It’s a goal for the 68th Precinct Community Council’s Opening Day Soccer Parade

What a way to kick off the season.

On Saturday, September 17, the 68th Precinct Community Youth Council held its annual Opening Day Soccer Parade.

Local dignitaries such as as State Senator Marty Golden and Councilmember Vincent Gentile were on hand, along with Captain Joseph Hayward of the 68th Precinct to talk to the children, coaches and parents about the upcoming season.

“The 68th Precinct Youth Council has been serving the children in the community with youth sports programs for 61 years,” said Donna Fathelbab, corresponding secretary and soccer co-commissioner. “This year’s opening day parade and games were as good as in years gone past. Our children range from the ages of three to 17 and we have over 950 children in the Outdoor Soccer program.”

This year, the league has expanded and includes more Bantam and Junior teams. In total, there will be 59 teams that will play each Saturday and Sunday from September to November. 

The parade started at 92nd Street and Seventh Avenue alongside Poly Prep, and proceeded along Seventh Avenue to Poly Place as the children made their way to Ben Vitale Field. 

Fathelbab stressed the importance of the league and its participants, acknowledging the work of the local police officers. “The youth council would like to thank our men in blue and our partners from the 68,” she said. “We are so grateful for their support throughout the year.  We would also like to thank the Parks Department for their support in granting us permits to run our programs for our youth.”

Along with holding opening matches, the non-profit organization also used the occasion to award Ellie Triscuizzi the Richard B. Sherry Volunteer of the Year award.  “Ellie has been with the Youth Council for 34 years and is so deserving of the award,” Fathelbab said.

“There is no game or organization if it isn’t for the parents, coaches, and volunteers,” Golden said as he addressed the excited crowd.

But of course, the day belonged to the kids. “They are the reason why everyone works so hard to provide them with the opportunity to play soccer,” Fathelbab said. “We hope to be able to provide programs for the next 60 years.”