Soccer community gathers for MIFC’s 60th anniversary event

September 22, 2024 4:30 pm
MIFC celebrated its 60th year on the soccer pitch with an anniversary event on Sept. 22 at Islander Middle School (IMS)/South Mercer Playfields. The day featured guest speakers Brad Evans (former professional player), Pete Fewing (former Seattle University head coach) along with words from some vital MIFC board members; the Veterans of Foreign Wars Color Guard; the National Anthem sung by IMS eighth-grader Ava Carlson; the IMS drill team; Mercer Island High School pep band; games and prizes and more. “I am so thankful to be part of 60 years of MIFC,” said Elliot Fauske, the event emcee who runs the MIFC micro soccer program. He praised the MIFC tradition and mission of being community based with a volunteer-run board. Fewing noted in his speech to the players: “Enjoy playing, enjoy your teammates, enjoy your coaches, your opponents. Thank the referees.” Evans told the crowd: “Once you develop a passion for something and you love something, you kind of do whatever you can do to get to the next level and be that best player that you can,” Evans said of being dedicated to the sport, juggling the ball in his room as a kid, participating in practice and staying afterward to continue honing his skills. “You guys have such a rich tradition here with this club and I know that’s what you guys are going to do.” Staff photos/Andy Nystrom
MIFC celebrated its 60th year on the soccer pitch with an anniversary event on Sept. 22 at Islander Middle School (IMS)/South Mercer Playfields. The day featured guest speakers Brad Evans (former professional player), Pete Fewing (former Seattle University head coach) along with words from some vital MIFC board members; the Veterans of Foreign Wars Color Guard; the National Anthem sung by IMS eighth-grader Ava Carlson; the IMS drill team; Mercer Island High School pep band; games and prizes and more. “I am so thankful to be part of 60 years of MIFC,” said Elliot Fauske, the event emcee who runs the MIFC micro soccer program. He praised the MIFC tradition and mission of being community based with a volunteer-run board. Fewing noted in his speech to the players: “Enjoy playing, enjoy your teammates, enjoy your coaches, your opponents. Thank the referees.” Evans told the crowd: “Once you develop a passion for something and you love something, you kind of do whatever you can do to get to the next level and be that best player that you can,” Evans said of being dedicated to the sport, juggling the ball in his room as a kid, participating in practice and staying afterward to continue honing his skills. “You guys have such a rich tradition here with this club and I know that’s what you guys are going to do.” Staff photos/Andy Nystrom

MIFC celebrated its 60th year on the soccer pitch with an anniversary event on Sept. 22 at Islander Middle School (IMS)/South Mercer Playfields. The day featured guest speakers Brad Evans (former professional player), Pete Fewing (former Seattle University head coach) along with words from some vital MIFC board members; the Veterans of Foreign Wars Color Guard; the National Anthem sung by IMS eighth-grader Ava Carlson; the IMS drill team; Mercer Island High School pep band; games and prizes and more. “I am so thankful to be part of 60 years of MIFC,” said Elliot Fauske, the event emcee who runs the MIFC micro soccer program. He praised the MIFC tradition and mission of being community based with a volunteer-run board. Fewing noted in his speech to the players: “Enjoy playing, enjoy your teammates, enjoy your coaches, your opponents. Thank the referees.” Evans told the crowd: “Once you develop a passion for something and you love something, you kind of do whatever you can do to get to the next level and be that best player that you can,” Evans said of being dedicated to the sport, juggling the ball in his room as a kid, participating in practice and staying afterward to continue honing his skills. “You guys have such a rich tradition here with this club and I know that’s what you guys are going to do.” Staff photos/Andy Nystrom

Staff photos/Andy Nystrom

Staff photos/Andy Nystrom