A dedicated coach and lifelong member of the YMS community, Joe Ficarotta brings over five years of coaching experience along with a deep understanding of player development. Raised in Yardley, PA, Joe spent 15 years playing at YMS, where his love for the game and leadership on the field began to take shape. After graduating from Pennsbury High School—where one of his most memorable moments was beating rival Neshaminy on their home field to clinch the league title his senior year—Joe continued his playing career at the collegiate level with Fairleigh Dickinson University and later Georgian Court University, competing in both NCAA Division I and Division II programs.

Joe currently coaches the 2016 Boys Black and 2016 Girls Grey teams and is actively involved in training across the full 2016 age group. He is a strong believer in effort and consistency, often reminding his players that “you get out what you put in.” Joe prioritizes developing well-rounded athletes, with a coaching philosophy that emphasizes personal responsibility, steady improvement, and the long-term rewards of discipline.

Character development is at the heart of Joe’s coaching style. He strives to be a leader by example—building confidence and teaching integrity by showing up with intention and consistency. Watching his players grow in both skill and maturity is one of the most fulfilling parts of coaching for him. He finds motivation in the small, powerful moments of breakthrough, like watching a player apply something they’ve worked on all year and succeed in a game. He reminds his players that mistakes are not setbacks—they are part of the growth process. “As long as you’re always trying your best, making mistakes is okay,” he says. “It means you're growing.”

One of Joe’s favorite coaching memories happened recently at the Al Perlini tournament, when his 2016B team earned second place. While they didn’t win the championship, the players were thrilled to receive medals, and for Joe, it was a meaningful personal milestone: his first time handing out medals as a team’s head coach—a moment that captured just how far both he and the team had come.

Outside of soccer, Joe enjoys staying active at the gym and finds value in challenging himself physically and mentally. He also enjoys spending time with family and friends and follows Manchester City closely, drawn to their balance of creativity and tactical precision.