In a modest indoor arena on the outskirts of Peekskill, the rhythmic thump of cleats on synthetic turf carries a narrative that stretches across continents. The story begins in the rain‑soaked forests of Ecuador, where a young Flavio Zhingri chased a ball whenever he could, dreaming of a future he could barely imagine.
Roots in the Rainforest
Zhingri’s mother coached two local teams, giving him fleeting moments on the field. As the oldest of four, he helped his mother provide for the family, hunting for food at night and wearing shoes that lasted for years. Money was scarce, and the simple joy of a kick‑about was often the only escape from hardship.
At eighteen, Zhingri arrived in the United States with little more than determination. He worked construction with his father, quickly realizing that education would be his pathway forward. He learned English, enrolled at Westchester Community College, and later earned a computer engineering degree from Manhattan College, balancing multiple jobs to fund his studies.
A stint as a software engineer followed, but the work left him unfulfilled. Coaching Super Soccer Stars in 2016 sparked a revelation: his true calling was to create opportunities for children through soccer. With just four players, Westchester Elite Soccer was born in 2021, gradually expanding to serve about 170 athletes aged three to eighteen.
Building a Community Space
After years of renting fields across Westchester County, Zhingri secured a permanent home at 1 Highland Industrial Park, opening the Westchester Sports Arena in March 2026. The facility now serves not only his academy but the broader community, offering a safe, inclusive space where beginners and competitive travel players alike can train together.
Zhingri’s philosophy extends beyond the pitch. He emphasizes punctuality, respect, responsibility, teamwork, and discipline, weaving life lessons into every drill. The academy welcomes children of all abilities and financial backgrounds, ensuring that soccer remains a source of confidence, purpose, and community for every participant.
Beyond Westchester, Zhingri is currently in Midawe, Tanzania, volunteering at Ikirwa School. There he teaches soccer skills to local children, sharing his passion while learning from new cultures. He dreams of expanding pathways for girls, envisioning a semi‑professional women’s team in Westchester, and hopes to launch higher‑level leagues that will keep the sport’s growth momentum alive.
Reflecting on his journey, Zhingri says he no longer dwells on the hardships of his youth. Instead, he focuses on what soccer gave him — confidence, purpose, and the chance to change lives. “The academy is only getting started,” he says, eyes fixed on a future where every child, regardless of circumstance, can chase a dream on the field.