Brian Kilmeade and Brother Launch Long Island Soccer Team, Paying Homage to 'Top Gun'

Brian Kilmeade, a prominent Fox News host and soccer enthusiast, has teamed up with his brother Jim to establish a semi-professional soccer team on Long Island, aptly named the "Fighting Tomcats." This nickname pays tribute to the locally manufactured F-14 fighter jet featured in the iconic film "Top Gun."

The Kilmeade brothers, both of whom played college soccer, are determined to elevate Long Island as a hub for American soccer talent. "We want to put Long Island, New York metro players back on top again as the epicenter of American soccer — about 90% of the team is local," Jim stated, emphasizing their commitment to the community.

As general manager and managing partner, Jim believes in the potential of local players to break into European leagues. "We believe that we can identify and launch players into European careers," he remarked, reflecting on the team's recent entry into the National Premier Soccer League.

The name "Fighting Tomcats" honors the Grumman-built F-14 fighter jet, which was famously piloted by Tom Cruise's character in the 1986 blockbuster. Brian expressed confidence in Jim's leadership, citing his successful tenure with the Long Island Rough Riders in the 1990s. "Nobody knew any of those players. Within five years, they were all playing at the top level," he recalled.

Matches for the Tomcats are held at Hofstra University, where Jim played before Brian took to the field at Long Island University. The team competes against rivals from the tri-state area, including teams from Queens, Connecticut, and Albany.

Brian noted the high level of competition in the league, stating, "A lot of times with these new leagues, you see a lot of drop-off, you see uneven play. I couldn’t believe the quality of play I’m seeing. Every player is hungry; they’re playing for the right to keep playing."

Although the season commenced in May, the Tomcats faced delays due to COVID-19, with plans for future growth already in motion. "Right now, youth soccer is a very expensive sport to play. We will be launching a youth academy over the next 12 months — and it will cost families nothing," Jim announced.

The brothers aim to support youth clubs across Long Island, ensuring that aspiring players from all socioeconomic backgrounds have access to opportunities. Jim highlighted a local group of investors backing the club, including co-managing partner Kevin Reardon.

He set ambitious goals for the team, aspiring to produce future stars like National Soccer Hall of Fame player Chris Armas and Joe Scally, a young talent making waves in the Bundesliga and MLS. "That’s our aim, and we know the next generation is here," Jim asserted.

The Kilmeade family's passion for soccer traces back to their father, James, who nurtured their love for the game before his untimely death in a car accident in 1979. "He didn’t know anything about it at all, but he loved that we were involved in it very little," Jim reflected on their father's journey into coaching.

Brian encouraged their father to coach at the Massapequa Soccer Club, leading him to immerse himself in learning about soccer. "He helped write the bylaws and constitution of the Massapequa Soccer Club," Jim shared, recalling their father's dedication.

After James's passing, Jim's coaching career began when he took over Brian's team as a high school senior. "I think for him to see Jim is taking it to the next level would mean everything," Brian said regarding their father's legacy.