Current Junior Rough Rider coaches, Shaun Higgins, Lauren Bishar, JP DiStefano, Anthony Barberio, and Paul Roderick all earned the LIJSL "A" Diploma and an NSCAA Advanced Regional Diploma at an intensive course over the last month held at the Rough Riders Training Center at Mitchel Athletic Complex.

The course, run by Rough Riders women’s head coach John Fitzgerald, examined the philosophy of the modern game. Other topics which were covered included: Group and team play, Counter Attacks, Midfield Principles, Defensive Principles, Fitness, Player Identification and Evaluation, Advanced Shooting, Goalkeeping, 4v2, Heading, 3v3, and Small Sided Games.

The current Technical Director of the Rough Riders, Shaun Higgins coaches the Boys U11 team. Shaun played professionally with the Rough Riders from 2002-2004 and starred at Hofstra University before beginning his coaching career with the Rough Riders.

Lauren Bishar is the head coach of the Rough Riders GU9 and GU12 teams. Lauren has been with the Rough Riders for three years after starring at Fairfield University in Connecticut.

J.P. DiStefano coaches the Girls U11 and Boys U13 teams. J.P. has been a part of the Rough Riders organization for the past three years after playing collegiately at Molloy College.

After leading the Stony Brook Seawolves men’s team in scoring two out of the three years he played, Anthony Barberio joined the Rough Riders in 2005 and has been a part of the organization ever since. Besides coaching the Boys U11 team, Anthony has also been a member of the Rough Riders men’s team for the past four seasons.

Paul Roderick, who coaches the Boys U12 team, is also an assistant coach on the Rough Riders men’s team as well as head girls coach at Holy Trinity High School. A former Rough Riders men’s team player, Roderick received a perfect score on his final exam practical.

For more information on the Junior Rough Riders program, please call (516) 622-3900 or visit www.liroughriders.com.