PYSL honors one of its pioneers

Joseph V. Verdu Field dedicated

June 21, 2006

More than 3,000 youngsters now participate in the Petaluma Youth Soccer League, but officials haven't forgotten the pioneers who made it all happen.

The league recently honored one of those pioneers by naming the soccer field at McDowell Field the Joseph F. Verdu Field.

Verdu was one of the developers of the PYSL and one of the community's earliest youth soccer advocates.

Verdu, who died in 2003, came to Petaluma with wife, Sylvia, and seven sons in 1970. An eighth son was on the way when the family moved to the community.

Verdu quickly became very involved in youth sports, especially in the fledling PYSL. He was president of the PYSL board from 1975-1978 and vice chairman of the California Youth Soccer Association from 1980-1983. In addition, he was a board member of the Petaluma Valley Little League.

While, he recognized the need for the administrative end of youth sports, he also loved working with the kids, and was a coach in the PYSL and an assistant coach in the Petaluma Valley Little League.

Verdu was awarded the Petaluma Community Recog-nition Citizens Award in 1978, and also received a California Parks and Recreation Society District One Outstanding Service Award.

The family was honored with a Certificate of Special Recognition from Congress, and his name was entered into the Congressional Record as an Outstanding Citizen by Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey.

"Joe loved Petaluma. He had a passion for sports and enjoyed watching and coaching our sons," explained his wife.

Current PYSL President Kevin O'Donnell said it is important for the league to remember its past and those who worked hard for the future.

"This is an important recognition for what Joe did to start organized soccer in Sonoma County," he said. "He was one of the ones who really got the game started."

The field dedication was attended by Woolsey, Petaluma Councilwoman Pam Torliatt, as well as by league and city officials and the Verdu family.