Pratico makes perfect sweeper

By Joe Mason
Times Sports Editor

Nick Pratico has taken his soccer game to great heights.
And because of that, his soccer game has taken him to some very cool places.
Pratico, a rising junior on the Archbishop Ryan High School soccer team, helped his team earn jackets a year ago when they claimed a Philadelphia Catholic League championship. And the thrill of winning a crown was something the sweeper will never forget.
But during the offseason, Pratico has been doing more of the same with F.C. Delco, Pratico’s Downingtown-based club team.
Last week, F.C. Delco won the National League Directors Cup in Indianapolis. The tournament featured four of the best clubs in the nation.
"It was a great tournament," said Pratico, who contributed a goal and an assist in four games. "We came back and beat Howell (N.J.) in the championship after getting behind, 2-0. We have a great team and we all played well."
The trip itself was nice. But Pratico has become accustomed to nice trips.
Since last summer, Pratico has been constantly on the go with his club team. After a trip to Barcelona, Spain, last summer, he and his mates have participated in tournaments throughout the U.S.
"We’ve been to Florida a few times and those trips are great," Pratico said. "We’ve played in New York, Dallas, Rhode Island, Maryland. We’ve traveled to a lot of places. It’s pretty cool."
The travel has been rough, but the championships make it all worth it.
Thus far, F.C. Delco — coached by Ryan’s girls soccer coach Joan Farrington — has claimed a pair of national tournament titles. And though they might not be the equivalent of a Catholic League championship, every championship is still special.
"It’s weird because the competition is much better in the club games," Pratico said. "But the Catholic League meant a lot. I don’t know why, but it felt like winning that meant more. Maybe because you don’t go to school with the kids you win the club titles with. But winning the Catholic League championship was unbelievable."
Though playing club soccer is Pratico’s passion, sometimes life on the road can be trying.
The 16-year-old enjoys the simple life. Every morning, he wakes up to catch the early version of ESPN’s SportsCenter, and when he has nothing to do, he loves to just hang out. When he’s out on the road, sometimes simple pleasures aren‘t possible.
"I wouldn’t stop playing because I love it too much," Pratico said. "But sometimes I just want to be a kid. It’s fun and playing is better than not playing. But when I’m gone, I feel like I miss out on a lot. I love hanging out and when I’m not (home), I miss it.
"For the most part, it’s not too bad. But it is hard, socially on me, when all my friends are hanging out, doing kid stuff and I can’t be there. But I have good friends and they understand when I’m not around."
Pratico’s father, Tony, is an assistant coach on the club team. Nick said it’s always nice to have a familiar face along with him on the road trips.
"I like playing for him," Nick said. "I like the entire team. It’s cool because I’m playing for my dad, but we have a great team. The guys have a lot of skill and that’s why we’re so successful. But we also have great coaches who put us in the position to win."
The elder Pratico enjoys being part of the successful unit.
"We get to travel all over the place and we have a great group of kids to work with," Tony Pratico said. "Sometimes it’s hard as a parent, because I’m coaching so I can’t just watch him. I have to watch everyone and make sure everything’s going OK.
"But we have the best kids in the Delaware Valley and by coaching here, I get to learn a lot. Everyone on the team improves all the time and it’s exciting when we win tournaments. It’s a great situation."
The sweeper has high hopes for the future. He’s hoping that he and his mates can repeat as Catholic League champions next November. He also hopes to earn a college scholarship and is eyeing a career in sports.
"We have to work hard, but there’s no reason we can’t compete for another title," Nick said. "I’m excited because a lot of kids don’t get to win any championships and I’m going into my junior year and I already have one.
"And I’d like to keep playing soccer as long as I can," Nick continued. "I want to play D-I soccer and hopefully, after college, I could get a job in sports management. I love sports and it would be cool if I could find a job in the field." oo
Contact sports editor Joe Mason at 215-354-3035 or jmason@phillynews.com