Personal Note From Seth Trembly

Person Note from Seth Trembly

As you watched Saturday’s game, Rapids vs RSL, you saw Andy Williams #77, the Jamaican National, help his side secure victory against the Rapids recording his second game winning assist this season. What you did not know is that Andy Williams #77 is playing with a heavy heart.

Andy Williams has faced many uphill battles in his long and storied career, but none as tough as the battle that he has currently been faced with. His wife Marcia has been diagnosed with a rare form of Leukemia that will require chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. Although Andy is insured, the out of pocket expense they are faced with will top $150,000.00

What you don't know is off the field Major League Soccer is a small social circle and guys that have played together either on MLS teams, National Teams, or College Teams. I became good friends with Andy from our time on the field together at RSL. After spending the 2006 season looking down at the field due to ACL surgery, I became great friends with the wives and families of the RSL team. Marcia was always the first one to say “hi” and give me a kiss on the cheek. She always had this endearing look letting me know she understood how bad I felt not being able to be down on the field playing. I felt like an older brother as I teased and made funny faces at their two daughters Shaiann (14) and Alexia (5). When I heard about the struggles they are now facing I knew I had to help anyway I could.

And this is where the beauty of how Soccer Unites begins…

I decided to put together a fundraiser with live music and a silent auction, but where to begin? First I needed somewhere to hold the event. One place came to mind. I hit up my old friend Noel who is one of the owners of Delaney's and the Celtic Tavern. I had met Noel from my days as a Rapids player when they hosted the Post Match Parties. He eagerly jumped on board telling me he would host the event at Delaney's and would assist me in putting the event together. Noel related to me how seven years ago the tragic deaths of his two sons made him start a Charity Golf Tournament and how it had grown over the years from raising $2,000 the first year to over $30,000 this year for the Children's Hospital. His help and support is something that I will never forget.

Next, I called Kevin Eady a friend that I grew up playing club soccer who is now a member of one of the best rock bands in Denver, Optimal Frequency. I told him about the event and asked if their band would donate a Saturday night and play the event for free? Without a second of hesitation they said yes.

Since then many people have donated items for the auction and their time to help a family more than 500 miles away. Former teammates of Andy’s, and current Rapid’s Pablo Mastroeni, Mike Petke, and Mehdi Ballouchy, as well as other players from the team have been a tremendous help offering to help by hosting the event and donating their time and items for the silent auction.

It is times like this that make you reflect on the power of the sport of soccer. Two teams that are bitter Rocky Mountain Rivals on the field, two groups of fans that support their teams with such great intensity are able to come together to show true compassion for one another. Friends that are united through soccer, and times such as these, are friends that last a lifetime. I can honestly say, “Soccer is truly a sport that UNITES”.

PLEASE JOIN US:

CO Rapids Host: Soccer Unites Fundraiser for RSL Player, Andy Williams and his Family

Where: Delaney's Pub 1805 Blake St. Denver, CO 80202 – NO COVER CHARGE

When: Saturday September 6, 2008 - 9 P.M. to close

Live music from 103.5 Best Band in Denver 2007- Optimal Frequency plus special guests

Silent Auction – Featuring Items Such as Beckham/Donovan Signed LA Galaxy jersey, Designer Watches, Suite For Oct. 25 Game vs RSL (20 tickets total), World Series Addition Baseball Bat,
Golf for “3” people With Your Favorite Rapids Player, Hard to Find NINTENDO WII, plus many more great items!