With the welcoming morning sunshine and music resonating through the cool breeze, the first of hopefully many community soccer tournaments honoring the memory of the late Amy Cooper took place this past Sunday, June 22.

In August of 2007 the community was stunned to hear of the untimely death of Amy Cooper, a Plainview resident, mother of two children, and wife to Lloyd Cooper, an active volunteer Plainview hockey and soccer coach for many years. The other Plainview Old Bethpage soccer coaches in the U-11 soccer age group along with the support of the Plainview Old Bethpage Soccer Club decided to hold this event to honor Amy's memory.

Community members partook in many activities at the POB travel soccer fields at the corner of Round Swamp Road and Old Country Road, which included various soccer related games, a raffle, face painting and moon bounces all provided by Barry Fishelberg, Co., Blackman Plumbing, Gonzalez Party Rentals and other generous sponsors. As well, food was provided by the generous contribution of Francesco's Bakers, Del-Mir Caterers, Villa Monte Pizzeria, and various other charitable contributors. Community volunteers also had a large part in making the event successful and their support was invaluable, according to organizers.

Those who participated in the memorial event were also treated to exciting soccer games among numerous teams in the U-11 soccer age group.

Money raised during the event will benefit the Amy Cooper Memorial Fund at the Mid-Island Y Jewish Community Center (JCC) in Plainview. This fund, started by her husband Lloyd, will ultimately grant scholarships to allow for those less fortunate to experience many rewarding programs, and will provide necessary equipment and supplies for both the Teen and Swim Centers at the JCC. "It's going back to the children," Lloyd Cooper said graciously Sunday morning. "This tournament is just one more step in the whole community's effort."

The memory of Amy Cooper echoed through each kick of the soccer ball and the smiles of the many community members that came out to support the wonderful event.