Soccer Sweet Dream For Lavin

by Gail Fritsch John Lavin, world class soccer coach, finds his new home in Seymour to be more than he bargained for. Native of England, Lavin first had a taste of American soil in the state of New Hampshire. Then, wooed by the state of Iowa soccer association, Lavin agreed to hold soccer camps for several large schools. It was there that he was exposed to the true American way. Upon reaching the end of the season at a tournament, he had his first "tail-gate potluck". It so deeply moved him that the parents of these children not only cared about the game but how much they "teamed together" for their children, devoting hours to practice and never missing a game. When approached by the university system to coach the state of Iowa soccer team, it was not a difficult decision to make, having seen the love of soccer that was displayed. There he met his bride and confidant, Lisa. After two and a half years of coaching and many trials experienced there, Lavin decided to return to England to pursue other options. They had agreed, though, that they would someday return to America so that their children would have the opportunity to be involved with their family and the "American Way". Being employed and having benefits was a very comfortable situation for Lavin in England since he was not awarded those here. Working for Tri Star Limo, the largest limousine company in the world, definitely had its advantages but his love was and still is the game of soccer. It was the serious illness of Lisa's mother that brought Lavin and family back to America after six years with Tri Star. Although they came too late to assist Lisa's mother, the Lavins decided to stay in America. Now came the decision of where to call home. Before leaving England, Lisa researched the possibilities for the family "home" and came upon Gatlinburg. However, it was not until they arrived there had she or any of them heard of the area. Initially they had decided to live in Illinois to be near Lisa's family but with the departure of Lisa's mother that soon changed. While at a hotel in Gatlinburg, Lavin went out to get some air and was exposed to the peace that is so abundant here. Three days turned to a week and a search was begun to find property. Now living in Seymour, Lavin's dream could begin, a dream involving the opportunity for people to some and learn the game of soccer while surrounded by the Smokies and all that they have to offer. A vision to have this area be "the place" to come for world class soccer instruction by coaches from all over the world is Lavin's passionate goal. How fitting a dream it is, since Lavin himself was a world class soccer coach and still has many connections there. Among his many acquaintances are Pele' and Bobby Moore. Having coached in the top divisions of soccer with teams such as Chelsey, Brentwood, and the Queen's Park Rangers certainly qualifies Lavin to carry the torch for the sport and fulfill a vision supreme.