ABOUT US

Who We Are

The John Jay East Fishkill Boys Soccer Program prides itself on being one of the top-tier high school soccer programs in all of New York State, rich with tradition within the NYSPHSAA soccer scene; fostering an environment and culture that has assisted hundreds of players to meet and surpass their goals. Excellence is a hallmark of the John Jay Soccer Program and has been a key part of our program for nearly 50 years. This demands that we always offer the highest quality standards in all of the challenges we face. We develop the value of excellence through quality, leadership, demands and talent. Since the 1980s, John Jay Soccer has been one of the most consistently competitive programs in all of Section 1, sending players to play collegiately at all levels, as well as to the semi-professional and professional level, including Major League Soccer. The program has produced multiple All State, All American, and New York State Player of the Year Award recipients.

Core Values

The John Jay Coaching Staff upholds a set of core values, principles, and actions that serve as the bedrock of the soccer program. We ardently believe in upholding integrity—on the soccer field, in academic pursuits, and in life's journey. Embracing sportsmanship, teamwork, competitive spirit, and fostering camaraderie lie at the heart of our philosophy. Respect is paramount; it's reflected in our conduct towards teammates, coaches, opponents, fans, and referees.

In our belief system, adversity unveils and forges character; facing challenges allows us to reveal our true selves. We cherish values like hard work, unwavering commitment, and the understanding that victories and defeats are shared experiences, to be shouldered collectively as a team, not as individuals. No one stands above the team; the collective well-being is our guiding compass.

Our aim extends beyond shaping proficient soccer players; we strive to mold exemplary individuals—responsible sons, brothers, nephews, students, friends, and citizens. Our aspiration is to inspire each individual to reach their highest potential across all facets of life through unwavering dedication and attitude.

In essence, our beliefs revolve around core principles: respect, commitment, hard work, leadership, positivity, grace, passion, tenacity, accountability, and pride. We make earnest efforts every day to embody and instill these values in our players, encouraging them—both through words and actions—to embrace and embody these principles in their journey on and off the field.

Coaching Philosophy

The signature of the John Jay Soccer Program is distinguished by its 'ball on the ground' playing style and progressive possession principles, emphasizing dominance in ball possession, crafting scoring opportunities, and favoring a ground-based approach whenever feasible. At the heart of our strategy lies a possession-oriented attacking system, emphasizing a progressive possession philosophy that champions playing from the back, fluid ball movement through the lines, and a relentless pursuit of scoring chances. Defensively, our aim is to swiftly regain possession while maintaining an organized and high-intensity defensive structure.

Central to the ideology of the John Jay Coaching Staff is the selection of players showcasing technical finesse and prowess with the soccer ball. We take pride in nurturing players who excel in ball handling/mastery, speed, and agility. Our dedication to a possession-based style underscores our focus on constructing plays from the defensive line, maintaining ball possession, breaching defensive barriers, and scoring goals. Equally important is instilling strategic defensive thinking, demanding mental resilience, focus, and physicality, both on and off the ball. Our defensive strategy leans towards zonal defense, leveraging our goalkeepers as a reliable safety outlet under pressure. We advocate for immediate, intense defensive pressure without overcommitting or resorting to risky challenges, prioritizing team-based defensive intensity while emphasizing clean play devoid of foul tactics.

Respecting distinct roles within the game, we uphold the principle that players play, coaches coach, and referees officiate, ensuring each role is respected without encroaching on others' responsibilities. We emphasize the importance of exhibiting sportsmanship in both victories and defeats, acknowledging and applauding opponents when they earn it. Every match, win or loss, is an opportunity for our players to learn and grow, fostering a culture of teaching lessons in victory and drawing insights from defeat.

Setting a universal high standard is the cornerstone of our program, encompassing technical, tactical, emotional, behavioral, and mental aspects. We are committed to guiding players toward understanding and attaining these standards, acknowledging that membership in the John Jay Soccer Program is a privilege laden with expectations. Upholding these standards, both on and off the field, is a responsibility we cherish and respect, acknowledging the privilege bestowed upon us as players and coaches within this program.

Program Goals

The John Jay Soccer Program is dedicated to fostering a secure and enjoyable space where student-athletes can learn, compete, and revel in the joys of soccer. Our foremost aim is to offer a platform for all players to nurture their skills within a spirited and competitive training environment. Moreover, we aspire to facilitate a pathway for our players' continued growth in soccer, paving the way for their collegiate soccer pursuits and beyond.

Committed to the enduring development of the numerous talented soccer players who grace John Jay, we adhere to structured training objectives. These objectives revolve around fostering the game's progress through a comprehensive approach encompassing technical, tactical, physical, and psychological training methodologies. Embracing the highest level of competition within the NYSPHSAA, we strive to create an environment that nurtures lifelong devotion to soccer, fostering enduring friendships that transcend high school boundaries. Our ultimate aspiration is to create indelible memories, moments that players will fondly cherish long after their time as a Patriot has concluded.