In the FPYC Fathers’ Day Tournament, after Saturday morning’s 1-1 draw with a very strong team from Sterling, and an afternoon match in which they went down 0-1 before storming back to a 5-1 victory over Burke Atletic Club, BRYC’s U11 Girls needed a win or a tie on Sunday morning to put them into the championship game.  Southwestern (SYA) was unbeaten and unscored upon Saturday and would provide stiff competition.

But wait.  As Coach O (for Octavio) was getting ready to leave home for the 10:15 AM match at Kinchloe Park, his wife Amber had a surprise for him!   "Honey, I think it’s time!"  And so it was that Assistant Coach Kevin Ross coached the U11 Girls to a 1-1 draw and into the championship game.  Meanwhile, Coach O was OO ("otherwise occupied") at Fairfax Hospital where baby boy Gabriel Alfaro arrived on the scene as the newest (and probably the loudest) supporter of the team

Sadly enough, after BRYC took an early lead, SYA came back late in the championship game to tie the score.  After two scoreless overtime periods the "Gladiators" were faced with a dreaded Penalty Kick shootout and fell one kick short of winning the Championship trophies.  Still, it was almost a perfect day for Coach O, who raced to the field after Gabriel was born, arriving too late for the presentation of the Finalist trophies but just in time for the team photo.  Many times and over many years there is no doubt that Gabriel will hear the story of his birth day, on the best of all possible Fathers’ Days, except for PK’s!

Back in December 2009 the BRYC Board and Recreational Soccer EXCOM fulfilled a dream they’d had since they were kids (pictured at left as they looked when they were younger),  having their own...

The Fairfax County Athletic Council (FCAC) and CRS has announced the winners of the 2009 Fairfax County Champions of Character Awards. This awards program honors youth, coaches and parents for extraordinary service in pursuing victory with honor.  Winners from each of the county’s districts were recognized by members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, including Chairman Sharon Bulova and Braddock District Representative John Cook, at a ceremony on Tuesday, October 6 at the Fairfax County Government Center.

In the Braddock District, BRYC earned two of the awards, both for male athlete and parent.  Notably, Dane Merkel, BRYC Recreational Soccer Commissioner, was honored as outstanding parent from the Braddock District.  In her introduction of the award winners, Marcia Pape, former BRYC Rec Soccer Commissioner and current president of the full Braddock Road Youth Club, said:

"The consummate parent volunteer, Dane exhibits a spirit of selfless service, helpfulness, and undying devotion to the youth of BRYC.  He is a role model for all parents, as well as for other BRYC leaders and volunteers.  As a parent, coach, and soccer commissioner, Dane has emphasized the importance of youth citizenship and parental involvement in all aspects of club life.  As a result of Dane’s involvement, voluntarism has increased markedly, programs such as the club’s recycling initiative have expanded, and good sportsmanship has flourished.  He truly sets the example of how to be involved and how to do so with character."

The award for a male athlete went to BRYC football player Charles Altman.  In a note to the BRYC Board, Marcia noted that "we have many outstanding individuals involved in our club..." and said she looks forward to "...recognizing other champions from BRYC in the future."