LMFC Teams Advance to State Finals in Historic First Year

by Marina Kiriakou -

For the first time in its history, the Larchmont Mamaroneck Football Club (LMFC) will send three of its Premier teams to the New York State Cup Finals on June 7.  This milestone marks not only a triumph for the athletes and their coaches but for the entire community—especially significant since the Premier program launched just last year.

The teams—composed of players born in 2011, 2012, and 2015—each secured their spot by going undefeated through six knockout rounds in the State Cup playoffs.  On June 7, they’ll compete at the SUSA Orlin & Cohen Sports Complex in Central Islip, representing the most elite youth soccer in New York.

Who is LMFC?

LMFC is already the county’s largest youth soccer organization, with over 700 children in recreation, 700 in travel, and 175 in Premier.  This scale reflects soccer’s popularity across Larchmont, Mamaroneck, and Rye Neck—and the Premier teams’ success shows something deeper: a community united around excellence, from players and families to coaches and volunteers.

“On any given fall weekend, you’ll see hundreds of kids playing soccer across every local field,” says Simon McCarthy, LMFC Premier Director.  “Soccer is woven into the fabric of this town.” McCarthy—originally from Ireland—holds a degree in sports science and has more than 15 years of coaching experience.  He joined LMFC in 2009, helped build its travel program, and now oversees the Premier initiative, leading seven coaches, each with at least a decade of experience in local youth soccer.

The Premier program was born in response to players who otherwise would have to join out-of-area clubs to find high-level competition.  “We had families seeking more intensive play—more practices, more games, more travel,” McCarthy explains.  “And we saw our top travel teams outperforming established Premier squads in the county.”

Keeping it Local

By creating a local pathway, LMFC has kept 95 percent of its Premier players in the community, raising the bar without losing talent to outside clubs.

Premier begins at the U10 level, with separate boys’ and girls’ teams, and continues through high school.  It’s part of a seamless development system that starts in the Rec program for four-year-olds, progresses through a U8 Pre-Travel Academy for second graders, transitions into Travel at U9, and culminates in Premier.

Scholarships for Access and Equity

As a nonprofit, LMFC awards over $80,000 in scholarships yearly so that financial need never excludes a qualified player.  “Access and equity are central to our mission,” McCarthy notes. “Every child who wants to play should have the chance.”

LMFC teams train and compete on premier local fields—Harbor Island Park, Hommocks Middle School, Alma Field in Flint Park, and Mamaroneck High School turf.  Beyond the pitch, LMFC builds community through parent-player games, fundraisers, and partnerships with schools. Its roster reflects the region’s diversity, with players from all backgrounds and neighborhoods.

Dedication Pays Off

The June 7 State Cup Finals cap the Premier program’s inaugural year, demonstrating what vision, hard work, and community support can achieve.  “We weren’t sure how it would go,” McCarthy admits, “but the dedication of our kids, parents, and coaches has been incredible.  This success is just the beginning.”

Whether a child is just learning to kick a ball or dreaming of a college scholarship, LMFC has become a cornerstone of local sports—and now, a force to be reckoned with on the state stage.

All are welcome to root for them next Saturday, the 7th, on Long Island!  For more about LMFC’s programs or to follow the State Cup Finals, visit www.lmfcny.com.