prod-1032-afcr

End of the Season Awards

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 14:58:13 GMT

End of the Season Awards��

Congratulations to everyone who was nominated, and to the winners of this season’s end-of-season awards! This year was filled with outstanding performances, growth, and achievements, and we’re proud to recognize the award winners who made it so special.

Individual Awards

Iron Player: Carlo Burgos - Carlo showed unmatched dedication, competing year-round across leagues, tournaments, and scrimmages, while missing just one practice the entire season.
Golden Boot: Julian Loria - A scoring machine, Julian found the net in nearly every game with his speed, direct attack, and ability to break down defenses.
Most Valuable Player: Quinn Ross – The anchor of their championship defense, Quinn limited opponents to just 10 goals in 12 games and stepped up in clutch moments with key goals and assists.
Goalkeeper of the Year: Emma Svyatsky - In just her second year, Emma recorded 7 shutouts, made countless big saves, and turned her punting into a true weapon while helping secure the league title.
Rookie of the Year: Cormac Murphy – Stepping into goal for the first time, Cormac quickly learned the position and excelled under pressure.
Most Improved Player: Molly McKenna – Molly grew tremendously in her footwork, positioning, and confidence, becoming a stronger and smarter player each week.
Leadership Award: Grady Gallo – Grady led with positivity, focus, and spirit, inspiring his teammates by example.
Defensive Player : Madelyn Loyd - Madelyn was the heart of her backline. She shut down the many offensive players who came her way.

Team Awards

Team Spirit: Brighton Girls 2013 – In their first year together, this group exemplified unity and energy, supporting one another and cheering on other AFCR teams.
Fair Play Award: Brighton Boys 2011 – This team finished the season without a single card, showing true sportsmanship by respecting referees, lifting opponents, and playing with positivity.
Tournament Warriors: Victor Vipers – The Vipers battled their way to two tournament championships, including a dramatic Golden Goal win at the Comet Cup and an undefeated run at the Clarence Classic.
Team of the Year: Brighton U12 Boys Bandits – A dominant force, the Bandits went 20–0 between indoor and outdoor league play, won multiple tournaments, and finished with an incredible +3.05 goal differential.

Coaching Awards

Coach of the Year: Xavier Burgos – Coach Burgos not only led the Bandits to a historic undefeated season but also secured sponsorships and scholarships to support families, while volunteering across the club to run practices and scrimmages.
Assistant Coach of the Year: Ryan Rush – Ryan coached across three teams, balancing over 50 games while bringing structure and consistency to every sideline.
Rookie Coach of the Year: Ellen Gager – Ellen inspired her players by translating her own playing experience into motivating lessons, helping them learn and apply new skills.
Most Improved Coach: Kourtney McKnight – Kourtney guided her team to a remarkable turnaround, finishing the season 7–0–1 after a slow start and nearly capturing the division title.

Together, these players, teams, and coaches showcased the very best of what AFCR soccer is all about—commitment, teamwork, resilience, and passion for the game.

AFCR Introduces Youth Academy

kbemanagementgroup@gmail.com (Bethany Moser) — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 17:11:26 GMT

AFCR Introduces Youth Academy...

Building the Foundation for the Future of Soccer

AFC Rochester Youth Academy is the premier entry point for young soccer players ages 5 to 9 looking to develop the foundational skills needed for long-term success. Designed to introduce children to the game in a structured yet supportive environment, our academy focuses on nurturing technical ability, confidence, and a love for the sport. Led by experienced coach Dean James, the program offers a clear developmental pathway for aspiring players—whether they dream of joining a Select team, preparing for travel soccer, or simply becoming better, more confident athletes.

This program will be replacing the current Brighton fall league.

Our Development Philosophy

At AFC Rochester, we focus on developing the whole player. Our training model emphasizes:

Age-appropriate curriculum : Ball mastery, coordination, and small-sided games
Holistic growth : Confidence, discipline, and teamwork
Individual attention : A fun and safe environment where every child can thrive
Progress-based learning : Players move forward through demonstrated growth, not pressure

The Pathway to Success

Each child’s development journey is unique, and our academy provides multiple entry and re-entry points into the club structure. A typical pathway includes:

Player identification through open sessions, grassroots teams, or community outreach
Weekly training under the direction of Coach Dean James
Progress tracking through skill checkpoints and in-house games
Player pathway split :

Developing : Continues in academy or community training with future trial opportunities
Selected : Joins AFC Rochester Select or local town teams
Graduates : Moves into recreational, travel, or premier club teams

Team Groups

AFC Rochester Pre-Select

Birth Years: 2017–2018 (Boys & Girls)
Two sessions per week (4–6 week cycles)
Joins RDYSL teams in the spring season

AFC Rochester Juniors

Birth Years: 2019–2020 (Boys & Girls)
One session per week (4–6 week cycles)

2025–2026 Academy Calendar

AFCR Pre-Select - Fall 2025 - Buckland Park

Wednesday Sept 10: Practice 6:00 - 7:00, Ball Mastery
Saturday Sept 13: Practice 9:00 - 10:00 - Running with the ball
Wednesday Sept 17: Practice 6:00 - 7:00, Turns & Moves
Saturday Sept 20: Practice 9:00 - 10:00 - 1v1 attacking
Wednesday Sept 24: Practice 6:00 - 7:00, Passing
Saturday Sept 20: In-House Games 9:00 - 10:00
Wednesday Oct 1: Practice 5:30 - 6:30, Receiving
Saturday Oct 4: In-House Games 9:00 - 10:00
Wednesday Oct 8: Practice 5:30 - 6:30, 1 v 1 Defending
Saturday Oct 11: In-House Games 9:00 - 10:00
Wednesday Oct 15: Practice 5:30 - 6:30, Shooting
Saturday Oct 18: In-House Games 9:00 - 10:00

AFCR Juniors - Fall 2025 - Buckland Park

Wednesday Sept 10: 5:00 - 5:50 - Ball Mastery
Wednesday Sept 17: 5:00 - 5:50 - Dribbling
Wednesday Sept 24: 5:00 - 5:50 - Turns & Moves
Wednesday Oct 1: 5:00 - 5:50 - Passing
Wednesday Oct 8: 5:00 - 5:50 - Shooting
Wednesday Oct 15: 5:00 - 5:50 - Games

All Indoor Sessions will be held at Regional Sports Center

900 Jefferson Rd - Building 7

Wednesdays

AFCR Juniors: 6:00PM - 6:50PM

AFCR Pre-Select: 6:30PM - 7:30PM

Saturdays

AFCR Pre-Select: 11:30 - 12:30

AFCR Pre-Select - Winter 1 - Regional Sports

Nov 5:/8, 12/15, 19/22, - (26 break) -
Dec 3/6, 5/13, 17/20, - (24, 31 break) -

AFCR Pre-Select - Winter 2 - Regional Sports

Jan 7/10, 14/17, 21/24, 28/31
Feb 4/7, 11/14 - (18 break) -
Make-Up Week Feb 25/28

AFCR Pre-Select - Spring (Indoor) - Regional Sports

Mar: 4/7, 11/14, 18/21, 25/28 - (Apr 1 break) -
Apr 8/10, 15/18, 22/25, 29/ May 2

AFCR Pre-Select Spring (Outdoor) - Buckland Park

Additional Team based practices & League Play. Running approximately May - July
Additional Times to be determined by team coaches.

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AFCR Juniors - Winter 1 - Regional Sports

Nov 5, 12, 19, (26th break)
Dec 3, 10, 17, (24th, 31st break)

AFCR Juniors - Winter 2 - Regional Sports

Jan 7, 14, 21, 28
Feb 4, 11, (18 break), 25

AFCR Juniors - Spring (Indoor) - Regional Sports

Mar: 4, 11, 18, 25 (April 1 break)
Apr 8, 15, 22, 29

AFCR Juniors - Spring (Outdoor) - Buckland Park

Additional Times may be offered. No competitive play at this age.

Get Started

If you're looking for a structured, development-focused program for your young athlete, the AFCR Youth Academy is the perfect place to begin.

Our goal is to prepare each player for success, whether that’s on a travel team, school team, or simply building confidence through sport.

AFCR Victor

marisa.afcr@gmail.com (Marisa Rivera) — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 22:03:29 GMT

Big News: AFC Rochester Victor Joins Full-Time Starting 2025–26!

Building on the success of our pilot program, we’re proud to welcome Victor into the AFCR family full-time!

We’re thrilled to officially announce that AFC Rochester Victor will become a full-time program starting in the 2025–26 season . This exciting development comes after a successful pilot year led by Coach Ross Marple , who laid the foundation for long-term success in the Victor community.

Home at Pinnacle Athletic Campus

As part of this next phase, Victor will partner with Pinnacle Athletic Campus , one of the top training facilities in the region. This means that all practices and home games will be held at Pinnacle , offering top-tier training environments and minimizing travel—especially important during the winter months.

“I’m very excited for Victor to join us full-time. Ross did an absolutely amazing job with the program last year and I’m looking forward to this group growing! The partnership we have with Pinnacle makes it so families aren’t traveling far away from Victor for practices, especially in the winter. They’ve been super great through the process and I’m looking forward for the long-term relationship that we’re building!”

— William Banahene, Executive Director, AFC Rochester

2025 Tryouts for AFCR Victor

Tryouts for the upcoming season will be held on:

• Sunday, July 13th

5pm (Girls) | 6pm (Boys)

Sunday, July 27th

9am (Girls) | 10am (Boys)

Both sessions will be hosted at Pinnacle Athletic Campus . Interested players and families should mark their calendars and register early.

Interested in Coaching or Creating a Team?

We’re actively building new teams and looking for passionate coaches! If you’re interested in being part of the AFCR Victor program—whether as a coach, team leader, or community supporter—please reach out directly to:

�� afcrochester585@gmail.com

We can’t wait to grow the game in Victor and build something truly special together.

Welcome, Victor — we’re just getting started!

— The AFC Rochester Team

Team of the Week: May 11-18

kbemanagementgroup@gmail.com (Bethany Moser) — Fri, 23 May 2025 14:47:59 GMT

AFCR TEAM OF THE WEEK

Congrats on all the players who made the first AFCR Team of the Week of the season!

Special congrats to AFCR player of the week Ben Kimmel! The center back, scored the winning goal directly from a corner kick, other known as an “Olimpico”, on the last kick of the game. This gave AFCR the win in AFCR Select’s first league game in program history!

AFCR Welcomes our Boys & Girls Select Directors!

Fri, 16 May 2025 19:20:06 GMT

AFCR Welcomes our Boys and Girls Select Directors!

AFC Rochester Family,

We’re excited to share some big news about the future of our Select Program!

Please join us in welcoming Tom Parr as our new Select Boys Director!

Meet Tom Parr – Select Boys Director

Tom brings over 20 years of experience as a player, coach, and mentor. A Penfield High School standout and Mississippi State University alum, Tom also played professionally in Switzerland. He has coached across the U.S., including with top local clubs like GPS-RFC and RNYFC, and currently leads the program at McQuaid Jesuit.

Tom holds USSF E, F, and D licenses, the USC National Diploma, and certifications from the Tovo Institute and Professional Football Scouting Association. He also serves as VP of Coach Education for East Rochester Soccer.

“I’m thrilled to join AFCR and help build a clear path for player development — from grassroots to elite levels."

Email: boys se lectdirector.afcr@gmail.com

What is AFC Rochester Select?

AFC Rochester Select is designed to meet the growing demand for a level of play beyond traditional travel soccer. It provides committed players with access to a high-performance environment, aligning with the standards to compete with surrounding premier-level clubs. AFC Rochester Select builds on the strength of our five AFC Rochester programs and welcomes players across the region who seek a premier challenge. The teams will be launching for 2014, 2015, and 2016 boys and girls. Players will participate in 3 training sessions per week and 3-5 high level tournaments. Along with these tournaments, the teams will play in competitive leagues and winter programming.

Upcoming ID Events – Register Now!

Player Identification Events for AFCR Select are coming in mid-May. These sessions are open to all players interested in joining the program—both current AFC Rochester players and newcomers alike.

Due to schedule and location changes, the 3 tentative ID clinics will be communicated as that information becomes available.

Open play on 05/18 cancelled.

Registration Link: https://playmetrics.com/signup clubToken=TG9naW4tQ2x1Yi52MS0xMDMyLTE3NTE1NTY1ODF8anhqcHFOb1h0MGpMZ0VHSnR3TFNRc3UzdlhKcWVHNjQ2OGhVclNnLzUwbz0=&program_id=60187

AFCR Select: The Next Step in Our Player Pathway

marisafortune5@gmail.com (Marisa Rivera) — Fri, 02 May 2025 17:27:29 GMT

Introducing AFCR Select – A New Level of Player Development

We are thrilled to officially announce the launch of AFCR Select , the newest evolution of our player development model at AFC Rochester. Following the success of our pilot Select program with our 2011 age group, AFCR Select will expand to offer a full Premier pathway for dedicated and ambitious players throughout the region.

What Is AFCR Select?
AFCR Select is designed to meet the growing demand for a level of play beyond traditional travel soccer. It provides committed players with access to a high-performance environment, aligning with the standards to compete with surrounding premier-level clubs while supporting long-term development. AFCR Select builds on the strength of our five AFC Rochester programs, while welcoming players from across the region seeking a premier challenge.

Program Highlights:

Teams launching for 2011-2018 boys
Continued development of our successful 2011 Select team
Academy program for 2017–2019 birth years, focused on technical foundation and long-term growth
Additional age groups may be added based on player interest and program fit

Season Outlook:

3 training sessions per week in a structured, high-performance environment
Participation in 3–5 high-level tournaments annually, plus competitive league play and winter programming
Teams led by licensed, experienced coaches committed to player development

Upcoming ID Events – Register Now!

Player Identification Events for AFCR Select are coming in mid-May. These sessions are open to all players interested in joining the program—both current AFC Rochester players and newcomers alike.

Location: Buckland Park

June 7th
June 21st
July 14th
July 28th

Staff Announcement Coming Soon:

We’ll be announcing our Select coaches & staff starting next week, so stay tuned for details on the experienced leaders who will be guiding our our Premier players.

Why It Matters:
Premier soccer provides the competition and structure needed for players aiming for high school, college, or professional levels. With AFCR Select, we’re proud to offer a complete, accessible pathway from grassroots to elite.

“AFCR Select is a huge step forward in our club’s journey. It’s an opportunity to elevate our players and give them a consistent, competitive environment to grow within. The foundation we’ve built with our sub-clubs now allows us to offer a true full-circle pathway—from rec to travel to premier. This is an exciting time for our families, coaches, and the entire Rochester soccer community.”

– William Banahene, Executive Director, AFC Rochester

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is AFCR Select, and how is it different from travel soccer?

AFCR Select is a step above traditional travel soccer, designed for players seeking more competitive play, advanced coaching, and a development pathway toward premier-level soccer.

2. Who is this program for?

Select is for motivated, committed players and families who want to train in a high-performance environment and compete at a higher level.

3. What is the time commitment?

Select players train 3 times per week, with weekend matches and tournaments throughout the year, including winter programming.

4. Are there tryouts or evaluations?

Yes, all players must be evaluated for placement to ensure competitive balance and proper development.

5. How much travel is involved?

Teams will compete in a regional league with some interstate travel. Tournament locations vary but are primarily within driving distance.

6. Can my child still play other sports?

We support multi-sport athletes, but commitment to the Select schedule is expected, especially during peak season.

7. What is the cost of the program?

Tuition covers coaching, league play, tournament fees, facilities, and training. Full details will be shared upon at a later date. Premier Cost: $1,1500 - $1,800 Academy Cost: $350 - $425. Scholarships available upon request.

8. What’s the next step if we’re interested?

Submit an interest form or attend an evaluation session. Our staff will follow up with details and recommendations.

For more information please email us at: afcrochester585@gmail.com

AFCR Newsletter 8/15/24

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 22:10:16 GMT

Exciting Times Ahead: AFCR (Formerly known as Brighton FC) and Full Circle Soccer Club Merger Announcement

We are thrilled to announce a significant development for our club family: The merger of AFCR and Full Circle Sports Clubs! This partnership marks a new chapter in our journey to elevate youth soccer in our region and beyond.

Background

In late 2023, Brighton FC internally decided to rebrand to Association Football Club of Rochester, going by the name AFCR Brighton, and officially renaming it to AFC Rochester after the conclusion of the 23/24. The move was to align our growth and commitment to local communities, already forming additional teams in Pittsford.

The Merger

Over the past summer, discussions between AFCR and Full Circle Sports Clubs began exploring the potential of a merger. After thoughtful consideration and alignment of visions, it was agreed that Full Circle Sports Clubs would merge under the AFCR banner as well. This consolidation will streamline operations, enhance coaching expertise, and provide a unified platform for our players to thrive.

New Structure and Teams

As part of the merger, Brighton FC will officially be renamed as Association Football Club of Rochester. Full Circle Sports Clubs will move their teams to AFCR at the conclusion of the 23/24 season. AFCR will initially comprise four travel programs; AFCR Brighton, AFCR Pittsford, AFCR East Rochester Jets, and AFCR Avon. This consolidation allows us to offer a comprehensive range of programs including select teams, recreational teams, futsal, ensuring there's something for every young player passionate about the beautiful game.

Leadership Announcement

We are pleased to introduce the leadership team who will guide AFCR into this exciting new era:

William Banahene : Executive Director, oversees program development, manages staff,

secures funding, ensures compliance with regulations, fosters community relationships, and

implements strategic plans. They are responsible for the club's overall operations, financial

health, and mission fulfillment, aiming to provide a safe, engaging environment for youth

Development.

Banahene, a Brighton grad in 2012, went on to play collegiately at SUNY Canton where he picked up All-American honors, Niagara University, and Buffalo State College. After college, he went on to play for the Rochester Lancers and currently plays professionally in the MASL for the Milwaukee Wave. He has a vast coaching résumé, at Buffalo State and Geneseo as the goalkeeper coach, a goalkeeper coach for Empire United (Now RNYFC) in the DA, and most recently the MLS next and GA GK Director for SC Wave in Milwaukee. He also coached at the high school level at Eastridge, Pembroke, and Bishop Kearney. In 2018, He founded Brighton FC and served as the club President for the past six years.

Greg Lull: League (RDYSL) Director, oversee all travel teams and sub clubs. Aims to provide

competitive opportunities and enhance players' skills and experiences as well as all logistics for

all teams/clubs. Works with sub club directors to serve as a liaison with the league and teams and will serve as RDYSL President.

In his 33rd year of coaching youth soccer at all levels, Coach Greg's approach is for the players to love the game first and the skills will follow. In addition to coaching recreational and travel soccer, Coach Greg has served as the Modified Soccer Coach at Our Lady of Mercy HS and as the JV and Varsity Coach at Harley-Allendale-Columbia (HAC) school.

Marisa Rivera: Director of Operations, oversees daily activities, manages website, coordinates

events, ensures safety protocols, handles resource allocation, supervises staff, maintains

equipment, and supports program implementation. They ensure smooth operations and a safe,

effective environment for youth engagement and development.

Marisa’s journey in the sport began humbly; she played recreational soccer for a couple of years but soon discovered that playing wasn't her forte. However, her involvement in soccer deepened during her adolescence when her younger brothers played at a competitive level in Racine, WI. Marisa started volunteering to support her family, which marked the beginning of her extensive career in soccer administration.   Her early experiences included working for the local league, where she organized tournaments, managed concessions, oversaw facility management, and handled budgets. Her dedication to the sport continued as she enrolled her son and daughter in the same league, where they played youth soccer.

Program Directors:

AFCR Brighton: Pat Nicholson

AFCR Pittsford: Shawn Carter

AFCR Avon: Robert Coyne

AFCR ER Jets: Chris Flores

What's Next?

In the coming months, we are committed to ensuring a seamless transition for all players, families, and staff involved. Our priority remains providing a supportive environment where every player can develop their skills and passion for soccer. We are excited about the future of AFCR and the opportunities this merger brings. Together, we will continue to build a club that fosters excellence, teamwork, and community spirit.

Check out the new website at www.afc-rochester.com

AFCR 2024 League Finalists Announced

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 01:18:42 GMT

With the completion of the 2024 RDYSL season, we are happy to announce that the following teams have earned 1st, 2nd or 3rd place in their divisions!

Brighton

Girls U11-D2 1st

Boys U11-D1 3rd

Boys U14-D1 3rd

Boys U19-D1 3rd

ER Jets

Boys U12-D4 2nd

Boys U17-D2 2nd

In addition, our BU17 Pittsford Hawks team finished 3rd in the NYSWYSA Champions League!