MANCHESTER, NH — Manchester South Jr. Soccer League (MSJSL) on Saturday celebrated its 50th anniversary, a milestone that included the unveiling of a new sign at the league’s home fields.
Mayor Jay Ruais joined families, players, coaches, and alumni for the ceremony, recognizing the league’s role in building both athletes and community in the Queen City.
Board President Larry Casale, who grew up playing in the league before returning after college as a volunteer and eventually president, said the league holds a special place in his heart.
“MSJSL has been one of the best parts of my life and a very fulfilling part of my life,” Casale said. “It’s helped me get through tough times just due to all of the love and support this community provides. It has also helped me meet new people and establish new connections.”
Casale noted that the league thrives because of its focus on fairness, safety, and fun. “We are one big family here,” he said. “Families who register their kids see this and continue to stay in this great organization.”
He added that the league’s longevity is also a testament to the countless unpaid hours invested by board members, coaches, and volunteers over the years. The current board roster lists 28 people who serve across many different facets of the league, from concessions and field maintenance to sponsorships.
“In one word, 50 years means success — doing things the right way, putting the players first,” Casale said, noting this milestone is a testament to the community. “Hundreds of thousands of hours have been invested into this league from all current and past board members and volunteers and each hour has got us to where we are today,” Casale said.
Photo Galleries by Stacy Harrison
The celebration also honored the league’s founding generation, represented by longtime educator and coach Peter Perich, who recalled how the league began in 1975.
“Fifty years ago, founding fathers Gerry Fortin, Tash Dovas, Mr. Morin, Mr. Cayer, and Jim Shaughnessy came up with the idea to start this league to give the children of Manchester the chance to learn the game of soccer,” Perich said. “This gave many Manchester children a better chance to become high school and college athletes.”
Perich credited the league with launching his own career at Memorial High School, where he became a fixture in athletics. “Though I am called Mr. Memorial, it was Manchester South Jr. Soccer League that gave me my start,” he said. “Without our league, I may never have taught, coached, or administrated at Memorial.”
He also noted how South’s impact extended far beyond youth play. Within just two years of the league’s founding, three South coaches – Dave Gosselin from West, Joe Baroody from Central, and himself, from Memorial – went on to lead Manchester high school varsity programs. And in 1989, more than 90 percent of the boys high school state championship team were former South Soccer players.
Perich paid tribute by name to just some of the many volunteers whose dedication made the league thrive — Dave DeVillers, Marvin Lofton, Paul “Pal” Martel, Martha Harrington, Martha Perich, the Chauvettes, the Roys, the Wileys, and Dick Dryer.
“Yes, this league has had it all and I would like to thank you, South Soccer, for everything and so much success,” he said. “Here’s to another 50 years. I know I won’t be here for the next 50, but I hope I at least see the next 10 years of great soccer.”
As the speeches ended and players took to the field for another opening day, the message was clear: for 50 years, Manchester South Jr. Soccer League has been more than a place to play. It has been a community, a training ground for future athletes, and a source of lifelong friendships for hundreds of players and their families — with a legacy ready to carry forward to the next generation.
The unveiling of the new Manchester South Jr. Soccer League wall. Photos/Stacy Harrison