Dear Barbarians:
We began the 2011-2012 season with great anticipation and very hopeful for returning to our rightful place in the national spotlight. We were somewhat less than dismal in the State Cup outcomes but still managed to fair well in the USFF Northeast Regional Tournament and had several teams qualify for the National but as fortune shines there will not be a return of our club to the venue in Anaheim, this year, our steadfast goal for each of our teams that qualify for the National pool.
It is important that if we plan to move forward then we cannot relinquish this goal but in order to move forward when it becomes apparent that you will not reach your objective you have to press forward into the new campaign so that you are not consumed by some who lack commitment or the eeriness of devastating injury that can dash any sense of hope. In this way, I remain at all times positively optimistic so that fortune will smile again in its own way without remorse or bitterness ever rearing their ugly heads.
There were many significant highlights over the course of the season that far outweighed any of the negatives that are perpetrated by the well meaning to hear them tell it. In November, Coach Lucky was awarded a trophy by the Barbarian FC that touted him as ‘Coach Emeritus’ for the Barbarians, for his outstanding contributions in the development of players and the sport of football in Western, PA. His guidance in this club and in the lives of players outside of the Barbarians is well noted by those who continually rely on his insights about a variety of football related topics and why we hail him as the most sought after coach in Western PA. Over the years there have not been many who can rival his passion for the sport of football, a true fan who can be seen at venues in which none of his teams are playing but he so graciously acknowledges, “they are all my players,” often taking time after the match has concluded to speak to the young player and parent alike.
An adverse impact perhaps on soccer in general but more specifically futsal, in our area is the death of a true pioneering spirit. Thomas Hensler passed away less than a month after our recognition for Coach Lucky. Tom was one of the founders of the Norwin Soccer Club, Penns Forest Football Club, helped insure that our area would have the Super Y-League and the organizer of futsal in Western PA, notably as the head of West Penn Futsal later known as Penn West Futsal. If it had not been for his work behind the scenes many of the budding hopefuls who play soccer in our area would not have the opportunities they now enjoy. Over the years that I have known him, Tom and I shared many conversations. There were his attempts to recruit me in some fashion or another to be a part of his organization but it was my mission to make certain we would have a competitive league in futsal and it was Tom who delivered it. While it may only be in name it is what has moved the sport of futsal forward here, and it is only because Tom had the motivation to see it happen despite being bedridden for the past few years!
Most significantly about these two men that they have in common is their commitment and dedication to the development of children in the sport of football. While many give lip service they delivered and continue to deliver the intangible, which so many have benefited from and yet in many ways know nothing of the things they have done for all. It is a matter for each of us to take note of their accomplishments with a greater sense of what it means to truly put the children first. Neither Tom nor Coach Lucky have children involved in the sport in our area and yet they are an integral part of the fabric of football as you see it now, in Western PA. The Barbarian FC greatly appreciates and recognizes them for what they have achieved on our behalf.
Acknowledgement and recognition are a big part of what we do in this club. Hard work and dedication, the willingness to do so whether in the classroom, community, in match-play or in training; the willingness to express individual insight and to listen to others as well as the willingness to seek and share knowledge with others in order to achieve a common goal in a selfless manner, and an overall willingness to make the necessary sacrifice to garner success for others must not be overlooked or underestimated in the development of the character of a true leader.
Over his high school career, Jeffrey Kelly has distinguished himself in the classroom. His current class rank and fixed cumulative QPA is the measure by which most would asses a student but it is the substance of the subject matter that is even more telling. His demanding course selection is meritorious and given the grade achievement in every class, Jeff has demonstrated the ability to lead or be near the top in each of his high school years.
Jeff has been a member of this club since he was 9 years old and in that time, while several have come and gone, he has remained steadfast and true as an illustration of stick-to-itiveness at a level which defies the complacent attitude of many who do only for the sake of friendship and not because they are committed to this club, or the team. Our measure is not only for the honorable way in which Jeff has steadfastly represented the Barbarian FC on the pitch but even more significantly how he has been recognized in his graduating class at Penn Trafford High School as Salutatorian in 2012. It is our honor to recognize Jeffrey for his contributions both on and off the pitch with an award named in his honor for players who come after and offer the distinction so demonstrated by Jeff.
He has set a standard that we willing accept as our own and with sincerity we say to each of you, Barbarians please join in honoring his outstanding effort and achievement to one of our own with the Jeffrey Kelly Leadership Award.
Best wishes to all for a Happy Fourth of July! We hope that each will take time to reflect on what it means to be independent in our actions and thoughts. Stay tuned for more news to follow.
As usual, I will see you on the pitch!
dws