KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Nov. 18, 2020) – United Soccer Coaches is mourning the loss of a valued, long-time member with the passing of past president Ron Broadbent on Oct. 31 at the age of 86. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Anne, by just a few weeks.
“Ron Broadbent stands tall among the longstanding leaders of United Soccer Coaches who have selflessly given their time and talents to advance the sport,” said Kevin Sims, United Soccer Coaches President. “A gentleman’s gentleman, Ron always had a kind and reassuring word for everybody, always highlighted the optimistic path, and always directed the spotlight elsewhere. His grace, humility, and people-first behaviors are to be emulated.”
Broadbent joined the then-NSCAA in 1972, but his love affair with the game started much earlier than that. Growing up in Brockport, N.Y., he graduated from Brockport High School in 1952 and Brockport State Teachers College in 1956. He was the starting goalkeeper for the Brockport State soccer team that captured the 1955 National Soccer Championship.
In 1959, he was hired as the Head Soccer Coach at Spencerport (N.Y.) Central High School, where he taught for 31 years and also served as the school’s Athletic Director. His teams won 10 Monroe County Championships, seven Section Championships, and two N.Y. State Championships. He was named the 1980 National High School Federation National Coach of the Year.
Broadbent returned to his alma mater, Brockport State, where he served as Head Men’s Soccer Coach from 1981-83. He served United Soccer Coaches in various capacities over a span of 16 years, including a term on the Board of Directors, of which he was President in 1992.
“Ron was a great coach, teacher, mentor, and friend,” said Jeff Farnsworth, United Soccer Coaches Past President, who played for Broadbent in high school. “He dedicated his life to his wonderful family, his friends, student-athletes, and the game of soccer. He and his wife, Anne, touched so many lives and leave such an amazing legacy. I am so blessed to have had them in my life.”
He won the Honor Award, United Soccer Coaches’ highest honor, in 2016 and was inducted into the association’s Hall of Fame in 2013. Additionally, he is a member of the Brockport High School Wall of Honor, Spencerport High School Hall of Fame, New York State Soccer Coaches Hall of Fame, and the SUNY Brockport Hall of Fame.
A link to Broadbent’s obituary can be found HERE.