Sports

From Soccer to Basketball, Volunteer Recognized for Service

Ron Bransdorfer has spent more than two decades working with township children in soccer and basketball.

Ron Bransdorfer has been a basketball and soccer coach in East Brunswick for more than 20 years, and during that time he has worked with thousands of kids, teaching them teamwork, responsibility and, of course, how to play.

On Monday, Bransdorfer was recognized for his volunteer efforts when he received the 2012 Friends of the Recreation, Parks and Community Services Award.

“Ron has served as a volunteer in the East Brunswick Soccer Club for the past 15 years,” said David Lonski. “ Ron was a long time coach both at the recreation and travel level.  Over this time he coached both of his children until they graduated high school.  When his youngest son Evan graduated and went to college, Ron ran successfully for president of the club, a role he served for 3 years.”

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During his time with the East Brunswick Soccer Club, and three years as president, the club grew by 25 percent and saw its first state champion in 16 years.

“But my goal was never wins and trophies, even though I’m a very competitive athlete myself and believe competition is good for child and team development.,” said Bransdorfer. “My goal was and remains to ensure that I instill in my players a love and respect for the game and good sportsmanship.”

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He said those are the principals that he used during his three years as EBSC president, and what promoted him to start the club’s TOPSoccer program for children with special needs.

He thanked volunteers Russ Gale, Dom Mastro, Jenn and Jim Harmon, Frank Harris and Anthony and Lara Mazzachetti for helping to get the program off the ground.

“We were also smart enough to work closely with other fantastic special needs programs in town, baseball and basketball, to make sure we did things right,” he said. “I am proud that we now have more than 30 children participating in the program with the support of amazing high school buddies and a great group of parents as well as board of club.”

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