Metuchen Soccer Icon Honored with Field Dedication

Soccer has a lengthy history within Metuchen. On November 12 the recreation department took a step towards honoring that history by renaming the soccer field at Myrtle Park to the Tony Black Memorial field. Tony is known as the “Father of Metuchen Soccer.” The renaming of the field was attended by Mayor Jonathan Bush and several of the recreational department members. The night’s festivities were MC’d by soccer icon Spencer Rockman. 

Tony Black, who passed away in 1998, helped start the first soccer team for boys at the high school in 1972 and the first girls team in 1979 by working with the board of education at a time when soccer wasn't considered a mainstream sport. Tony also played a critical role in founding the Mid New Jersey Soccer Association in 1966, which is the league that the town's Travel Soccer Club currently plays in and where many current high school players started. Tony was also one of the original founders of the Metuchen Soccer Club, which later became the Metuchen Edison Soccer Club in 1974. One of the first players in the club was future MHS girls soccer coach Val Gazda, another member of the high school hall of fame.

The night was highlighted by over 50 people who knew Tony and came back to celebrate the renaming of the field. Among those in attendance was an original member from the first high school soccer team, Roberto Calzadila. Calzadila recalled the story of first being introduced to the game by Tony and what Tony and the game have meant to his life. Tony helped him receive scholarships to play soccer at West Virginia University, with Roberto recalling how Tony would send him letters of encouragement throughout his college career. 

Current girls varsity soccer coach Mike Knoth, who knew Tony well, had this to say about him: “Tony was a pioneer in local youth sports. His vision about organizing a strong local soccer club was ahead of his time. He is one of the early soccer guys who saw the value of creating a fun and professional soccer environment for local youth players. Naming Myrtle Field after him really celebrates his achievements. This is a well-deserved honor.”

The sign bearing Tony's name under the scoreboard at Myrtle Park will serve as a reminder for future generations to play the game so beloved by Tony.