Open to boys and girls in the first grade, the Serota Tournament has been hosted by Rockville Centre for the past 35 years. It is in the memory of a young player, Jonathan Serota, who died while he was still in elementary school. The tournament began as a boys-only event and was expanded to include girls 10 years ago. It was one of the first festivals for first graders on Long Island.
The Serota Tournament not a competitive tournament. No standings are kept. The players are of all ability levels and everyone is there to have a fun and fulfilling day.
The recently completed 2012 tournament fielded a total of 12 teams — eight boys, four girls. Of the boys teams, four were from Rockville Centre, two from Oceanside (OUSC Orange and Blue) and two were from Albertson (Blue and White).
Two of the girls teams were from Rockville Centre and two from Oceanside (OUSC Orange and Blue)
All five of the referees were Rockville Centre students of middle and high school age.
The white jersey players in back from left are Ali Pullaro, Stella Franco, Bridget Barret, Brigid McElderry and Ashley Sewell. In the bottom row from left are Bianca Smith, Michelle Milano, Kendall Pinsky, Jackie Lindner, Mac Laurie and Caroline Ryan. In the back row of the Red Team, from left, are: Katelyn Takes, Samantha Newberry, Olivia DiSarlo, Catherine Medeiros, Francesca Brazzano and Claire Takes. Elle Basile, Lily Algios, Molly Munro, Maggie Colvin and Samantha Stein are in the front row.
