Thank You

This past weekend that I spent in Minnesota at the Schwan’s Cup with the Oyster Bay Rockets and Tornados was the stuff that memories are made of.

I enjoyed every single minute of it. I was so proud of these teams on and off the field.

I am thinking of the moment when the Rockets and the Tornados, 30 some players squeezed in a small area of shade to get away from the sun. They had all just played games and probably slept no more than 4 hours, they were all smiling, laughing, in happy chaos.  I tried the take a photo of them to capture this moment and the vision of them just stunned me.

I have known most of those boys and girls when they are 5-8 years old.  I remember some when they chewed their uniform. Where have all years gone?  Some ten years with the club, practices, camps, meetings, arguments, yelling’s, screaming’s ...were all worth it, just the able to take this picture. I’d do it all again in a heartbeat.

I hope all the coaches in our club are as lucky as Sal and I to have this long road with their teams. I thank you all of the parents that gave me an opportunity to coach your kids.  

I want to thank Tom Carchietta and Glen Cartwright for their help this weekend as the chaperones, you were the best! We could not have done it without you two. Thank you for your time and resources!

I also want to thank the Sommi Family for their very generous donations to our trip, it is much appreciated and your kindness was awesome.

Lastly, a great big thank you to the Oyster Bay Soccer Club for giving this fine group of young men and women the opportunity to experience something that would have never been possible without the support of our club. This trip was an excellent learning experience and an all-around great time.

Great memories were made!

Thanks to all again and

See you on the pitch,

Coach Ozkan