NYPDSOCCER.COM: Albums

Nov 30, 2008
NAPST
The Finest return victorious from Seattle Washington where they participated in this year's North American Police Soccer Tournament. The NYPD Men's Soccer team traveled to Seattle Washinton to participate in the 2008 North American Police Soccer Tournament. This soccer tournament has been in existence since the 1980's and is heralded as the top Law Enforcement soccer competition throughout Canada and the United States. It is held once a year and is participated by Law Enforcement teams from Canada, the United States and the Caribbean. There are several other tournaments held in places like California that claim to be top rated, but as evidenced this year many of the west coast teams that excel in these so called tournaments, were sent home early, not making it past regular play. It is a display of the talent and competition that the North American Police Soccer Tournament attracts.
Nov 30, 2008
Kids Soccer Clinic
The Men's and Women's team sponsored a free kid's soccer clinic at Cunningham Park in Queens in conjunction with the Auburndale Soccer club. Drills that the kids were run through included, ball control, passing, heading, throw-ins and dribbling. The U13-14 Travel team were run through tough drills and tactics well into the afternoon by some of the younger NYPD coaches. The Goal keepers learned some new techniques and how to take command and be vocal on the field.
Aug 8, 2008
Barcelona
For their humanitarian efforts the Red Bulls New York as well as the Ecuadorian Consulate of New York presented the NYPD Soccer team with a plaque in appreciation of their humanitarian efforts in Ecuador. This Plaque was presented to the team on the field during halftime of the match between the NY Red Bulls and Barcelona held at the Meadowlands on August 6. The NYPD Soccer team was honored to provide security for the Barcelona Players during their training session at Central Park on August 6th and took photos and donated NYPD Soccer T-shirts and hats to the Players at Central Park
Aug 10, 2008
Battle of the Badges
NEW YORK'S FINEST CHAMPIONS IN THE FIRST ANNUAL "BATTLE OF THE BADGES " BENEFIT SOCCER TOURNAMENT, HELD AT FLUSHING MEADOW -CORONA PARK ON JULY 20, 2008 The teams not only battled themselves but the severe heat and humidity, especially that it is amplified on the new style turf - Amongst the teams that competed were two NYPD teams, Blue and White, The Fire Department enetered a teamas well as the New Jersey Strikers, The F.B.I. , and a combo team from Nassau and Suffolk. The NYPD Blue team dominated the competition by winning four out of five games finishing with the best overall record in Round Robin play. The New Jersey Strikers were Runners up-by having by having the second best record in the tournament-Rounding out tird place where the NYPD White Team and the Fire Department Soccer team.
Jun 22, 2008
2008 ECUADOR TRIP
The NYPD "Finest" Soccer Team traveled to Ecuador to play a series of charity games and to conduct soccer clinics to local school children. The New York Red Bull's donated 150 soccer balls and 600 Red Bulls t-shirts and gear that were distributed to the students at schools that provide education to underprivileged children.
May 15, 2008
SECRET SERVICE FUTSAL
This years 5 vs 5 indoor tournament sponsored by the U.S. Secret Service in conjunction with D.C. Socres and "Stop the Violence Program was again held in Gaithersburg Maryland. This tournament is participated by several law enforcement agencies from around the U.S. and Abroad to raise funds to aid in combating violence and promote awareness. The NYPD Soccer team entered an Opens men's team and and over 35 men's team Our young guns faced off against teams from New Jersey, Bermuda, Philadelphia Montgomery and the Secret Service. Their record after regular play was 4 wins and 1 Loss. This moved them into the quarter finals were surprisingly they were knocked off by the New Jersey Strikers 3-2 after the winning goal was scored off a deflection on one of the NYPD Players leg. The Seniors breezed by the competition winning 5 games and tying one-teams played each other twice and the Seniors had wins over Montgomery, Maryland and New Jersey, There were no playoffs for this age division and the Finest walked away with the championship Trophy.
May 10, 2008
COSTA RICA CUP 2008
THE FINEST TRAVELED TO JACO BEACH, COSTA RICA FOR SOCCER COMPETITION AND A KIDS SOCCER CLINIC. THE FINEST FACED OFF IN TOUGH COMPETITION AGAINST TEAMS FROM AROUND THE WORLD. THE TEAMS NOT ONLY FACED TOUGH COMPETITION BUT THE HEAT AND HUMIDITY, THERE WERE FOUR GROUPS WITH FIVE TEAMS PER BRACKET. THE FINEST WERE PLACED IN THE GROUP OF DEATH THAT INCLUDED LAST YEAR'S CHAMPS, THE RUNNERS UP A TEAM REPRESENTING DENMARK AND A LOCAL COSTA RICAN TEAM. AFTER REGULAR PLAY THE TEAM HELD TOGETHER MAINTAINING A RECORD OF 2 WINS, 1 LOSS AND 1 DRAW. AT THE END OF REGULATION PLAY, THERE WAS A FOUR WAY TIE IN THEIR GROUP AND THE FINEST WERE ABLE TO ADVANCE TO THE QUARTER FINALS BY HAVING ONE OF THE LOWEST GOALS AGAINST IN THEIR BRACKET. IN THE QUARTER FINALS THE TEAM FACED A TALENTED TEAM REPRESENTING GUATEMALA. THIS BATTLE WENT INTO OVERTIME WHICH ENDED IN A 0-0 DRAW. GOING INTO PENALTY KICKS, THE FINEST CAME THROUGH WITH GOALS FROM CARLO, KEITH AND GREG BEFORE THE GUATEMALAN SIDE MISSED ON A SHOT THAT HIT THE POST. MAKING IT TO THE FINALS THE TEAM FACED OFF AGAINST THE "HIRED GUNS" FROM HOUSTON. THE GAME WAS TIED 1-1 BEFORE INJURIES PLACED THE TEAM ON THEIR HEELS. IN THE END THE TEAMS VALIANT EFFORT ENDED WITH A 3-1 LOSS. ----------NEXT STOP FOR THE FINEST IS GUAYAQUIL ECUADOR MAY 22-MAY 29 ====================================================================================
Jan 26, 2008
Dirk Wrede
Dirk Wrede died while playing the game he loved. There was little doubt that Dirk Wrede couldn't get enough of soccer. "He adored the game. He was a passionate lover of the game," police Sgt. John Huber said. "Only someone who has played the game can appreciate that. You play until you can't play or can't walk anymore." On Sunday, Nov. 3, 2002, the popular police officer from the 114th Precinct in Queens did just that. He died on a Seaford, L.I. soccer field from apparent cardiac arrest while playing the sport he loves for the department's team, the NYPD Finest Soccer Team. Teammates believe he was hit with the ball in the chest or was hurt during a collision late in the match with the Mineola Portuguese. The score was 1-1 at the time. "It was ironic he died on the soccer field," Huber said. "If you asked him where he wanted to die at 150-years-old, he would have said on a soccer field." It will take an autopsy six weeks to determine the actual cause. It will take Wrede's devastated teammates, friends and family much, much longer to get over his passing. Wrede, who was 32, left a wife, Jolene, six months pregnant, and a three-year-old son, Jarrett. It has been difficult to come to terms with someone so healthy to die so young. Dirk was the heartbeat of the team. He kept the team together. It's a heavy hit for the team and for his family. When you're a policeman, you have several families. There is the family at home and one at the precinct. The Finest consider the soccer team family as well. They play together. They party together. They laugh together. And yes, they even cry together. His jersey is going to be saved and framed. No one on our team will ever wear 10 again. Dirk Wrede died while playing the game he loved.
Apr 18, 2008
2008 First Shootout
Our first tournament that our club held was a success. This tournament was participated by eight teams from the NYC area: NYPD Soccer entered two teams, Other teams that participated were two Grenedan teams, Trinidad, Goma Manhattan, Brentwood Alumni and Brishna. all the teams that entered were very talented and although every game was tough-it was one of the only tournaments with the fewest yellow cards issued by the refs. After regular play several of the teams were knocked out, leaving the two NYPD teams to face each other and Brishna to face off against Goma Manhattan in semi final matches. After the semis it was Brishna that faced off against one of the NYPD teams-In the end Brishna came out with the championship trophy after beating our own NYPD team 4-2. the Golden Boot award went to NYPD's Carlos Villacres and the Best Keeper award went to the quick and talented Brishna Keeper.
Mar 2, 2008
STONYBROOK UNIV FUTSAL
The team participated in a Men's open Futsal Tournament at Stony Brook University in Long Island. 15 teams from around the Metro area participated in this Round Robin tournament where only the winners of each group andvanced. Armed with some key new players, Frank Talio-103 pct, Bobby Hassett-103 pct and Patrick Mcnamara of the 44 Pct, the regulars including Jorge Bedoya-23 Pct, Edwin iglesias-QNTF, Greg Fink-9 Pct,David Jimenez-88 Pct and soon to join the ranks this September, Jose Sura, fought through regular play and won their group with a clean record of 4 wins. Advancing into the Semi finals the Finest fought a physical game versus a talented team from Farmingville which ended in a draw of 1-1. After a nerve racking round of penalty kicks, the Finest came out victorious and moved on to the finals. With the tournament running late, the tournament officials immediately held the final 10 minutes after the semifinal victory and pitted the Finest against a well rested Stony Brook University squad that had several guest college players including Hofstra Univ. Exhausted from their previous game and injuries sustained by three of the players during regular play, the Finest ran out of gas and lost in the final 4-1. It was a great effort given by the team making it to through the round of 15 and into the final.
Jan 13, 2008
Clarkstown Soccer Club
The NYPD Men's Soccer team participated in the 30th annual Clarkstown Soccer Club indoor tournament held at Rockland Community College on January 13th 2008---This tournament was being held for players in the over 30 division. Team members that played were Ron, Baksh, Imon, Marco, Greg A., Larry, Elvis V., John M., Justin (Sheriff), Pablo, Carlo and Edgar. Out of six teams that participated the "Old Men" responded by winning three and tying two. In their first game the team tied 0-0 versus the Clarkstown over 30 team. Their second game was won by a score of 2-1 versus FK White eagles. Moving on to their third game they cruised past Backyard Sports for a final of 5-1. Playing a tactically seasoned Tavolino team, the team played to a 3-1 victory. For their final game versus top seeded NY Croatia,it was crucial that they came out on top to win the divison. After several close shots and near misses, the final score was 1-1 giving way for NY Croatia to come in first place. As the NYPD team walked off the field they held their heads high because the competition was tough yet they did not suffer a loss and were one of the lowest scored upon teams in the tournament.
Jan 21, 2008
N.J. "Little Angels Cup"
In June of 2007, coming off winning the Gold and Silver Medals at the NYS Police Olympics, the NYPD Soccer Team, last year's reigning champs, again participated in a charity tournament in Jackson, New Jersey benefiting missing and exploited children. Although physically exhausted from participating in the NYS Olympics and regular play in the NY Bank League and the Cosmopolitan League, the team decided to participate in the "Little Angels Cup" The purpose of this tournament was to raise funds for education and awareness while playing competitive soccer. Amongst the teams that participated were the NYPD Soccer Team, the NY Enforcers, NJ Strikers Police, Jackson NJ Police, Philadelphia PD, and a Suffolk/Nassau Cop team. NYPD went undefeated dominating play leading to the finals. The Championship game was a hard fought draw until the penalty shoot out phase. Brian Sheil, the NYPD Keeper dominated the tournament allowing only two goals through out regular play. Going into PKs the team was felled after the NJ Strikers were able to notch one more goal in the back of the net then the NYPD side. This was a repeat of last year when the NYPD was matched up in the finals versus the NJ Strikers. Last year however, the the NYPD team came away with the trophy. (Click on photo for more of this year and last years photos)
Jan 18, 2008
Costa Rica 2007
In April/May of 2007, the team traveled to Costa Rica to participate in the Costa Rica Cup a 6 vs 6, Police/Fire outdoor tournament. Members that took to the coastal town of Jaco Beach enjoyed a lot of soccer in the sun as well as cool cocktails by the pool. As the locals in Costa Rica say, "Pura Vida". Some of the guys took to gliding across the treetops during a canopy tour and some cowhands like Baksh took to horseback riding in the country side. Other trips that while in Costa Rica included Jungle tours, ATV riding and some even took to learning how to surf. As for the soccer, the team played without a keeper and two field players due to injuries. The hot and humid weather made it tough on the team which struggled to keep cool. In the end the team finished in third place after a tie with the San Antonio Fire Department kept them out of the finals. The team had victories versus a Team from England and the Ottawa Police Department. The one loss that the team had was to a team of local "COPS" AKA "Ringers" that beat them 2-0. In the end being out of the playoffs, gave the team plenty of time for celebration and some fun in the sun. The team plans on returning to Jaco beach in 2008 to bring home the championship trophy. (Click on photo for more shots)
Jan 15, 2008
2007 POLICE/ FIRE GAMES
The NYPD Men's Soccer team was invited to participate in an international Fire Department tournament held at Flushing Meadow Park in April of 2007. This was a two day tournament that featured Fire Department teams from Holland, Germany, Italy, England and Canada. The NYPD team won all five games in the first round being lead by "Golden Boot " winner Dan Mcnulty. The second round of games the team was not so fortunate. Due to injuries and the absence of several key players the NYPD team struggled and lost two and won one. Although they struggled during the second round they made it to the semi-finals where they clashed with New York's own Fire Department. The classic battle of the badges was a grueling stalemate where it could have gone either way. The NY Fire Department had the leg up with relentless pressure through out the game. Their depth in the bench was great and the fresh legs just kept coming. If it wasnt for the grittiness of the NYPD's defender's and keeper, the game could have been over during the first half. This battle lasted into the second half of overtime until one of the Fire midfielder's cut a pass to an attacking forward that snuck one in the net past the solid Tim Kelch of MSTF. The NYFD went on to meet the Italian side for the final where they lost to the Italians 2-0. Everyone enjoyed the competition and a banquet was held afterwards for everyone to enjoy. (Click on photo for more shots)
Jan 17, 2008
2007 Police Olympics
The NYPD Soccer Team has doubled in the amount of players they have on their roster for the 2007 season. With such a large pool of players that are on the roster, a decision was made to allow all the players to participate in the 2007 New York State Olympics. The squad was split into a blue and a white team with the talent split evenly amongst both teams. This decision proved positive because everyone got playing time and it brought the team closer together. At the end of the tournament it was evident that the NYPD Soccer Team, both blue and white were the dominant teams in all of New York State. Both teams had no problem advancing through the field of teams that arrived hoping to Dethrown the reigning champs, but none prevailed. The "NY Enforcers" were easily dominated by the NYPD white team that several of the starters sat out the seconD half. The Blue team also out played and out hustled the "NY Enforcers" that by the second half of the game many of the Enforcers practically gave up playing. The NYPD team also had victories over the Rochester PD team, the Suffolk County PD team, the Nassau County PD team and the always strong and competitive NYS Troopers. Since participating in the NYS Police Olympics the NYPD Soccer Team has an overall record of 6 Gold Medals and 4 Silver Medals, thus ammassing the most medals of any Police team in New York State. (Click on Photo for more)
Jan 12, 2008
NYPD VS Monta Soccer
The NYPD Men's Soccer Team was invited to participate in a friendly match versus a profesional team from Amsterdam. Monta soccer is headed by world famous Futbol superstar Edgar Davids formerly of the Dutch National Team, Barcelona, Juventus and Ajax. The match was very tough with the skillful Monta team showing off their fancy footwork of dribbling, juggling and accurate passing. The NYPD team met them with concentration and determination and some fancy footwork of their own. Although it was supposed to be a friendly match everyone could see it on the players faces that both teams wanted to win. At the end of the game, the NYPD team was able to edge the Monta team 3-2. After the game it was all hugs and handshakes between the teams as the NYPD Men's team earned the respect of the Amsterdam based Monta Soccer team and the many passersby that stopped to cheer on the New York's Finest. As part of Monta Soccer's world wide tour this match was video taped for ESPN and is due to be aired soon. (click on Photo to view more)
Jan 15, 2008
2007 British Royal Navy
The NYPD team was invited to play friendly soccer matches versus the visiting British Royal Navy squads. The HMS (Her Majesty's Ship) Illustious and HMS Manchester arrived and docked in New York harbor on July 3rd. They were here for R&R and some Futbol action. On July 6th both teams were transported by NY's Finest from their ships to the playing fields at Flushing Meadow Park. The NYPD split their squad into two teams, Blue and White in order to accomodate the visiting sailors. After four tough games in hot and humid July weather, the NYPD team White team prevailed with an overall tally of wins versus the Illustrious and Manchester teams. The NYPD Blue team beat the Illustrious squad and drew a tie with the Manchester squad. The NYPD team finished with an impressive record of three wins and one draw, therefore "Captivating the British Flag". As always all four teams enjoyed some festive celebration after the games and exchanged gifts before parting to their next port of call. (Click on photo for more shots)
Jan 27, 2008
Vintage Photos
This is a collection of photos of current and past members of the NYPD "Finest" Soccer Team at different events. (for more photos Click on any of the photos)
Jan 27, 2008
2006 NAPST Portland Oreg
The team traveled to Portland Oregon to participate in the 2006 North American Police Soccer Tournament. The competition was good and the partying and sightseeing was even better-check out the photos and enjoy-click on any of the photos.