Coach Michele (Mike) Fornino was quite literally born into the Coliseum Soccer Club as the son of one of the five founding club members, John Fornino. First as a player, now as a head coach and executive board member, there isn’t a thing local business owner Coach Mike would rather be doing than running drills and scrimmages with his players, except maybe telling stories about his own glory days! Husband to assistant treasurer Julie, proud dad to players Giovanni, Gaetano, and Rosalia, soccer is truly a family affair for the Forninos and they are grateful for the sport that has sent them traveling around the country together. While it may be a well known fact that Mike has a highly competitive side, truth be told, it is the lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories that make all the time spent planning and coordinating worthwhile.

Coaching Experience:
Hamilton College, Men’s Soccer Assistant Coach, 1999-Present

Coliseum Soccer Club, Head coach and executive board member, 1998-Present
Mentor, train, and provide opportunities for all age groups ranging from u6-Men’s & Women’s open at each level of recreational, instructional, and competitive play.

Club coaching highlights include the following tournaments and leagues:
Developmental Player League Finals
Developmental Player League 22/23-Champions
EDP Cup Fall Showcase, 2022 Champions
NYSW Thruway League, 2023 Finalist, 2018 Champion
Jefferson Cup College Showcase, 2023
NYSW Champions Conference, 2021 Champion, 2022 Finalist
ENYYSA Premier League semi-finalist
ENYYSA State Cup Champs, advancing to Region 1 Championships
Indoor Nationals in Cincinnati, Ohio

Additional Coaching Experience:
*University of Tampa, Assistant Coach, Men’s Soccer under Head Coach Keith Faulk, 1997
*University of Tampa, Head Coach Girls’ campus Club Soccer team, 1997
*Frankfort Schuyler High School, Head Coach Girls Soccer Varsity, 1998
*AYSO volunteer coach, Pop Warner Football volunteer coach, NH Little League volunteer coach

Player Experience:
*Nationally Ranked University of Tampa NCAA Division II scholarship player, 1995-1996
*Nationally Ranked Herkimer County Community College Player Honors, 1993-1994
First Team NSCAA All-Region, First Team NSCAA All-Northeast,
First Team NSCAA All-American Team Captain of the first National Championship winning team at this institution.
*Whitesboro High School Varsity Soccer, All-Conference team, All-State team