Philly-based Sporting Serotonin, founded by Paul Catrino Jr and Dr. Justin Fisher, was started as means to get together as community and take a mental break from the worries of the world. We reached out to find out more about the CASA league club and Paul was happy to reply.

Tell us the origin story of Sporting Serotonin - when was it founded? By whom and what is its mission?
The club was founded during the COVID pandemic by Paul Catrino Jr. and Dr. Justin Fisher. Both men were looking for an adult soccer experience that was grounded in good vibes and perspective. At its core, Sporting Serotonin was created to be a soccer club that’s good for your mental health and to have core leaders that will always prioritize the person, not the player, above everything.

Tell us about your badge and colors – how does it connect to the community?
The original badge was designed by Paul using graphic design software and a very large computer screen. It incorporated numerous elements including their Philadelphia founding, commitment to mental health awareness and the serotonin that gives them life. The team colors were a bit of a journey to land on, but eventually a blending of ideas led to the main four choices:

- black for fighting through one’s darkness

- green for finding some light on the pitch

- orange for playing with passion that doesn’t burn “red hot”

- gold for the reward of your efforts, on and off the field

A beautiful blending of colors coming together was a sure fire hit for the creative team and it has been the club’s core colors ever since. The logo, on the other hand, experienced some issues down the road when being viewed on a smaller scale (remember Paul’s big computer screen)? This caused for some unintended printing mishaps and squinting when trying to view the table rankings.

After a few years of rocking the original crest, current Serotonin captain and graphic design wizard, Luke McClung, designed the team’s newest and most recent club logo. A bolder approach with a bright, clean perspective, all four original colors and the serotonin that brings it all together. Truly a home run of a rebrand in a footy world plagued by shocking crest changes.

What league or leagues does your club participate in and why did you choose those to join?
Sporting Serotonin started in the CASA 7v7 Open divisions on Monday nights in South Philadelphia. A perfect hub to get together across the tristate, kick it and grab dinner afterwards. The more the team grew, Serotonin chose to expand into the CASA 11’s pyramid and try their hand at the largest amateur soccer pyramid in the United States! CASA has always promoted inclusivity and growing the game organically and has been a welcome home for hundreds of teams in the Philadelphia region. Serotonin also has a co-ed team that plays on Tuesday nights to give couples, families and friends alike the chance to play together in a competitive environment while supporting each other’s growth.

How does the club stay funded and how can our readers support you?
Serotonin prides itself on having some amazing kits from the minds of their design collective and the brilliant folks at Icarus FC. Both hailing from Philly roots, the Sporting Serotonin Icarus shop is the place to be to rep the club with pride. As for fundraising, we also offer streetwear on TeePublic that helps us get supplies for gameday and lighten league fees for our players. Those who wish to help out in any way can contact the club on their Instagram @sportingserotonin.

How did you finish last year and what are your goals for the 2026 season?
The Serotonin 11’s are entering their third season in CASA Sexta division after winning the Septima title in Spring 2025; their first league championship in club history. With leaders like former captain, Jack Broomell departing for Minnesota and Paul Catrino Jr. retiring from league play, “The Vibes” improved on their debut campaign in Sexta under new captain, Luke McClung. Serotonin just missed out on playoffs in a very close 2026 campaign and look to bring back a majority of their core for a crack at some playoff soccer, move on up the ladder and have a damn good time doing it. Serotonin find themselves in great hands with club originals leading the way such as Robert Ingram III, Mike Kettelberger, Zachary Richman, Skylar Olson and Justin Friedberg.

The Monday Night crew have experienced a renaissance under Serotonin vet, Kevin Saad. Bringing together players from everywhere, some of which experiencing competitive soccer for the first time, the energy and vibes have never dulled. Cracking into postseason and just missing out in back to back campaigns, this squad is looking to grow together after a World Cup summer with new leaders emerging in Kyle “The Baby” Wood, David Lam and Steve Rathgeb.

The Tuesday Night “Mixto” squad has been knocking on the door of the finals for the past few seasons. After the departure of Serotonin’s “first couple” in Jack and Kerri Broomell, the gang branched out to friends and family alike and have found themselves a core that loves to get together and make magic on the field; including Jack’s brother, Tom, the brother/sister duo of Emily and Jake Boyle and a new power couple in Kelly and John D’Agostino. Fresh off their semifinal exit in the Spring playoffs, Serotonin are starting their summer campaign as hot as the sun and look to capture a summer title and many postgame beverages at their favorite joint, Southhouse.

How does Sporting Serotonin participate in or give back to their community?
Most of Serotonin’s fundraising endeavors go towards other organizations in their community. The club has participated in mystery jersey raffles at World Cup parties for NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) with shirts donated by Serotonin players. Serotonin is fresh off its campaign to raise awareness and funds for The Hidden Opponent, a non-profit focused on breaking the stigma of mental health in athletics.

This year, club leaders look to engage in World Cup events across the city of Philadelphia alongside their sponsor, YayDiff, who will be selling custom jewelry at the FIFA Fan Fest from June 27th through July 4th. The club would also like to recognize sleeve sponsor and immigration advocates, Jersey Kebab, as the Emanet family faces challenges in their battle to stay in America and serve amazing food to their South Jersey community. Please visit Jersey Kebab in person or on their social media pages to get more info on how to help these amazing human beings who give so much to their community.

If there were one or two teams, within a 100 miles of you, to play a friendly against – who would you play and why?
One relatively local club that would be a fun match would be with Monmouth Light FC. Great squad, amazing gear and energy, plus friend of the club Joey Dico would be there; and he’s awesome. Other shouts would be for a match between fellow mental health advocates, Athletico Michigan, their homies in Texas, Club Deportivo Nopaleros, and a showdown in the Rose City against the legendary #herd, Dairy World FC.

Follow Sporting Serotonin on Instagram HERE