The soccer community in Huntsville and Muskoka is mourning the loss of one of its greatest supporters: Coach and Soccer Club board member, match official, player, and volunteer extraordinaire Graham Pollington.
“Whether he was diligently crunching numbers and balancing books as the Club’s Treasurer, helping pave the way for Muskoka United FC to come to fruition, cleaning out sheds, blowing up thousands of balls, repairing netting annually or generally fixing equipment, and so much more, Graham was the unsung hero every organization needs to be successful,” said Chris Occhiuzzi, vice president of the Huntsville Soccer Club.
“Many of us can recall showing up to the fields and the club sheds, and Graham would already be there – either on his own or with someone else – doing those little things that help everyone. And he did it all without any fanfare or celebration – well, other than the thanks, love, and appreciation from his family, friends, and fellow coaches,” said Glen Duffield, head referee of the Huntsville Soccer Club.
Pollington passed away recently, having been diagnosed with metastatic cancer. To honour his life and ardent support for the game in this community, a special gathering will take place at Conroy Park on May 25th from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Duffield and Occhiuzzi are inviting everyone planning to attend to wear a Liverpool item, Pollington’s favorite team, a football shirt of your favorite team, or an item of red clothing and to share stories and memories of their good friend on slips of paper to be placed in a memory jar. They ask that you please also bring a lawn chair for the speeches and then join them in a game of “footy” in his honour.
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