2021 Year in Review

By Dave Wasiolek

What a roller coaster ride Nashville was on in 2021. The year began with COVID going strong only to see it ebb significantly in the spring, spike again in the late summer, ebb in the fall, and then spike once again in the early winter. Tennesseans, in particular soccer fans, however showed their resilience. Tennesseans recognized the risks, took reasonable actions but for the most part went on with life without major disruptions. Such is the character of a level headed, courageous son or daughter of Tennessee.

Your Trust tried to emulate that same spirit as we and our soccer community partners reached out to aid those in need. As a result, when we look back on 2021 it is not the trials that stand out but the efforts that each of you put forth as we moved forward to make our small patch of green a little better today than it was yesterday.

1st Quarter:

The Nashville soccer community is blessed with many saints who devote their time and treasure to ensure our mini-mes get to experience the joys of playing as only a child can – including our friends at Kickin’ It 615. These individuals work tirelessly to provide opportunities for children to play the beautiful game without the worry of financial burdens. One of the ways they are able to do this is by counting on the community to step up and help shoulder the cost. The Trust is proud of the fact that year after year we and our members are first in line when the call goes out for assistance, and 2021 was no different as the Trust was once again a major sponsor.

You may also remember Matt Bonadies from last year, when he and his team built the mini-pitch at Tom Joy Elementary with support from the Trust. This year Matt had plans to build another pitch at Fall Hamilton Elementary, just across the street from the new NSC stadium. To support this endeavor, the Trust held a merchandise sale with all the proceeds going toward the construction. Unfortunately, life intervened and Matt’s job required him to move to Atlanta before the work could begin. Thus the funds raised for this project were returned to the Trust to use on other worthy efforts.

2nd Quarter:

Lord Tennyson said “In the spring a young man’s fancy turns to love”. This may be true, but for many young Nashville women it turns to soccer as the Nashville Rhythm kicked off their season in May. The Trust has always been a strong supporter of women’s soccer and 2021 was no exception.  In addition to its own sizeable monetary donation, The Trust and its members came out in force to support the Girls in Red and White including: providing pyrotechnics, the occasional clever banter with refs (you know who you are), as well as cheers and encouragement. In addition, the Trust was active in encouraging its members to donate to the Rhythm’s fundraiser to purchase their own bus for travel to matches. Along the way Nashville got to watch their ladies put in an impressive performance as they finished the regular season as Champions of the Southeast Region with an overall record of 7 wins, 2 ties, and only 1 loss.  Lastly, the coup de gras of the season came when the Rhythm got to see one of their own, Madison Elwell, picked with the 15th selection in the NWSL draft by the defending champion Washington Spirit.

As the calendar flipped over to June, Nashville came together to embrace our community’s diversity as we joined the nation in celebrating Pride month. As part of those festivities the Trust participated in a Roadies-sponsored program to raise funds for the Oasis Center in downtown Nashville by donating $100 per goal scored by NSC during June. 

3rd Quarter:

As the start of another school year approached, several Nashville middle schools (William Henry Oliver, Two Rivers, Lead Southeast, and Apollo) reached out to the Trust to help provide equipment for their teams, and the Trust was happy to assist.

The beginning of fall also saw the return of foot golf as Kickin’ It 615 hosted their annual tournament to help raise money for their autumn season. The Trust fielded a team that included members of the Trust and the Music City Soccer Club management (Nashville’s current entry into the UPSL). The Trust team may not have won the trophy, but I know no other team had more fun and thus in my mind we were the champions. When Kickin’ It 615 holds the tournament this year, I heartily recommend that anyone who can should participate – it was a blast and all the funds go to support kid’s soccer.

4th Quarter:

As 2021 headed into the final stretch, Nashville soccer was just getting warmed up. Our Boys in Gold were kicking tail on the pitch as they carried a 9-match unbeaten streak into the quarter - one that they would extend to 12 before finally being tripped up.

In September the Trust, working with the Backline, committed to support CJ Sapong’s charity, Sacred Seeds, to the tune of $20/goal scored by NSC for the remainder of the season. This charity provides communities in poverty around the world with the education and assistance needed to become thriving, self-sustaining societies.

Finally, as the year wound down, the Trust received a request for support from the Nashville Eagles. The Eagles are a faith-based group that brings high quality soccer training to disadvantaged communities. The Eagles training is conducted by highly accomplished coaches including several who have won multiple Tennessee high school state championships. The training is brought to the communities where it is needed and the coaches volunteer their time. Still, there was dire a need for training equipment and the Trust stepped up to provide goals, cones, and other materials to help the Eagles in this noble endeavor.

2021 was another trying year. Once again our members, friends, and families faced unusual and sometimes severe challenges. But the Nashville soccer community rose up again and again to continue to push forward and be there for one another. With determination, common sense and optimism we kept striding forward while reaching out with a helping hand when any of our neighbors fell by the wayside. The Trust and its members are honored to be part of this great community.

I want to thank each and every one of our members for all you did in 2021 and may 2022 see a brighter day.

Best wishes,

Dave