Thank You, Coach Cesare Marconi: From Player to Coach, A Lasting Impact on the FA Euro Family

FA Euro New York would like to extend its sincere gratitude to Coach Cesare Marconi as he concludes his time with the club and returns home to Italy.

Since arriving at FA Euro in 2021, Cesare has embodied the values that define our organization. His journey through the club has been a unique and inspiring one, evolving from player to coach while leaving a lasting impact on players, families, and staff throughout the FA Euro community.

Cesare first arrived in the United States from Italy through Nicolo Baudo’s YesWeCollege program, pursuing both academic and athletic opportunities. He joined FA Euro’s USL League Two team in 2021, quickly becoming a valued member of the squad while continuing his studies at Barry University, where he successfully completed his degree.

While many players move on after their playing careers, Cesare chose to continue giving back to the game.

After transitioning into coaching, he quickly established himself as a respected mentor and educator within the club. Drawing from his own experiences as an international student-athlete and player, he developed a strong connection with the young athletes he coached and became an important figure in their development both on and off the field.

Over the years, Cesare worked across multiple age groups and programs, helping countless players improve their technical abilities, confidence, and understanding of the game. He concludes his FA Euro journey coaching both the club’s 2012 MLS NEXT Academy Development (AD) and 2012 MLS NEXT Homegrown Development (HD) teams, guiding players through a critical stage of their development and helping prepare them for the next steps in FA Euro’s player pathway.

What made Cesare special was not only his knowledge of the game, but the passion and positivity he brought to every training session. Whether working with players individually, leading a team session, or supporting fellow coaches, he approached every challenge with professionalism, enthusiasm, and a genuine desire to help others succeed.

His impact extended far beyond the soccer field.

Players looked to him as a mentor. Families trusted him with their children’s development. Fellow coaches respected his work ethic, humility, and willingness to always put the club and its players first.

FA Euro Chief Executive Officer Marco Balsamo reflected on Cesare’s journey and the legacy he leaves behind.

“Cesare’s story is one that perfectly represents what FA Euro is all about,” said Balsamo. “He arrived from Italy in 2021 as a player through our USL League Two program and the YesWeCollege pathway, pursued his education at Barry University, and ultimately grew into a coach who helped develop the next generation of FA Euro players. Watching that journey unfold has been incredibly rewarding.” “This season, he finished coaching our 2012 MLS NEXT AD and HD teams, and the impact he had on those players speaks volumes about the coach and person he became. Cesare brought energy, positivity, professionalism, and genuine care to everything he did. He built meaningful relationships throughout the club and became someone our players, coaches, and families deeply respected. While we’re sad to see him return home to Italy, we’re incredibly grateful for everything he contributed to FA Euro and excited for what lies ahead for him.”

Throughout his time at the club, Cesare represented FA Euro with class and integrity. He embraced every opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute, helping strengthen the culture that continues to drive the organization forward.

As he returns home to Italy, he leaves behind a club that is grateful for his service, proud of his accomplishments, and fortunate to have shared this chapter of its journey with him.

On behalf of everyone at FA Euro New York, thank you, Coach Cesare.