The ball movement was on point.
The Long Island‑based American Soccer Club (ASC) of the NPSL has partnered with the newly reformed New York Cosmos of USL League One to give local prospects a clearer route to the professional level.
“This area used to be an absolute powerhouse in building top‑tier talent, and we’ve gotten away from that,” ASC general manager Jim Kilmeade explained in an interview with The Post.
“It’s time we get back to that, and programs like this are a major step.”
The Cosmos will host matches at the historic Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, N.J., and are setting up a pipeline from the LI squad to spot youth ready for a higher level of competition.
“We want to see these players get a chance to grow so they don’t get frozen out or locked out in their critical ages from 15, 16 and 17 years old,” said Cosmos CEO Erik Stover.
“Often, it gets too expensive to play.”
Both clubs have just opened tryouts, giving a select group of young talents the chance of a lifetime right from the start. Stover keeps a realistic perspective.
“We know we’re not going to be a team of superstar 18‑year‑olds overnight, nor do we want to be,” he said.
“We will have balance across the roster—very talented, veteran professional players—and we also think that’s important for this kind of development.”
The teams plan to face each other occasionally so they can gauge how the partnership is progressing, taking a hands‑on approach on the field.
“You’ll see our coaches at your practices. You’ll be invited to our tryouts and our practices,” Stover added.
“It gives a lot of kids opportunities that they didn’t have in the past.”
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