Passion for soccer defined Banerjee’s life
Ben Banerjee was a man who cared about soccer. And he cared about finding eager children just waiting to give his favorite sport a try.
That’s why he devoted countless hours to promoting and developing soccer in our community. That’s why his vision some two decades ago has become a reality for hundreds and hundreds of local children each year.
And that’s one reason why Ben Banerjee will be such a missed part of Warren County.
You could describe the man as living soccer, breathing soccer, always promoting the game he loved.
When Banerjee settled in Warren County in the mid 1970s, he preached soccer at a time when few folks around these parts had heard the language. He wanted kids to play soccer, so he coached it. His goal was to have games on the weekends, so he was a referee. He craved a unique corner of the county which could be used for soccer and only soccer. Hence, Pistole Park was formed and soccer here began to reach full blossom.
Banerjee could be compared to longtime pool activist Bill Gilley, who constantly pushed for swim facilities, swim teams and swim programs. Gilley wanted a better place for local children to swim and this summer the fruits of his efforts were realized as Gilley Pool opened for the first time.
It was the same way for Banerjee, whose passion was directly responsible for the city’s acquisition of Pistole Park. After that, he pushed for upgrades and his efforts led to an attractive concession stand and restroom facility. The soccer complex even features lights so games can be played at night.
Banerjee’s love for soccer made him the driving force to play the game indoors during the chilly temperatures of winter. Thus, McMinnville’s first indoor soccer league was formed.
Indoor games were played initially at Bobby Ray Elementary and have since been moved to the Civic Center. And just like outdoor soccer, the league is steadily gaining more support.
Over the last 10 years, soccer has been one of Warren County’s most competitive sports at the high school level. The Pioneers and Lady Pioneers have traditionally been in the running for district supremacy – success which has eluded some of the county’s other programs.
Those winning ways can be traced back to our feeder programs. They can be traced back to the early days of soccer for all the kids who kicked their first soccer ball at Pistole Park.
Memorial services are scheduled for this Thursday – and fittingly those services will take place at Pistole Park. You could say Ben would have wanted it that way.
A man who has meant so much for soccer, and so much in the lives of children, will be remembered at a place that was once only a dream. It was Ben Banerjee’s dream and this community is a better place because of his dream and his love of soccer.