LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Brooklyn Italian Soccer Club upon
the occasion of celebrating its 60th Anniversary on April 4, 2009

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the quality of
life of the citizens of the State of New York is greatly enriched by the
availability of exceptional recreational clubs and activities offered
throughout communities across this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the Brooklyn Italian Soccer Club upon the occasion of its 60th Anniver-
sary to be celebrated at its Annual Dinner Dance on Saturday, April 4,
2009, at El Caribe Country Club, Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Brooklyn Italian Soccer Club has served the interests of
the people of this Empire State by providing recreational opportunity
for its residents for the past 60 years; and
WHEREAS, After World War II, Italian immigrants, most hailing from
regions in Southern Italy, settled in Brooklyn; adjusting to their new
life in the United States was often difficult, and many suffered from
nostalgia for their homeland, language and culture, including the much
loved sport of soccer; and
WHEREAS, Thus in 1949, a group of men from the south of Italy includ-
ing Piscopo, Mazzeo, Lombardo, Sorrentino, the Campagna brothers, Cares-
tia, Camposeo, Narduzzi, Pusateri, and the Fugallo brothers founded the
Brooklyn Italian Soccer Club; and
WHEREAS, After much success in 1979, the Brooklyn Italian Soccer Club
moved from the local level to the national spotlight upon winning the
U.S. Challenge Cup under the leadership of President Manfredi; and
WHEREAS, From 1987 until today, Jerry Valerio has served as the Presi-
dent of the Brooklyn Italian Soccer Club; during his tenure the organ-
ization has won numerous trophies, championships and honors, including a
second U.S. Challenge Cup in 1991; and
WHEREAS, The club has continued to grow and in 1997, it won the pres-
tigious Enzo Ferrari International Tournament in Italy; upon the occa-
sion of its 60th Anniversary, the Brooklyn Italian Soccer Club has won
over 100 championships at the state, national, and international levels;
and
WHEREAS, The Brooklyn Italian Soccer Club is recognized as a leading
Italian-American soccer organization; such success enjoyed by the Brook-
lyn Italian Soccer Club is in direct correlation to the efforts of the
many individuals who have supported the development of the Club over the
years; and
WHEREAS, Community sporting groups such as the Brooklyn Italian Soccer
Club provide an opportunity for the community to bond through the recre-
ation of competition; and
WHEREAS, Steeped in a proud and distinguished history, the Brooklyn
Italian Soccer Club may take just pride in its purposeful growth, as it
looks forward to continuing to serve the recreational and sporting needs
of the community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the Brooklyn Italian Soccer Club upon the occasion of celebrating
its 60th Anniversary on April 4, 2009; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Brooklyn Italian Soccer Club.