The family trips to Vermont as a kid were fun for Felix Rubinstein.

He and sister Eloise (two years younger) loved to visit their grandpa and cousins in the Green Mountain State, skiing and doing other winter activities.

But in the summer, the Vermont cousins played soccer so Felix and Eloise figured they may as well play, too.

And after initially looking at soccer as just a fun leisure activity, Felix and Eloise got hooked.

“We saw how competitive they were, and being around that environment really made me want to be a part of it,” Felix Rubinstein said. “My parents saw that and signed us up for leagues here.”

“Here” was Great Neck, and then Port Washington, and it turned out to be a very wise decision for parents Diane and Keith.

Felix has grown up, literally, to be a towering force on the Port Washington High School team, a 6-foot-3 striker with great ball skills and a lethal shot. He scored nine goals last season in helping the Vikings to the Class AAA semifinal, where for the second year in a row it fell to Plainview.

This season Rubinstein and the Vikings hope to get over the hump and win that elusive county title.

“We’ve gotten close, and I think we have a different mindset this year,” Rubinstein said before a recent practice. “I know I need to do whatever I can to help us, on and off the field.”

Rubinstein is one of two stars in his family on the pitch; Eloise, 15, has become a star in her own right, helping lead the girls team and attending a U.S. under-15 national camp this summer.

“She’s very successful at a really young age and I’m so proud of her,” Rubinstein said. “I get nervous watching her games, and I notice every little thing she does. When I watch her, it feels like I’m playing too. I get really into it.”

Felix Rubinstein has been a four-year varsity player for the Vikings, and was immediately a vital piece for the team, coach Stephan Brossard said.

“He’s the tip of the spear for us,” Brossard said. “The kids know to try to get the ball to him so he can try to make magic happen.”

Brossard said Rubinstein has been a leader on the field for the past three years.

“Because of how talented he is, we thought the kids would look to him for guidance, and he’s developed into that,” Brossard added. “He’s one of the most responsible, and one of the nicest kids I’ve ever met.

“I wish I could have 20 of them.”

Rubinstein has kept skiing as he’s developed as a soccer player, competing for club teams like Port United and now the East Meadow Soccer Club. He said spending time on the slopes has helped him with leg strength and balance on the field. He’s played multiple positions in his career, but the striker suits him best.

“I can get involved on both sides (offense and defense) and be vocal, a lot more vocal this year as a senior,” Rubinstein said.

Having spent so much time in Vermont as a kid, Rubinstein decided that was where he wanted to spend college, as well. He made it a goal to get recruited by Middlebury College, who competes in Division III in athletics.

“I talked to a few different schools but they were always my first choice, so I was very excited to get an offer from them,” Rubinstein said.

Not sure what he wants to major in, Rubinstein said he enjoys writing in school. He and Eloise certainly hope to author quite a few Port Washington soccer wins this fall.

“We have definitely become closer and bonded because of soccer; it’s great having someone you have that in common with and can talk to about it,” Rubinstein said. “Seeing her succeed has been so great, and we always support each other.”