Carlos Burmeister, who was a pillar of the Huntsville soccer community, died from cancer in January. He leaves behind a legacy as a well-known local coach who always believed every kid should have their own soccer ball. He hoped to one day set up a way to provide soccer balls to kids in need.
Burmeister was heavily involved in teaching young rep soccer players through the Huntsville Soccer Club. He was a player himself, and a constant promoter of the game.
Close friend of the Burmeister family, Dave Smrtka, has organized a GoFundMe project, “every kid needs a soccer ball”, in memory of his friend.
All funds raised will be used to purchase new quality soccer balls, which will will have the Team Carlos logo, and will be distributed to disadvantaged communities in Canada and worldwide. In less than two weeks, the initiative raised its initial goal of $5,000 and they have since doubled that goal to try to reach $10,000.
“It is truly amazing to see how many of the donations are from kids that Carlos coached,” said Smrtka. “A big thank you to all who donated in support of Carlos’s dream.”
Smrtka says they are currently researching charitable sports organizations that share the same mission as they do in order to help determine where the greatest need is.
With the help of Graham Thompson at the Huntsville Soccer Club, HSC will also be naming an annual four-on-four tournament in Burmeister’s honour and will assist in distributing the balls when the time comes.
A celebration of life is planned for this summer on the soccer fields at McCauley-Robertson Recreation Park.
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