The Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) officially dedicated 20 acres of well-manicured soccer fields located in Plainview as the Peter C. Collins Memorial Park, the official home of the LIJSL. Named in honor of the Hicksville resident and long-time league president, the park will host many of the league's tournaments and will serve as a showcase for the over 70,000 children in organized youth soccer throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

Players, coaches, parents and officials from all across Long Island joined the LIJSL staff, local government officials, sports celebrities and media personalities to celebrate "Building Character Through Soccer," the league's motto. Collins, who served as league president from 1977-2004, along with current LIJSL President Addie Mattei-Iaia, cut through the large red ribbon to reveal the new park signage.

Under Collins' leadership the LIJSL more then quadrupled in size and has helped raise the talent level of Long Island soccer players.

"Every year that I have been involved with the league, youth soccer has gotten stronger and stronger," stated Collins. "We have a great group of volunteers and programs, and I feel the LIJSL has indirectly benefited a lot of other children's sports such as football, baseball and basketball. Our programs are so strong that other sports feel they have to measure up and create stronger programs for the children."

"No words can explain what it means for the Long Island Junior Soccer League to have our own facility and home. It is just wonderful for the children," said Mattei-Iaia. "We serve over 70,000 children on Long Island and there is such a need for field space like this complex."

Local children also enjoyed the park last weekend. Using the slogan of "Come Play With Me," the Special Children's Soccer Program is for those children with mental and/or physical challenges. It was initiated to accommodate those children who are not able to participate in a regular or mainstream soccer activity. It provides an opportunity for that child who deviates from the average or normal child in mental, physical or social characteristics to such an extent that he or she requires modified educational practices and services in order to develop to his or her potential.

Because of the inclusive philosophy of the league, the LIJSL was the first formal soccer league to start a Special Children's Program, back in 1978, when those with challenges participating in sports was a rather novel concept.

The LIJSL was established in 1966 as a non-profit, educational organization and is one of the largest youth soccer leagues in the United States, with 98 member clubs representing approximately 70,000 players on Long Island and in Queens. LIJSL is operated by volunteers committed to enabling young people to "Build Character Through Soccer." The league's mission is to foster the growth and development of youths under the age of 19, at all levels of competition, emphasizing fun, respect and team-building. As an umbrella organization, the league provides a coaching academy, clinics, tournaments, special competitions, scholarships and special programs for players of all abilities. For more information, visit www.lijsoccer.com.