THE POMPTON LAKES - RIVERDALE SOCCER ASSOCIATION

The Pompton Lakes Soccer Association was organized in 1974 to promote youth soccer. The association began play in Fall 1976 with about 45 players in two in town divisions for ages 8-13. Boys and girls played together (as they still do). The primary movers in its formation were Mark and Marcia London. Mark served as the first president of the organization. The other Founding "Fathers" included Bob and Sandy Moore, Mike Schuman, Bob Rathman (the second president), Joanne Shaw, Kurt Schoebel, Jack Molen, Al Slaff, Andy Elzinga, and Bill Klotz. Other pioneers included Rich Osborne, Don Jenkins, Barry Benke, Don Oswald, Lou Purcaro (the third president), and Don Barrett (our sixth president). Other presidents include Judi Pakosinski, Bob Lindsley, Rob McCallum, Brian Yates, and our present president, Pete Polo. Riverdale was formally included in the name 10 years ago to reflect the actual membership of the organization.

The initial program, consisting of two in town divisions playing only in the fall, has expanded to a full year program involving traveling teams playing fall and spring, winter indoor leagues, and summer camp. Last fall almost 400 players participated in our In-town and Traveling Programs. Our initial one traveling team (first organized in 1978) has expanded to include 13 teams playing this spring including eight coed teams from ages 6 to 18, and five girls teams for ages 8-18.

The association is extremely proud of the development of our comprehensive program. Beginning with our first Traveling Team champion in 1981, we have fielded extremely competitive traveling teams and have won over 25 league championships, more than double the total for any of our fellow competing communities, and this despite the fact that our population is smaller than almost any of these other towns.

Three years ago the Pompton Lakes High School boys soccer team was a finalist for the state championship. Every player (with one exception) on the team had learned to play the game in our association. This past year's team had the best overall record in the school's history and again virtually every player (and every starter) was a product of the Pompton Lakes-Riverdale Soccer Association.                                        I

As proud as we are of our accomplishments in the Traveling Program, we are equally proud of our In-town Program. This program has historically been the backbone of our I organization. The Program now consists of four divisions beginning with an Instructional Division for 6-7 year olds. Most of our traveling players began by playing in town. But more importantly we have provided a positive opportunity for thousands of our children to participate in the world's most popular game. This has been our greatest accomplishment.

In commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of Pompton Lakes the association is, sponsoring the Pompton Lakes Centennial Soccer Tournament this summer. As Pompton Lakes moves into its second century of its incorporation our association salutes our namesake.