On a bright, sunny Saturday morning, off Old Country Road in Plainview, the Long Island Junior Soccer Club dedicated six soccer fields and an office to its founder and president for 27 years, Peter C. Collins.

Those who have worked with and for Peter come away with only love and admiration for this humble man. In his speech, Pete said, "I am getting credit for other people's work." He also mentioned, "It is better to be recognized while you are alive, rather than doing it posthumously."

Pete was the president of the old Hicksville-American Soccer Club. We had International Tournaments that were just wonderful. We all worked together under a kind and beneficent leader, Pete. When he tapped you on the shoulder for a job, you could never say no.

At the opening ceremony Addie Mattei, the current president of Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) introduced some local dignitaries: Chuck Lavine, assemblyman of the 13th District, stated that these fields will be good for the community and all of Long Island; Rob Walker, another assemblyman also spoke glowingly of Peter Collins and his good works; Alexi Lalas, the red head, represented the Metro Stars professional soccer club and donated three signed soccer balls to the LIJSL. He also stated that he wished he could have played on such beautiful fields when he was a boy.

When Peter Collins spoke, he said, "These fields are a 'Dream Fulfilled,'" and "Kids are what really matters," and he concluded by saying "God Bless America."

Pete thanked Tom Gulotta and Bruce Blakeman for their support in arranging a 20-year lease on the Wang Complex. He also thanked Charles Wang, former president of Computer Associates, for his help in the development of this property.

Another sidelight of this property are the Special Children's fields for the game to be played 20 weeks a year for children with special needs. Pete stated "If not here, where can these games be held?"

Youths from 6- to 19-years-of-age will play on these grounds. Tournaments will be held and the tryouts for the Maccabi Games will also take place here.

Peter promised to still be an advisor if needed in the future.

Peter, an Irish émigré, and his beloved wife, Annie, still live in Hicksville. They raised four children, Beth, Maureen, Peter and Michael, all of whom participated in youth soccer.

When he cut the opening ribbon, Peter summed it all up with this thought - "Thanks for the memories!"

Thank you, too, Pete!