Borough President Vito Fossella Congratulates Staten Island Soccer Champs

Borough President Vito Fossella congratulated the eight players from the Park Hill Youth Soccer Team for bringing home the trophy in the citywide 2023 New York City Soccer Initiative Community Cup Tournament. 

“We read something very positive that you guys did in the city championship -- and we thought it would be nice to say congratulations,” said Borough President Fossella as he welcomed the players, their coaches and their parents into his Borough Hall office.

These are our Staten Island champs:

• Alexa Navarro
• Juan Gonzalez
• Isabella Nikocevic
• Adam Nikocevic
• Arkie Carto
• Festus Howard
• Samuel Howard
• Ephraim Keita

​The Park Hill team shutout Chinatown, 5-0, in the tournament which was played at the Triborough Bridge Playground in Queens on Sunday, July 2. 

“It was intimidating, challenging and rewarding, but it was fun, not only because we won, but because we tried our hardest,” said Juan Gonzalez.

​Coach Michael Fakih said the team returned to the tournament this year after taking a loss last year.
 
“It was pretty hard for us, but we told them we are going back to get some revenge and put Staten Island on the map and we did just that,” said Coach Michael Fakih. “It was very nice.”
 
Vito commended the team for not giving up.
 
“This is an important life lesson,” Vito said. “Last year, you got beaten badly and one option is to give up, but like your coaches said, ‘try harder, try better’ and even though you were intimidated and afraid, you brought the trophy home. The point is you didn’t give up. We're very proud of you. You put Staten Island on the map like you set out to do. We hope you have a great summer.”