A Moment of Silence

All US Youth Soccer Games asked to observe a moment of silence April 24-25

A Moment of Silence

 

Richardson, TX (April 22, 2004) - In the past week the US Youth Soccer community has suffered great losses.  Two teenage soccer players, members of the Elmont Rangers Soccer Club, died in a car accident on Tuesday, April 20.  Prior to that, a bus carrying some of North Carolina's finest teenage soccer players crashed northeast of Paris, France, Sunday, April 18 resulting in the death of 13-year-old Matt Helms and seriously injuring three others.

 

In light of these tragic events, US Youth Soccer would like to ask that players, coaches, administrators, family and friends observe a moment of silence this weekend, April 24-25.  Prior to the opening kick-off of any youth soccer match, we ask that you please take a moment to think of the teammates, family and friends of those we have lost. 

 

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, teammates, and friends of those involved in these terrible tragedies, said David Messersmith, president of US Youth Soccer.

 

Memorial funds have been established to support the families during this difficult time. 

 

The Elmont Youth Soccer Club has established a Jose Hernandez and Fermin Bravo Fund to assist the families.  Contributions may be made to the Elmont Youth Soccer Club c/o Raphael Baily, President, 541 Beiling Rd., Elmont, NY 1100.

 

The North Carolina Youth Soccer Association has established a fund to benefit the 90 ODP Boys families and all impacted by the accident.  Contributions may be made to the 90 ODP Boys Fund c/o North Carolina Youth Soccer Association, P.O. Box 2308, Greensboro, NC 27429.  For more information visit www.ncsoccer.org.  An additional fund was established for the family of Matthew Helms who are incurring significant financial expenses in bringing Matthew back to the United States. Contributions to the family may be made to the Matthew Helms Memorial Fund c/o First Citizens Bank, 2555 Western Blvd. Ext., Jacksonville, NC 28546.