State Rep. Jared Solomon last week presented a check for $100,000 for construction of a mini soccer pitch at Max Myers Recreation Center, 1601 Hellerman St.
Solomon was joined by Kathryn Ott Lovell, commissioner of the city Department of Parks and Recreation; Joe Hewitt, CEO of The Sports Creative; local soccer coach Viulka Arias Guzman; Max Myers rec leader Jeff Sperry; and students at Spruance Elementary School.
Solomon recalled his brief soccer career with the Bustleton Bengals, failing to head a ball in the air, while Lovell spoke of playing 10 years for the Holy Terrors.
Lovell said 50 teams are competing in this year’s Unity Cup soccer tournament, with the championship game on Oct. 8 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Solomon and Lovell, along with Hewitt, said soccer builds friendships and teaches life lessons.
“It’s more than a game,” Hewitt said.
Hewitt said the pitch will be built on the court just outside the rec center building. ••