The LIJSL mourns the loss of a true giant of the game on Long Island as Michael Clarke passed away on Friday.
Since the 1970s, Clarke was instrumental to the sport in the Long Island community. Starting with coaching both boys and girls for Brentwood Soccer Club and later spearheaded growth of the club while serving as president. He was also the tournament director for Brentwood’s Columbus Day Tournament.
In the early 1980s, Clarke started to make an impact at league-wide level when he joined the LIJSL Board of Directors. He went on to be inducted into the LIJSL Hall of Fame in 1994 and later into the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) Hall of Fame in 2012. With LIJSL, Clarke held a number of different roles over the years, which included LIJSL Select Chairperson, Long Island Cup Chairperson, LIJSL Hall of Fame Chairperson, and LIJSL Games Supervisor. He also was a member of the LIJSL Convention, LIJSL Scholarship Program, and LIJSL Rules Committee. Clarke also spent time as the State Cup Commissioner.
During his long-tenured service as a volunteer, Clarke was also awarded the Marg McGory Award for his time working with the LIJSL TOPSoccer program.
Clarke held the role of Director of Peter C. Collins Soccer Park and managed the 22-acre sporting facility since 2001.
Clarke’s impact on the game on Long Island stretched outside of LIJSL as well. He helped start the MacArthur High School girls soccer program in Levittown, which he would serve as head coach, as well as cofounding the Long Island Exceptional Senior Games. Due to his dedication and commitment, the Nassau County Soccer Coaches Association named the award for the girls top player the Michael Clarke MVP Award.
The loss of Clarke will be felt by many and the LIJSL sends its condolences to his family, friends, and all in the soccer community who had the privilege to interact with him.
Details on funeral arrangements can be seen here.