelt Island Public Safety Director Coaches And Mentors RIYP 2017 Soccer League Senior Division Champion Players - Teamwork Pays Off Says Chief McManus

The Roosevelt Island Youth Program (RIYP) Soccer League completed it's 16th season last weekend with the Minors, Juniors and Seniors Championship playoff games.

Roosevelt Island Public Safety Director Jack McManus has been coaching RIYP soccer league players for the last 5 years. PSD Director McManus reports:

This past weekend the team I coach won the Senior Division Championship (ages 14-17), in the Roosevelt Island Youth Soccer League in a close 3-2 victory. I am so proud of how well the boys played all season. I believe we won because the boys played so well together as a team, foregoing concentration on individual accomplishment.

I thoroughly enjoyed coaching this group in my fifth year of coaching in RIYP Executive Director Charlie Defino's soccer program. Special thanks to Charlie’s assistant, Andrey Chichagov, along with Franz, Joanne, and all of the referees.

I can't believe this is my 5th season coaching on the Island and my 4th season with the 13-17 age group, a great age for Mentoring and/or Intervention and it's so enjoyable to watch the kids grow in so many ways right before my eyes. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be a small part of their lives.

UPDATE 11/30 - More on the 2017 RIYP Soccer League Season and Championships here.

Roosevelt Island Youth Program Soccer Championship Day Saturday November 18 - Come Out And See The Action At Octagon Field

Roosevelt Island Youth Program Executive Director Charlie Defino reports:

Roosevelt Island Youth Program

Soccer 2017 Championship Day

November 18th

Last weekend sixteen teams battled it out to get to Championship for their divisions, in both the Minors and Sophmores, games were settled in exciting overtime shootouts.

Upcoming: RIYP Championship games this week will be at 10am for Minors, 12pm for Sophmores, 2pm for Junior's and the Seniors at 4pm. Join us and your children for an exciting day of soccer!

Roosevelt Island Youth Program Soccer League Playoffs Start Saturday, November 10 At Octagon Field - Championship Games Next Weekend

Roosevelt Island Youth Program Executive Director Charlie Defino reports:

Image From Frank Farance

Playoffs Begin tomorrow for Roosevelt Island Youth Program Soccer.

This weekend the Roosevelt Island Youth Program Soccer will begin it's playoff season, round one on Saturday, November 11, starting at 9:30 AM and continuing thru the day till 7 PM.

After a hard fought season our playoffs bracket is set.

The winners will move on to Championship Weekend on November 18th, times to be announced. So even if it's cold, take some time out of your to support the youth of Roosevelt Island.

Roosevelt Island Youth Program Soccer League Mid Season Recap From The Commissioner - Goaltending, Scoring & Comradery

The Roosevelt Island Youth Program (RIYP) Soccer League is halfway through it's 16th season. RIYP Soccer Commissioner Andre Chichagov provides this recap:

Image From Frank Farance

The RIYP Soccer League mid-season round up and the road to the playoffs has arrived!!

This season has been a emotion filled roller coaster like every other prior season. We have seemingly unstoppable teams being upset and goals scored by surprising players. In every division there has been tremendous growth combined with the ebbs and flows of sports.

Image From Frank Farance

The current standings are:

The consistent theme for every division has been goal tending and scoring.

In the absence of one, they have relied on the other to push forward to success. Teamwork and comradery has grown while the execution on the field has ripened through the season. The 2017 Season of the Roosevelt Island Youth Program Soccer League

Image From Frank Farance

has created many memories that kids

Image From Frank Farance

will always remember.

On to the 2nd half of 2017 RIYP Soccer League season.

Roosevelt Island Youth Program Begins 16th Year Of Free Soccer Program Saturday, September 16 - Come Out To Octagon Park And Watch The Action

Roosevelt Island Youth Program (RIYP) Executive Director Charlie Defino reports:

The Roosevelt Island Youth Program's Free 16th soccer season will commence Saturday, September 16 at Octagon Field.

Games will start at 9:30AM and continue to 7PM. The league has 20 teams and 400 youth participating in the co-ed league With over 400 youth in the soccer league, 250 summer camp participants and over 143 after-school registrants, RIYP has now registered an um-duplicated count of slightly over 650 youth.

We expects to service approximately 1000 residents over the next year with a wide-array of services. We would love to see everyone on Roosevelt Island supporting the Soccer League, so come out and see our kids in action.

A sample of action



from prior year of RIYP Soccer at Octagon Field.

Roosevelt Island Youth Program Soccer League Saturday Of Champions Tomorrow At The Octagon Field - Come Watch The Exciting Action

Roosevelt Island Youth Program Executive Director Charlie Defino reports:

Roosevelt Island Youth Program Soccer League Weekend of Champions

This Saturday November 19th, 2016 at Octagon field the Roosevelt Island Youth Program Inc. Beacon Soccer League will have our Championship Weekend. Over 400 youth participated in this co-ed free program over the past 12 weeks to arrive at their goal of being number 1.

On Saturday we will have 4 championship games, the Minors (ages 6 & 7) will start at 10:30 am, the Sophomores (ages 8 & 9) will play at 12 noon, the Juniors (ages 10,11,12) will start at 1:30 pm and the Seniors will begin at 3:30 pm.

All participants will receive awards after the game and celebrate an end to one of our best seasons.



I want to thank Andre Chichagov, Franz Enama and Yitza Martinez for an excellent job this year.

Adult Open Gym, Soccer & Basketball Weekday Nights 7:30 - 10 PM Hosted By Roosevelt Island Youth Program - Yoga & Volleyball Too, Zumba Next Week

The Roosevelt Island Youth Program is currently hosting open adult gym evening activities Monday to Friday from 7:30 - 10 PM at PS/IS 217 (645 Main Street) for men and women featuring Wednesday Soccer

Monday, Tuesday & Thursday basketball,

Friday volleyball

and Thursday yoga.

Next week, on Tuesday's and Friday's, Zumba is included as well.

Check it out.