Long Island, NY (July 25, 2024) — Long Island Soccer Club (LISC) announces the appointment of an experienced and dedicated sporting team and front office staff to positively impact and guide the performance of its MLS NEXT 2011 (U-13’s) and 2012 (U-14’s) teams for the upcoming 2024-25 season.
Today’s announcement builds on LISC’s acceptance into MLS NEXT in May, highlighting the expanding presence of Major League Soccer on Long Island
The coaching staff is led by Gary Book, appointed as LISC’s MLS NEXT Director, and assisted by Tom Bowen, LISC’s MLS NEXT Assistant Director.
Gary Book’s leadership and strategic vision will underpin the success of LISC’s MLS NEXT teams. With over three decades of elite-level coaching excellence, Gary has a distinguished history of leading collegiate soccer programs to championships and has been pivotal in developing youth players into professional athletes. His extensive experience and proven track record in nurturing talent make him an invaluable asset to the club.
As MLS NEXT Assistant Director, Tom Bowen has been appointed within LISC to oversee MLS NEXT player development, assessment, and recruitment for LISC’s MLS NEXT program. With a background in pre-professional coaching and player development, Bowen’s expertise will be crucial in shaping LISC’s MLS NEXT current and future teams, leveraging his proven track record of developing aspiring young talent.
After an extensive national search, Bryan Alcantara has been selected as LISC’s MLS NEXT Head Coach, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise in player development to ensure a successful debut season this fall.
“LISC is thrilled to welcome Bryan Alcantara as our inaugural head coach for the MLS NEXT platform,” said Gary Book, LISC MLS NEXT Director. “His extensive experience and commitment to holistic player growth align perfectly with our mission to provide elite-level development opportunities on Long Island.”
A native of Hicksville, N.Y., Alcantara brings a robust coaching background, having served as Assistant Director and Academy Coach for the New York Cosmos from 2013 to 2017, and later as the Coach Education Manager for the New York Red Bulls from 2017 to 2019. He holds multiple U.S. Soccer licenses, including a B License, Instructor License, and Director of Coaching License, and has been a coach educator for U.S. Soccer since 2015.
“I am honored and excited to join Long Island Soccer Club, a pioneer in bringing MLS NEXT to the Island,” Alcantara commented. “Having been involved in Long Island soccer for over 20 years, I understand the importance of this opportunity. My goal is to challenge our players to reach their fullest potential, both on and off the field.”
Alcantara will be joined by a highly knowledgeable and experienced coaching staff, including Stuart Newman, Goalkeeper & Performance Coach, and Harry Morris, Assistant Coach.
Stuart Newman brings a wealth of experience as a goalkeeper coach, having worked with various youth and professional teams, holding an FFA B License and Level 3 U.S. Goalkeeper qualification. His expertise in developing goalkeepers will be invaluable to LISC’s MLS NEXT teams. In addition to his coaching duties, Stuart will also serve as the Strength and Conditioning Performance Coach, ensuring that players are physically prepared to perform at their best.
Rounding off the sporting team is Harry Morris, who joins as an LISC MLS NEXT Assistant Coach. With a strong background in youth soccer development, Harry, holder of a UEFA B license, has a proven track record of helping young players reach their full potential. His talent for guiding the development of young athletes makes him an invaluable addition to the LISC MLS NEXT coaching staff.
In preparation for the season, Alcantara emphasized the club’s unwavering commitment to player development and competitive excellence. “While competing against top MLS NEXT clubs is important, our primary focus is to push players beyond their comfort zones,” he explained. “Our ultimate aspiration as a club is to develop Long Island’s next top talent who can compete at the professional and international levels.”
About Us:
MLS NEXT: Major League Soccer (MLS) youth player development platform designed to provide a clear pathway to professional soccer for elite youth players in North America. Renowned for its comprehensive development structure, MLS NEXT emphasizes holistic player development, competitive excellence, and preparing players for success both on and off the field.
Long Island Soccer Club: Founded in 2017, Long Island Soccer Club (LISC) is dedicated to transforming the soccer landscape on Long Island by providing a professional learning environment for elite-level players. Committed to development and innovation, LISC offers accessible training centers, top-tier coaching, and competitive opportunities to foster the growth of young athletes and create a clear development pathway for future soccer stars.
