Following the official partnership announcement between FA Euro and Poly Prep, the club confirms that Executive Director Marco Balsamo has been appointed as Director of Soccer Operations and Head Coach for the school's Boy's Varsity Team. This will be Marco's second season with the Blue Devils, as he made his debut year on the coaching staff alongside Coach Gerald Stone who has been an unforgettable staple of Poly Soccer for the past 32 years. Coach Stone's legendary run at the helm of the Varsity Program concluded at the end of the 2018 Fall season, where he led the Varsity Team to the NYSAIS Quarter Finals, when he announced his retirement as Head Coach.
"Coach Stone and I spoke shortly after the news broke out regarding his retirement. He was one of my main advocates for the position and gave me great words of encouragement and support. It means a lot to receive his blessing and I will do my best to take the mantle and continue the great work he has done here at the program." exclaimed newly appointed coach Marco Balsamo. "I'd also like to thank Mildred Piscopo and Richard Corso for giving me this opportunity, they were incredible during my transition process and immediately made me feel like part of the Poly family. I have yet to speak to the players collectively, but am greatly looking forward to get back on the field with them as we prepare ahead for the new season."
"Marco is a great choice for the head coaching position at Poly Prep." says former coach and Poly Prep legend, Gerald Stone. "I enjoyed our year working together. When I decided I'd had enough, it was clear that Marco was the best choice to step in. The players and I hold him in the highest regard. I look forward to being involved with the program in a supporting role over the next few years."
In addition to being in charge of the Varsity Team, Marco will also serve as the school's Director of Soccer Operations and will oversee a partnership between the school and club. "The partnership between FA Euro and Poly is something that I am incredibly excited about." Marco continued. "The objective is for the club's youth sector to be a feeder system for the school & vice-versa. We seek to integrate and unify both programs from both organizations seamlessly as we focus on developing fantastic student-athletes both on and off the field. We want the players to know they have a place where they can not only play, but improve in all aspects of the sport, on a year long basis."