A St. Albert soccer team is banding together to support one of their own after a player’s mom passed away from cancer.
The Blues FC, a member team in the St. Albert Men’s Soccer League, is dealing with the passing of Terri Fleming, mother of Blues player Tom Fleming.
Blues striker and coach Cole Usher said he’s played soccer with Tom for seven seasons, including three with the Blues FC. Usher said Terri was well-known as a supporter and volunteer for the team, one of those people who’s always there to help. She had been battling cancer, and this month lost her battle.
Usher said the Blues are a typical soccer team: they’re tight-knit and they look after their mates and attended Terri’s funeral to support their teammate. “Even at the funeral, I saw that closeness of the team,” said Usher Tuesday at Grosvenor Park as the Blues prepared for league play.
As a sign of respect and a tribute to Terri and her courageous battle against cancer, the team and the league re-scheduled the all-star game so the Blues could have Terri’s initials added to their jerseys.
“It’s one of those bad things that happen to good people,” said Usher.
“She always dedicated her time to helping others.” Usher said Tom liked the idea of his mom’s initials on the jerseys.
Usher said the team is also interested in either organizing or participating in a project to raise money for the fight against cancer. He said it’s just in the planning stages right now. However, if there is another community group that is planning an event and they’d like the lads of the Blues FC to help them out, please e-mail Gazette editor Stu Salkeld at [email protected] or call him at 780-460-5510 with information, and The Gazette will contact the soccer club.
Game time
The Blues games versus Arsenal that night finished at 2-2. “We all wore pink tape during the game,” said Usher, the traditional colour of those who battle cancer.
“We had a moment of silence before the game for Tom.
“We had our ups and down. Should have won, didn’t capitalize on our chances.”
Complete SASA team schedules and standings are available through the league website; the link is available at www.stalbertsoccer.com.
