The tournament was named in memory of Ken Botzek who was an inspirational youth coach in our town. Kenneth M. Botzek, “Coach Ken”, of Uncasville, CT was taken from us on May 16, 2006 at the young age of 45. Ken was the son of Manfred and Carolyn Botzek, beloved husband of Nancy Burdick- Botzek, and devoted father to Cassandra “Cassie” Botzek. Ken had a passion for the game of soccer and excelled b
oth as a player and as a coach. He began playing soccer at the age of 5 in Chicopee, MA. He played town and high school soccer until graduating in 1978. He then played for UMASS-Amherst from 1979-1981. Ken played semi-pro soccer after college on various teams in Massachusetts and Connecticut. His dedication to teaching the children of the Montville Youth Soccer Club spanned 15 years. Ken began coaching with the club as a munchkin coach and continued to coach up to the U14 level, all the while fulfilling his dream, teaching his daughter Cassie the game of soccer. Ken also coached Cassie at the Premier level and his last season, decided to coach a U8 recreation team with her. Ken held various positions within the club, serving on the Board as District Representative, Coach Coordinator and Clinician just to name a few. Where there was a soccer ball, you could always find Ken. He volunteered in many ways to ensure that the game he loved lived through Cassie and the children of Montville. It is for that reason it was decided that we dedicate our annual tournament to Ken Botzek.
