Senator Martins Honored at Elmont Soccer Breakfast

State Senator Jack Martins was back in Elmont at the invitation of the Elmont Soccer Club on the occasion of their annual Soccer breakfast held at Applebees Restaurant. The fundraiser for the Soccer Club was sold out with hundreds of Elmont Soccer stars and community residents gathered to celebrate the success of the club. Senator Martins called the breakfast “an outstanding show of community support for Elmont’s young people.”

Senator Martins was asked by Elmont Soccer President Richard “Kiki” DeBrosse to come and speak to the crowd about Elmont community issues and answer some questions from parents and young people. During the program, Soccer players presented Martins with an award for his support of the program. DeBrosse led the discussion and posed questions to Martins in a “Town Hall” style format.

Before the community discussion, Martins met with parents and young people to hear what was on their mind. Visiting tables and listening to residents, Martins heard about a whole range of issues ranging from job creation to Hempstead Turnpike development. “The issues that people brought up have a direct impact on Elmont’s neighborhoods,” said Senator Martins noting, “our focus has to be on creating jobs, lowering taxes on homeowners and revitalizing our downtown areas.”

During the program, Elmont Soccer President Richard “Kiki” DeBrosse talked about the great strides Elmont Soccer has seen over the past year and great success teams have had playing in tournaments and games. Players from the Elmont Soccer club presented Senator Martins with a trophy entitled “Elmont’s Senator” in commemoration of his support of the club and teams. During the season, Senator Martins dropped by the fields at Dutch Broadway School to catch a few practices and games of all age levels.

“What impresses me so much about Elmont Soccer is the fact that you parents involved, young people and community members working shoulder to shoulder for our young people,” said Martins.

Senator Martins thanked the crowd for welcoming him to the community and assisting him as being one of Elmont’s Senators. “Elmont Soccer is making a real difference in the lives of our young people in Elmont. It has a rich tradition of being a real training ground for Elmont Soccer stars. What is so unique about Elmont Soccer is that it stresses not only the sport, but the importance of education and giving back to the community. I’m very proud of the work Elmont Soccer does each and every day and am honored to support them,” said Senator Martins.