NY Cosmos Sign Lynbrook Boy to One-Day Contract

The New York Cosmos soccer team announced Thursday that 10-year old Zachary Bernstein of the Lynbrook Spartans has agreed to a one-day contract. 

Bernstein will be the Cosmos' Honorary Captain for the day. He will join the team in the home finale on Sunday, Oct. 20 when they host FC Edmonton at 4 p.m. and look to clinch a spot in the 2013 NASL Soccer Bowl. 

Bernstein, who turns 11 on Oct. 25, was diagnosed with a rare, inoperable brain tumor earlier this year:

"To battle this illness, Zachary’s family has explored various trials and cutting-edge treatments for him. They’ve also created the donation site known as Friends of Zachary, which helps raise money for his treatments, as well as creates awareness for pediatric cancer. To stay up-to-date with the Cosmos’ Honorary Captain, visit giveforward.com/fundraiser/vzk2/friends-of-zachary-fund."
The team said that Bernstein will join teammates, emerge from the locker room and take the field for warm-ups at 3:15 p.m.

"After warm-ups, Zachary and his co-captain, Carlos Mendes, will take the coin toss for the team. Zachary will also join the team for training on Saturday morning at the Cosmos’ Official Practice Facility, Mitchel Field," the team said.

“Zachary will make our team better this Sunday,” Cosmos head coach Giovanni Savarese said. “I’ve heard some great things about him. He will fit right in as a member of the New York Cosmos family.”

To support Friends of Zachary and see him on the field with the Cosmos, get your tickets at bit.ly/CosmosFriendsOfZachary - a portion of the proceeds will go directly to help Zachary.

Check out the Friends of Zachary Fund at GiveForward.com.