Supporting River Vale Soccer

Dave finished 6th Grade before we moved to River Vale and was set to start 7th Grade in the fall.  He would be the “new kid” who had to prove himself and the best way to do that was with his soccer skills.

In Washington Twp. he belonged to the standard recreation teams as well as select traveling teams.   He wanted to be even better to fit in with his new friends so he was super-psyched when I signed him up for a soccer clinic during the summer.  Once again he became a valued member of the recreation teams; both indoor and outdoor, as well as the select traveling teams sponsored by Lipton and Minolta.

He carried his love of soccer through high school.  In his senior year, he shared in the glory of the varsity team’s first ever County Championship.

I wanted to honor Dave by sponsoring a recreation team in River Vale.  The River Vale Soccer Association was immediately receptive and helpful with my wishes.  “Dave’s Team” was a group of boys the same age as Dave was when he joined the River Vale team.  The team was naturally curious what the meaning was behind the name of their sponsor “Dave’s Team.”  After a wonderful explanation from the Ed A, President of the Association, the coach of the team sent an e-mail to the parents explaining the meaning.  Coach Tom said, “I find it to be an honor to keep Dave’s memory alive by wearing his name on our shirts.  Dave was an active athletic well respected citizen of River Vale who served our country.  The kind of kid we all want ours to be like.  One last thing, please explain who Dave was to your children and tell them we will simply say “GO DAVE” when breaking from a huddle.”  Whew, that definitely brought tears to my eyes!

At first I wondered if the flashback sitting in the bleachers would be too much for me.  But to the contrary, it refreshed the joy and excitement I felt watching the games all those years ago. The boys had a great season.  They worked hard, made it to the finals, and played a fantastic game!  And to top it off, several parents told me how the boys “made it a point to play a bit harder.”  At the pizza dinner after the championship game, I was presented with this wonderful picture of the team, signed by everyone.  I thanked Lisa G for making it so special and told her how much it meant to me.  I keep it in my office at work and receive many wonderful comments. 

Afterward several players thanked me for sponsoring their team.  One player wrote, “It was a privilege to play on a team in memory of your son. I hope we did you well.” 

Without a doubt, you most certainly did!!!  Thanks to all of you!