Pat Comiskey inducted into Long Island Junior Soccer League Veterans Hall of Fame

Massapequa’s Pat McComiskey was recently inducted into the Long Island Junior Soccer League’s (LIJSL) Veterans Hall of Fame at the League’s 23rd Annual Soccer Convention Dinner. Affectionately known as "Mr. Mac," McComiskey was recognized by LIJSL for his lifetime career in soccer and for founding the Massapequa Soccer Club.

Putting soccer on the Massapequa map, McComiskey single-handedly created a soccer dynasty in his community, which began with him launching a soccer program with the help of the Catholic Youth Organization at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Massapequa Park. He actively recruited children who had an interest in participating in a sport – many of whom were turned away from the local football team. His dedication to the children in the Massapequa community started with him personally teaching them the rules of soccer and coaching them on how to play. He also arranged for their equipment and field use. Within a few short years, McComiskey had built a soccer powerhouse and established the footprint for what has become one of the largest youth soccer clubs in North America, the Massapequa Soccer Club. His positive influence has touched the lives of many Massapequa children including one of today’s prominent sports anchors, Brian Kilmeade of FOX News Channel.

"Pat is a leader because he leads by example and enthusiasm," said LIJSL President Addie Mattei-Iaia. "His passion for soccer and children and infectious personality has resulted in not just a successful soccer club, but has rallied community pride and spirit – bringing children, parents, local politicians and school administrators together."

After more than 20 years of coaching and volunteering in Long Island soccer, McComiskey proceeded to work for the Washington Diplomats in The North American Soccer League and form relationships with some of soccer’s legends including Carlos Alberto, Johan Cruyyf, Greg Muller, Giorgio Chinaglia, Ricky Davis and the great Pele.

The Long Island Junior Soccer League is a non-profit organization with over 1,500 travel teams on Long Island and in Queens. There are approximately 100,000 in this area registered to play organized soccer when including the intramural leagues that recruit from the LIJSL plus men’s and women’s leagues. LIJSL is run by volunteers determined to make a difference by Building Character through Soccer is a 1998 recipient of Lifetime Achievement Award from the Nassau County Sports Commission. For more information about LIJSL please visit www.lijsoccer.com.

Pictured above from left to right at the Long Island Junior Soccer League’s (LIJSL) 23rd Annual Soccer Convention Dinner are LIJSL Hall of Fame inductee Pat McComiskey of the Massapequa Soccer Club with former Massapequa Soccer Club player Brian Kilmeade of FOX News Channel’s FOX & Friends.