The Diocese Soccer League has the distinction of being one of the most unique soccer organizations that I have ever been involved in as we place an emphasis on faith into our sport that you do not see in most leagues, and we more often than not view our opponents each week as family and friends.  As many of you may have heard, this past weekend Samantha Persuitte, a student and soccer player from Our Lady of Fatima School, unexpectedly passed away.  I would ask each of you to keep Samantha, her family, her friends, her teammates, and all of the families of Our Lady of Fatima in your prayers.  I would also ask that at this weekend’s matches that we all take a moment to acknowledge Samantha with a moment of silence during the team prayer.

For those that didn’t know Samantha, here is a link to the obituary that her parents prepared.

Also, several of you had asked if there is any way to help out the family during this terrible time.  Rich Rhodes and Our Lady of Fatima are working on a couple of different ways to allow us to help the family.

Here is a link that would allow you to donate to the family

Also, the Diocese and Our Lady of Fatima are looking into ordering/designing an arm or wrist band for Our Lady of Fatima players to wear this season that will memorialize Samantha.   While the particulars such as cost, design, etc., are still being worked out; I did want to let you know that if any other teams would like to order and wear those arm bands this season we plan on opening that up to all teams in our league and donating all proceeds.  Please bear with us though as we work on firming up the details.  Mike Grayson from Sts. Peter and Paul has offered to coordinate this initiative for other Diocese Schools that want to participate and either he or I will reach out to you all once we know more details.

Regards,
Rob Glentzer
DSL Commissioner