Who we are

RIVALS is your new favorite sports rec club. Our team of highly skilled coaches are dedicated to delivering expert training and techniques that set young athletes up for success. At RIVALS, our mission is to help boys and girls not just compete—but dominate. We train athletes to rise above the competition while developing a deep love and respect for the game.

A basketball on the polished wooden floor of an indoor basketball court, with players in the background.

The RIVALS TEAM

Two young hockey players in orange Syracuse jerseys and white helmets celebrating on the ice, one with arm raised.


  • Co-Founder and Coach

    Tim Byrnes is a lifelong athlete and coach with a passion for developing young talent. A standout at Syracuse University, Tim captained the Syracuse Men’s Lacrosse team to a National Championship and went on to enjoy a 8-year professional lacrosse career, playing for the New York Lizzards, Boston Cannons, and Philadelphia Barrage. During his pro career, he was honored as an MLL All-Star and won two major League Lacrosse championships- in 2001 with the Lizards and 2007 with the Barrage. In addition to his lacrosse achievements, Tim was a walk on member of the Syracuse Men’s Basketball team, suiting up under legendary coach Jim Boeheim, while also playing lacrosse under the iconic Roy Simmons Jr.

    After his playing career, Tim turned his focus to coaching. A dedicated father of five, Tim has coached each of his children across multiple sports and levels, instilling values of discipline, effort, and love for competition.

    Tim founded Rivals with one simple mission: to provide a high level competitive training environment close to home, where young athletes can grow, compete, and become the best version of themselves- both on and off the field.

A football player wearing a blue uniform with the number 16 on it, reaching out to catch a football during a game on the field with spectators in the background.


  • CO- Founder and Coach

    Steve is a former Division 1 quarterback, a four-year starter, and a senior-year captain known for his leadership and poise under pressure. He first made his mark at Farmingdale High School, where he earned the prestigious Don Snyder Quarterback Award, recognizing him as Nassau County’s top quarterback. Steve continued his football journey at Hofstra University and the University of Rhode Island before serving as an Offense Graduate Assistant at Stony Brook University.

    A dedicated high school teacher and multi-sport coach for more than a decade, Steve has led teams in football, basketball, and lacrosse. He co-founded Rivals with the goal of creating more structured, competitive, and fun athletic environment- while also spending more quality time with his son, Jack. Steve is a father of 3 and will always do what is best for kids.

Lacrosse player wearing a white jersey with 'Massapequa' on it, running on the field with a lacrosse stick and helmet, with teammates in the background.

  • Coach

    Jake lived and breathed basketball & lacrosse since day one, turning their passion into dominance on the field.

    Jake is a fierce competitor and dedicated athlete. With explosive athleticism and fearless playing style, he’s carving out his own legacy. He is poised to become one of the most exciting athletes to watch as he charges forward in his high school career.

A lacrosse player in a white uniform with the number 6, holding a lacrosse stick, on a green field.


  • Coach

    Tom carved out a legendary collegiate lacrosse career at Renssealer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), a powerhouse in Division III Lacrosse. From day one, he was a game changer- leaving a legacy that still resonates across the program. As an attackmen, he graduated as RPI’s all time leader in career points, including 129 goals and 228 assists. He led the team in both points and assists for four straight seasons- a testament to his consistency, vision and unmatched offensive prowess.

    Tom was a three time NCAA All American and NCAA Academic All American, proving that his excellence is beyond the field. His extraordinary achievements earned him a well-deserved induction into the RPI Athletics Hall of Fame in 2008, forever enshrining him as one of the program’s all time greats.

    Above all, Tom is a father of four who has coached all of his children at various levels.

Lacrosse player wearing a white jersey with number 36 and "Massapequa" on it, holding a lacrosse stick on a field with defenders in the background.

  • Coach

    Tyler is a relentless competitor and three year varsity starter at powerhouse Massapequa. His dedication to the game has earned him a spot on Newsday’s Top 100 Players to Watch. He has already committed to UMASS Lacrosse as a Junior- a testament to his elite skill, worth ethic and leadership on and off the field.

High school sports newspaper article featuring a lacrosse game. The headline is 'Powerful display by 'Pequa.' The photo shows a lacrosse player from Massapequa in white jersey number 21, with a yellow and navy logo, being defended by a goalie from Wantagh in black and yellow. The caption under the photo identifies the player as Tyler Byrnes.