Volunteers of the Year

The Beaudet family of Rockville Centre — Bob, Joan, Leah, Brian Christine and Jacky were honored at a reception hosted by the Long Island Junior Soccer League at the Huntington Hilton on March 5 for their work on behalf of the Rockville Centre Soccer Club and especially for the TOPS Soccer Program for children with special needs.

Club officials say Bob has coached in its intramural and travel programs for many years and describe him as a kind and generous coach who leads his players with purpose and dignity. Sportsmanship and team work are at the forefront of his lessons and he leads by example. In addition to coaching the RVC Blasters, Bob and his family have been an integral part of the RVC Tops Soccer Program for six years.

Leah is in eleventh grade. Her dedication goes above and beyond; she came back to coach a week after she had surgery for a torn ACL. 

Brian is in tenth grade. The boys in the TOPS Program admire him; they look up to him and consider him a big brother. 

Christine is in eighth grade and has grown from a volunteer who takes direction to a leader who takes initiative. 

Ask the Beaudets why they volunteer and the answer is always the same: “It's fun. We like the kids.” The Beaudet family volunteers every Sunday morning, and when they arrive at the field the players' faces light up as they run to greet the Beaudets. The Beaudet’s teach the players during practice and coach these very special children during their games. The Beaudets show they care, they give each player a feeling of accomplishment and the rewards are priceless.

  The Tops Soccer Program in Rockville Centre would not be the success it is without the Beaudets. Club organizers say it is gratifying to have even one volunteer step up and answer the call to serve; they say they are very blessed to have the entire Beaudet family volunteer their time and talents.