Soccer Shepherds

New York

Our goal is to shepherd talented young soccer players in inner city New York throughout the trials and tribulations of youth and young adulthood while using the sport of soccer to motivate and guide them towards a better life.

Using the connections and resources available to us, our specific aim is to make a positive difference in the local communities of upper Manhattan and the South Bronx by providing aid and support to soccer playing boys from these areas. Whether via professional soccer or higher education, the end game for those that come through the Soccer Shepherds program is to achieve balance, happiness, and financial stability in adulthood through one's talent with a soccer ball.

"Now reminiscing about my whole career, I have a whole different appreciation for the game itself. It has evolved to be more than just a game. It's been a teacher of life."

- Michael Jordan

The opportunities are out there; the world is waiting for you. Fulfill your potential.

We are based in Harlem, NY.

William Caverly (Founder)

William has lived and played soccer in the Morningside Heights area of Upper Manhattan his entire life. He played for various local youth clubs including Manhattan Soccer Club, Manhattan Kickers FC, and Met Oval Academy.

Coach Will founded Soccer Shepherds in 2018 as part of the ongoing work he has undertaken in recent years as an amateur player and coach in New York City.

He founded, runs, and plays for the club currently known as KidSuper Samba AC, a Soccer Shepherds production beginning in June of 2017.

Contact: soccershepherdsny@gmail.com

Coach Will (left) after SSNY U23 training (summer 2019)Also pictured: Youssouf Bamba of KidSuper Samba AC

Coach Will (left) after SSNY U23 training (summer 2019)

Also pictured: Youssouf Bamba of KidSuper Samba AC

Jesse Toporek (Director)

Jesse and William have known each other since Jesse’s days as the starting goalkeeper at Beacon HS in Manhattan where he won an NYC Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL) championship.

Jesse also played and later coached at Manhattan Soccer Club, and worked for years at Upper 90 Soccer Store in Manhattan.

He is a specialist goalkeeper coach, and will undertake player development, mentoring, and further responsibilities for Soccer Shepherds.

Jesse became the head coach of the boys varsity soccer team at John F. Kennedy HS (Bronx) in 2019.

Contact: jtoporekssny@gmail.com

Affiliations:

Wilson Egidio: The Wilson Favela Project, Samba Athletic Club

FC Harlem

Integrate NYC Physical Therapy

Board of Directors:

William Caverly (Founder, President)

Teodolinda Barolini (Secretary)

James Valentini (Treasurer)