INUSA sends best wishes to the Saratoga Wilton Soccer Club as they arrive in Ireland! The memories they make will last a lifetime – a great example of a local community building bridges back to Ireland.
August 19, 2015, Saratoga Springs, NY – Today 12U boys soccer players with the Saratoga Wilton Soccer Club will be embarking on a trip of a lifetime to play friendly matches against similar age boys in Ireland. The 14 local boys, their families and head coach undertook a series of fundraisers to support their week of travel set to begin on August 19, 2015. They will play matches near Galway, Ireland and Wexford, Ireland August 21st and August 24th, making stops of interest along their route around the southern end of the island through Cork and concluding in Dublin.
“The things that have stood out to me through the planning of this whole experience has been the commitment of the parents to make this opportunity a reality, and the generosity of community businesses, friends and families,” said Coach Rob Kelly. “I could not have envisioned such dedication from so many people. Bringing a team over 3,000 miles away is not just an amazing experience for the boys and their families, but it will be an honor for me to introduce them to my home country. It will be a good test against kids who have much more exposure to the sport. Aside from the soccer, I am delighted to show 14 families some parts of Ireland and its beauty. We have to give a great thanks to the support of the Saratoga Wilton Soccer Club and the generous donors and businesses in the community who helped make this happen.”
Coach Kelly, a native of Dublin, Ireland, working professionally in Saratoga County, arranged the matches with youth coaches in his home country. Local businesses helped with sponsorship of this unique opportunity for international exchange. The Adirondack Trust Company, Albany Pool Rebuilders, Aztech Environmental Technologies, Byrne Orthodontics, Concord Pools & Spas, Cudney’s Cleaners, Daniel Fleming Dentistry, First Touch Soccer USA, Galarneau Builders, Jointa Galusha LLC & Pallete Stone Corp, Merrill Lynch, Mangino Buick/Pontiac/GMC, New Country Toyota, Pet Lodges, Price Chopper, Recovery Sports Grill, State Farm & Agent Bob Bissonnette, Stewart’s Shops, Turbo Parts, LLC and West Point Thoroughbreds all bought banners for display during the popular spring and early summer season at the Club’s home pitches at Gavin Park in Wilton. Allerdice, Applebee’s, Bonacio Construction, Dr. Singh, Hoffman’s Car Wash and Wal-Mart made donations or afforded community based fundraising opportunities to further support the team’s travel expenses.
In recent weeks the team has been resuming their practices in preparation for the trip. More photos and thanks can be viewed via the team’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/pages/Saratoga-Wilton-Soccer-Club-U12-Boys-Ireland-Trip-2015/863911967013187?fref=ts
CONTACT: Bill Teator, 703-338-0152 direct mobile
Coach Rob Kelly, 518-362-6343, rob.kelly1@gmail.com
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