Celebrating 10 Years in Kentucky

Weather didn’t put a damper on celebrations in Elizabethtown, Kentucky on May 13, 2006.  The EYSA TOPSoccer Program held the very first TOPSoccer Round Robin to celebrate its 10^th Anniversary in Kentucky.

With excitement in the air opening ceremonies began just shortly after 9 AM at Pritchard Community Center with guest speakers Kentucky Youth Soccer District 3 Administrator Jeff Hall; founder of TOPSoccer in Kentucky, Jan Winter; and EYSA’s President, Susan Masters.  Topping the ceremony off  the National Anthem and Proud to Be An American was played by  J & W Kickin Karaoke and DJ Entertainment.

Let the games begin!!!   The morning started with a visit from the Kentucky Army National Guard and their inflatable obstacle course, which was a huge hit with all the athletes, buddies, and even the referees.

Warm up games were played under the direction of Victor and with assistance of coaches David Slade and Patrick Connelly and the AFFC buddies.  The Athletes were then divided into four teams and they played the first games of the Round Robin with their buddies assisting on the fields.   Referees, Jim Long and Bruce Pruitt, were seen giving instructions and high fives as well.  After that game everyone took a break to indulge in the food or play games like the Lucky Soccer Ball (played just like Lucky Ducky), Soccer Hula Toss, Soccer Bean Bag Toss, or to have their face painted.  Our second guest appearance was the Elizabethtown Fire Department who brought out a Pumper Truck for the families to visit and check out the equipment. 

The next game Coach Victor or Papa Soc as all the kids call him,  divided all the athletes into two teams, enlarged the field and the buddies were only to stand on the sidelines to keep the ball in play.  The Athletes worked hard to score those goals and all walked away winners.  Every Athlete, Buddy and Volunteer walked away that day with smiles on their face.

T-shirts were given to all the TOPSoccer Athletes as well as a soccer ball donated by UNIROYAL.  Other gifts were given donated by US Youth Soccer and a raffle was held for items donated by EUROSPORT.   At the end of the day Trophies were presented to each Athlete by Kentucky Youth Soccer's Director Coach and Player Developmtn --Adrian Parrish.  Pizza, provided by Hungry Howie’s Pizza and drinks, provided by McDonald’s closed the day’s events for all.

Atletico Flames Futbol Club, which is the competitive arm of EYSA, blocked off their entire day to spend volunteering to the TOPSoccer Round Robin.  The Director of Coaching, Victor Petroni, dedicated his time being coach to the teams and organizing the competition.  The VP of AFFC, Jim Higdon and other AFFC club members manned the grill the entire day and provided very tasty food for everyone.  Coaches and AFFC players gave hours to work games, concessions and participate as buddies.    Way to go AFFC!!!

What a wonderful day for these Athletes and their families!  I can not thank those who volunteered their services or their day enough, without each and every one of you this could not have been the success it was.  At the end of the day an Athlete came up to me and thanked me and said “This was the best day of my life”.  That is success!   Every Volunteer, Parent, Buddy, Coach that participated stated that they had fun or a great time.  One Athlete was not able to stay for the awards ceremony, so, I gave him his trophy at our next TOPSoccer night.  His face lit up like a Christmas tree, he squealed with joy and told us that this was his First Place Trophy.  That is success!