Coach Francesco Notaristefano began coaching with New Rochelle Football Club (NRFC) in 2007 and is currently the longest-serving coach in the club’s history. Over the years, he has played a major role in shaping the development of youth soccer in New Rochelle and helping build a strong culture of player development within the club.

Approximately ten years ago, Francesco founded the NRFC Girls Premier Program, initially working with both boys and girls before focusing exclusively on the girls’ side. Under his leadership, the program has grown into a highly competitive environment where teams compete at various levels of the Elite Development Program League(EDP).

Over the past decade, NRFC girls teams have traveled extensively for international competition and cultural experiences in France, England, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland. In 2019, players from the program also had the unique opportunity to attend the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup Final in Lyon, France, where they watched the United States Women’s National Soccer Team win the World Cup.

Before leading the girls varsity program, Francesco served as the Boys Junior Varsity coach at New Rochelle High School for five years. He later served as the Head Coach of the New Rochelle High School Girls’ Varsity Soccer Team for ten years before retiring from the position in 2024. During his tenure, he was named League Coach of the Year multiple times, led the team to multiple league championships, and guided the program to multiple sectional semifinal appearances.

Throughout his NRFC coaching career, players on his premier teams have earned numerous individual honors, including All-State, Player of the Year, All-Section, All-League, and Elite 12 recognitions. His premier teams have also won various tournaments throughout the tri-state area and have had the opportunity to compete at Gillette Stadium.

Coach Francesco has received several honors throughout his career, including the CSR Responsible 100 Award from City & State New York and the Be Great Educator and Coach of the Year Award from the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle in 2017. In recognition of his contributions to youth development and the community, he was also honored with “Coach Francesco Day” in both New Rochelle, New Yorkand Westchester County, New York.

Outside of soccer, Francesco has worked as a Special Education teacher with the New York City Department of Education since 2008. He is married to his wife Lisa and is the proud father of his son, Francesco Jr.
Francesco believes in a disciplined yet creative approach to the game, with a strong emphasis on player development, fitness, and team culture. His philosophy centers on putting the team first while creating a positive, dynamic environment where players can grow both on and off the field. He is a nationally certified coach through United Soccer Coaches (formerly the NSCAA).