By Sean McCaffery, February 3, 2021
Yes, we are living in a cancel culture of late, here is one of the rare instances it is a good thing. The RFP for the Brentwood State Park, home to the Brentwood Youth Soccer Club for many decades has been cancelled. Over 5,300 people signed petitions opposing this and it is we feel what is in fact best for the community and the youth of it. This club was key in getting the area pulled from the development plan of the recently departed Jerry Wolkoff. He was to take over a very large portion of the Former Pilgrim State Psychiatric facility, upon learning of the hardship it would cause for the club, he simply asked to not acquire it to preserve it for the community, he even came out about a year ago now in opposition to it at a large rally held at the site. This club is a massive asset to the community and an institution with it, the local HS wins state and national titles with the majority of the players coming out of this club. A number of professional players in various nations have come out of the Brentwood Soccer Club, from El Salvador, USA, Asia, Canada and beyond. Their coaching staff is dotted with former pro and national team players from various nations USA, Haiti, etc.
That the state looked anywhere but where the man who refused to buy it, yes a business man, one of Suffolk counties largest private landowners at the time of his death, turning down profits for the good of the locals! Is beyond me. Worse yet that this non for profit was being challenged for land it was key in securing by private enterprise making my stomach turn.
We look forward to going to what was a dust bowl and is now a jewel of Long Island Soccer for many more soccer related activities for many decades to come. A massive thanks to those who attended the rally and all who put their names on the dotted line to protect this far too numerous 5,300+ to mention by name. Thanks to one and all.