DeMatha's Tribute to Al

Al's ability to connect with and impact the lives of so many young individuals has been a continuting refrain since his passing.  Nowhere has this been on greater display than where Al's son, Brian, attended high school - DeMatha Catholic High School.  At the memorial service, Al's good friend, DeMatha teacher and fellow coach, Tom Park, would say: "...Al was the heart and the soul to so many different communities... His impact on players and parents in his soccer community was powerful...

His knowledge of the game was always evident; but what separated him from the rest was his unique ability to connect with each player as an individual.  Al cared so much about every kid on the team; just as if they were one of his own.  Because of this he became a close friend and mentor to every kid on the team.  When players were having problems at home; they went and connected with Al.  When players were showing a lack of confidence or desire on the field…it was Al who picked them up or gave them a kick in the butt if that is what they needed.  When Al was there…everyone was happier as his happiness was contagious. 

 Al cared.  Al worked hard and spent hundreds of hours dedicated to coaching, traveling and communicating…whatever it took to offer his kids the opportunity to play and study at the next level.  Brian was the first to sign to college of the 20 man roster this past summer.   With Al’s company reaching new heights it would have been easy for him to feel like his job was done and take a back seat.  This was not the case; he still had 19 more sons to push to the next level!  He would call me up before training sessions and ask “So what colleges did you talk to today?” “How are so and so’s grades?  He pushed me to work harder and harder, just as he did his players and his kids, and gave me the confidence to do so even when the team reached new heights as a top ranked team in the country.

Al worked hard and played hard.  No matter what spirits I was in (win or loss) if Al said we were going out to grab a bite and drinks…I was IN.  And often times so was every other parent!  We ALL loved Al and spending time laughing with him.

I have no doubt that Brian and all of Al’s sons will work that much harder and push others around them that much harder because of Al.  His impact on me and all of these boys will last forever.” 

Also at the memorial service, Coach Tommy Park and the boys on the DeMatha & Soccer Association of Columbia (SAC) teams presented Brian and the family with a case containing two Soccer shirts, one from the DeMatha Soccer team with “Coach Alvarez” emblazoned on it, and on the other from SAC, “Coach Al.”
 

Another way DeMatha honored Al’s memory is to modify its traditional uniform by adding an arm patch on the jersey with the letters “AA” prominently displayed. See picture below. Before each game the Coaches have the team observe a moment of silence in Al’s honor.  Both of these gestures are seen as serving two purposes, first to show respect for Al’s memory and second to motivate the boys to excel, just as Al had so often encouraged them to do before each game.

Shortly after Al passed, a group of Brian’s soccer teammates, along with teacher and coach, Tommy Park, and teacher, Mr. Sanchez, asked to join the Alvarez family one afternoon to remember Al and share with them stories of how Al had affected each of their lives.  It was a moving experience for all involved and it became abundantly clear that Al had a profound affect on many of these boys’ lives—through his unique way of connecting, communicating, encouraging and motivating.  And, while it was emotionally difficult for all, it was also comforting and in many ways healing. 

Finally, on September 27^th at the American University’s Reeves field—when DeMatha played its arch-rival Gonzaga—the coaches invited the Alvarez extended family to attend this game and be recognized.  Prior to the start of the game, the boys on the team and their coaches locked arms and marched across the field to where the DeMatha fans were seated.  The family was invited to join them on the field and Coach Tommy spoke warmly to all those gathered of Al, and asked for a moment silence in his honor.  The family was then invited to join the team in their traditional circle and Brian was asked to offer some motivating thoughts to the team. 

Clearly, Al left his mark on soccer and the lives of so many boys, and their families, who have shown their love, respect and admiration in a myriad of ways!  The Biblical phrase “You reap what you sow” comes to mind. 

Contribute to the Al Alvarez Foundation Memorial Scholarship

DeMatha Catholic High School 
The above link will take you to DeMatha's Online Giving Page.  Put in the amount you would like to donate and hit "submit contribution."  Click "order checkout" at the top right of the page. 

At the bottom of the next page, click next to the "Al Alvarez Scholarship Fund," once you have included all of the necessary information on the top portion of the page.

If you have any trouble, please call DeMatha's contact person at the bottom of the page.  Thanks!

AL ALVAREZ FOUNDATION MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

The family of Al (Alberto) Alvarez of Gambrills, MD is delighted to announce that friends and associates of Al have made arrangements for a scholarship in his name at the DeMatha Catholic High School.

An incredible, generous and caring individual has stepped forward and offered to match, dollar for dollar, all funds up to $25,000, contributed for this scholarship. And, thanks to Thomas Park, a teacher and coach from DeMatha Catholic High School and the Deputy Director of the charitable organization “Little Friends for Peace,” the scholarship is being established under the umbrella of DeMatha Catholic High School. DeMatha will provide the oversight, administration and as a 501 (c) 3, all donations made to the scholarship are tax deductible.
                                
It is hoped that this will become an annual award to a student with a financial need and one who reflects the ideals which Al strove for and encouraged in so many young peoples’ lives—to achieve both academically and athletically in soccer, to give of oneself to the community, and to be a model citizen.

The family of Al will be most grateful for any contributions, large or small, to honor his memory. Please make checks out to Dematha (Memo: Al Alvarez Scholarship Fund) and mail to:

Attn: AL Alvarez Scholarship Fund
4313 Madison Street
Hyattsville, MD 20781

Thank you for your generous scholarship donations.