It is with deep sadness that we advise you of the passing of John Friedrichs, a pioneer in soccer on Long Island.

For over six decades, his love and dedication to our sport was self-evident.

Founding the Boys youth soccer program at the Huntington Kickers Soccer club in the late 1960’s, he became the first to coach a Long Island Boys team to a State Cup Championship in 1971.

Later John founded the Smithtown YMCA Travel Program (1976) and was a founding member of the Smithtown Kickers Soccer Club in 1980.

At the League level, John was a long-time volunteer, serving the Games Committee, and in later years was an active member of the (Player’s) Arbitration committee right up until the pandemic began in Spring ’20.

As the game grew in Long Island in the late 60’s, and the need for officials grew, he helped found the Long Island Soccer Referees Association (LISRA) in 1970, to foster education, development of officials. He held numerous position son the LISRA board, and officiated (youth, high school and college) over 5,000 soccer games.

Arrangements for the 81-year-old Shirley resident can be found here: John Friedrichs

Our sincerest condolences go out to the Friedrichs family, and the Smithtown Kickers Soccer Club and community for their loss.