The Albany Alleycats were founded in 1994 by Afrim Nezaj, originally as a semi-professional men’s soccer team that competed as part of the USISL from 1995–1999. Since that time, the Alleycats have grown into an elite developmental platform for youth soccer in Albany, NY. The Alleycats are a non-profit educational organization incorporated under section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code.
The Alleycats Soccer Club’s mission is to foster the physical, mental, and emotional growth and development of youth in the Capital District through the sport of soccer. Through proper guidance, professional coaching, and centralized leadership, each player is given the opportunity to play soccer in a supportive and rewarding environment that emphasizes fun, enjoyment, and skill learning at a level that fits his or her ability and desire.
The Alleycats aim to educate players both on and off the field through best practices associated with the game and player-centered, coach-driven, parent-guided soccer environments.
Players who wish to dedicate themselves to consistent high-level training and compete with and against some of the best youth soccer players in the area are prime candidates. Any player looking for a premier soccer organization that will challenge them to improve during every training session is also a strong fit for the program.
Alleycats team training sessions are typically run by their coach or a designated trainer. For the Boys and Girls Academy, U8–U12, multiple coaches within the club work with the players. The club always tries to have multiple coaches at training to help individualize player development and teach small-group concepts.
Indoor sessions are usually 1 hour and 15 minutes of field time. Coaches may also hold team meetings, chalk talks, or video sessions periodically throughout the season. Outdoor sessions typically run for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Yes. Goalkeeping Directors Alex Drambour and Shawn Willis hold goalkeeper-specific training sessions throughout the entire season for players to attend.
The club is proud of its players’ dedication to their team, while also recognizing the benefits of being well-rounded and participating in multiple sports. Players are asked to hold themselves accountable and do their best to stay committed.
Team managers typically send weekly emails to all parents and players letting them know where and when their team will train that week.
The coaching staff combines the area’s top youth, high school, and college coaches who share common ideas about player development. Several staff members also have backgrounds in education through degrees or significant work experience. This helps the club apply educational principles to soccer development, including individualized instruction, small-group teaching, and awareness of players’ learning strengths and academic demands.
Yes. All team coaches on staff hold a coaching license either from the United States Soccer Federation or through United Soccer Coaches.
Goalkeepers: Alex Drambour and Shawn Willis.
Sports Performance: Shields Fitness, Joe and Emma Shields; Need4Speed, Mike Palmer.
All Alleycats teams train 2 to 3 times a week. Traditionally, boys teams train on Mondays and Wednesdays, while girls teams typically train on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Technical sessions are also offered throughout the year. Scheduling varies based on curriculum periodization, team needs, match schedules, facility availability, and built-in breaks.
During the winter, all teams train on indoor turf fields at Afrim’s Sports facilities. Outdoor facilities are based out of Afrim’s Sports Park. Other facilities used may include Union College, Siena College, Albany College of Pharmacy, Lansingburgh High School, and College of St. Rose.
Sessions generally start between 4:30 pm and 8:15 pm. Boys and girls academy sessions, U8–U12, usually start at 4:30 pm or 5:45 pm. Older teams typically start between 5:45 pm and 8:15 pm. Practice times are subject to change.
The Alleycats are proud to be a member of the Eastern Development Program, or EDP, one of the most prestigious soccer leagues in the country. EDP is a member of US Youth Soccer and offers one of the best player development pathways on the East Coast. Top U13–U19 girls teams and several boys teams participate in USYSA National League divisions of EDP. Teams may also participate in local leagues such as CDYSL.
Because of the club’s history of player development, the Alleycats are considered an EDP Super Club. This generally qualifies Alleycats teams for EDP league play and tournament acceptance at high levels. Puma provides access to sanctioned events and equipment support for staff and players.
Teams participating in an NL/EDP League can expect around 4 home matches and 4 away matches in a typical spring season. Away games may be in New York City, Westchester, Long Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, or Massachusetts. Teams typically do not travel more than 3 hours for away matches, though longer travel may occur for overnight tournaments.
Because of school soccer in the fall, only selected teams play in an EDP league during that season. In the spring, U11–U19 Elite, Premier, NL Red, and EDP White teams may play in a Spring EDP League. Other teams may be entered into local leagues such as CDYSL.
Yes. All teams can expect to play in at least 4 outdoor tournaments a year. Elite boys teams and NL Red girls teams play in some of the highest-ranked competitions in Region I. The club tries to place teams in tournaments where they can be both successful and challenged.
Examples include national, regional, and local tournaments such as Bethesda Premier Cup, Jefferson Cup, EDP Tournaments & Showcases, FC Delco Players Cup, Manhattan Kickoff Classic, Afrim’s Tournament Series, CDYSL Empire Cup, and more.
All players are required to purchase a full uniform set, including white and red PUMA jerseys, navy PUMA shorts, and navy/white striped PUMA socks. Families are also encouraged to buy items such as a PUMA warm-up jacket and pants and a PUMA Alleycats backpack.
Players must bring their full uniform to all games and tournaments, including both red and white PUMA jerseys, navy PUMA shorts, navy/white striped PUMA socks, shin guards, a practice jersey, cleats or turf shoes, and a soccer ball.
Players should wear their grey Alleycats training top, which the club provides for free when they register, for all training sessions. They are encouraged to wear navy soccer shorts and navy/white striped socks. Players should wear long soccer socks, shin guards, and bring a soccer ball.
Each year, players are given two free training jerseys. All other uniform items and equipment are purchased individually by each family.
The Alleycats are partnered with the Afrim’s Sports Soccer Shop, which manages Alleycats apparel orders. Families can check the club store for available items and store hours.
Yes. The Alleycats arrange separate payment plans for families that need payment arrangements. Parents are required to communicate directly with club administrators.
Yes. The Alleycats offer full or partial scholarships to players and parents who provide proper documentation showing scholarship need.
Updated club fee information will be shared by the club when available.
The club trusts players and parents to communicate with coaching staff about academics so the training program can remain balanced. Alleycats does not use an absolute attendance policy and provides additional practice opportunities with other age groups or genders to give families flexibility.
The club emphasizes fun by having coaches who build strong relationships with players and make training enjoyable. Coaches set aside time for free play, keep training competitive, support team bonding activities, involve academy players in special events, and encourage community service.
When players reach college search age, coaches assigned to those age groups help guide the recruiting process. The club offers college panels with local coaches, supports outreach to college programs, helps players navigate showcases and ID clinics, and encourages players to prioritize academic and environmental fit over athletic fit.
The club also reminds players to stay humble and continue developing, since playing in college requires ongoing growth beyond the recruiting stage.