SPOTSWOOD, NJ - Bringing Spotswood High School soccer players past and present together on one field has become an annual tradition for the program. Earlier this month, the sixth annual Chargers Soccer alumni game took to the field on the junior varsity field behind the high school. About 70 players joined in on the game. Alumni range from graduation years in the 80s to the Class of 2026. Current Chargers were also able to play in the game. The event is made possible by dedicated volunteers, including Maureen Barlow, whose husband and sons play every summer.
This summer, the Lavelle family made a special donation to the Chargers soccer program to honor the memory of their father, John. John Lavalle passed away in July 2024. He was an avid Chargers fan along with his wife, Kathy.
“Four of the Lavelle children played soccer for Spotswood while John and his wife, Kathy, spent many years on the sidelines cheering for the Chargers,” Barlow said.
The donation meant a great deal to Spotswood High School Boys Head Soccer Coach Jeff Marvinny and Chargers Girls Head Soccer Coach Michael Reid.
“We are deeply thankful for the generous donation made by the Lavelle family and will always be grateful for their continued support,” Reid said. “Over the years, many Lavelle family players have come through our program, and we look forward to welcoming even more in the future. Their family has been a valued part of our program, and we truly appreciate everything they have contributed to our players and community.”
“I have known them (the Lavelle's) since I became the head coach here in Spotswood,” Marvinny said. “I coached Matt my first two years in the program. He was a great kid who worked so hard. He was one of the most tactically intelligent players I coached at the time. He contributed to our first division title.”
“This donation helps move us so much closer to our goal of getting bench shelters for the program,” Marvinny continued. “It means so much because, over the years, John had done so much for both the boys and girls soccer teams at the high school. John was a constant at games. He coached many of my players during the club season. He had a lasting impact on the entire soccer community in Spotswood and this just continues the Lavelle family's support of our programs.”
Both Reid and Marvinny look forward to the annual summer alumni game, which takes place just a couple of weeks before it's time to hit the pitch in anticipation of the upcoming fall soccer season.
“I enjoy seeing players who I remember riding their bikes to practices to now having families and careers is one of my favorite things,” Marvinny said of the annual alumni game. “I love the way players who didn't play at the same time in high school come together and share stories and memories. It makes me so happy that this school, this community, and this sport has brought so much joy to so many people.”
“It is great to see players from the past return, share their stories, and connect with current players,” Reid said. “Old traditions meet new traditions as players from different graduating years and decades come together to play on the same team or compete against one another.”
Former and current Chargers soccer parents work during the rest of the year to make this game happen each summer. Their dedication and commitment is not lost on Reid and Marvinny.
“This day would not be possible without the help of Mrs. Barlow and all of the other parents who volunteer their time and efforts to organize this event,” Marvinny said. “Parents whose kids have graduated yet still give their time to make this special day speaks volumes to the community everyone involved in Spotswood Soccer has helped build. I cannot thank them all enough.”
The annual August alumni game is a fundraiser for the Spotswood High School boys and girls soccer programs. If any former Chargers soccer players or current ones missed out on this year's game, don't worry. There will be another one next August. Keep an eye out on social media for signups, which typically start in June.
“We look forward to continuing this tradition, building on its history and expanding it for future generations of players,” Reid added.
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