I was surprised to hear Philadelphia Union defender Ray Gaddis is hanging up his cleats after nine seasons in Major League Soccer. As a 30 something I’ve got to think he had more years in him but his attention has turned to his passions off the field. All the same what a great career Ray and congratulations. In no way am I going to claim Ray as one of my own #skillskoolers but I remember fondly a couple of skill skool sessions Ray came in and worked alongside all the other talent that was kicking around at the time. We’re talking Petts, Corrado, Mares, Estridge, Kitchen. Due to my age I’m forgetting others, no disrespect. It was at a time I was still playing myself and all I remember is how competitive our games and possession activity was. Ray stood out with his play. He was an unassuming kid. Not as showboat as some, but technically gifted and played with a smile on his face. One of those kids that at the end of practice would come up to you and shake your hand and say thank you. I don’t forget those kids. We need more Rays. After hanging up the boots Ray has turned to his strength in faith and his philanthropy work.
Gaddis is an executive board member of Black Players for Change (BPC), an organization comprising current and former professional soccer players, coaches and staff aiming to combat racial injustice and improve Black equity in soccer at all levels of the game. BPC and the Black Women’s Player Collective (BWPC) partnered with the U.S. Soccer Foundation, Adidas and Musco Lighting on the Mini-Pitch Initiative, raising about $1.2 million to build 12 mini-pitches – aka futsal courts – in 12 cities across the country. Each community selected has a deep-rooted connection with at least one member of BPC or the WBPC. One of the mini-pitches has come to Indy, in honor of Ray. From the Indy Soccer world Ray welcome home and thank you.
The article regarding the new field can be read in the link https://bit.ly/3Fj9xeo Follow Ray on Twitter @raygaddis