UNIVERSITY PARK — For 9-year-old John William McKenzie “Mack” Brady, soccer was life. He enjoyed being on the soccer field with his buddies, especially at his goalkeeper position.
But, on Dec. 31, 2012, tragedy struck when Mack’s young life was cut short due to a blood infection.
On Saturday, Jan. 16, on what would have been Mack’s 12th birthday, the Penn State mens’ soccer team, along with Lady Lion soccer players and local coaches, will host the fourth annual Mack Brady Soccer Clinic at Holuba Hall on the University Park Campus.
“This is an event designed to bring a little joy to the young kids playing the game Mack loved most,” said his father, Christian Brady, dean of the Penn State Schreyer Honors College. “This event isn’t a fundraiser; however, those attending are more than welcome to offer donations. But, we’re focusing on the game of soccer and making it more fun for the local kids who love the sport like our son did.”
The clinic is free to attend. Participants must possess a medical release as well as their own ball to be involved.
According to Brady, children ages 16 and under can participate. In previous years, only kids ages 12 and under were invited.
“We saw how popular the event was becoming, so we wanted to open it up for more kids,” said Brady. “We usually have about 80 kids involved.”
Several basic and intermediate soccer skills will be focused on, but Brady noted there will be a special breakout session of instruction strictly for goal keepers.
“I can’t begin to express how honored we are to host this annual free clinic for kids,” said Penn State men’s soccer coach Bob Warming in a prepared statement. “The clinic celebrates the life of Mack Brady and the love for soccer we all share with Mack. It’s going to be great to gather the soccer community together in Holuba Hall and have some fun for a couple hours.
“The clinic serves as a reminder to us all how fortunate we all are to be living Mack’s dream of playing soccer at Penn State and the fun you can have along the way working to achieve your dreams.”
Brady said in addition to the clinic, a “Mack Brady Match” is played annually by the Penn State men’s and women’s soccer teams.
The Mack Brady Fund is an endowment for Nittany Lion goalkeepers to assist them with equipment, recruiting, scholarships and other needs. To date, more than $200,000 has been raised in honor of Mack’s favorite soccer program.
“I think that he would think what we’re doing is totally wicked,” said Brady. “He truly loved the sport of soccer.”
For more information about the clinic and the scholarship fund, visit www.mackbrady.com or the fund’s Facebook page.
IF YOU GO
What: Fourth annual Mack Brady Soccer Clinic
When: Saturday, Jan. 16
Where: Holuba Hall
Cost: Free
More info: www.mackbrady.com
