The U.S. National Soccer Team Players Association announces that Todd Smith, former General Manager of the New England Revolution, has become a member of the Time In program. The Time In program recognizes individuals who have suffered from leukemia, lymphoma, or another blood-related disorder at some point in their lives. These individuals all have ties to the game of soccer in some way. Most of the current Time In members are young children who have participated in youth soccer. As of today, some of these children are in remission, some are still dealing with daily medications and weekly trips to the hospital, and some have passed on. With the inclusion of Todd Smith among the current Time-In honorees, the USNSTPA wants to emphasize that this is a disease that effects all types of people at all ages across the world.
Todd Smith was actively involved in raising awareness of leukemia in the years before he passed away due to complications from the disease. Since being diagnosed with leukemia in early 2002, he used his soccer connections to publicize the problem of leukemia, lymphoma, and blood-related disorders. He personally created Soccer Kicks for Cancer, a program in which players and teams raise money through pledges for a certain amount of hours spent practicing soccer. Donators can give an overall pledge, or pledge a certain amount per hour practiced. Smith resigned as General Manager of the Revolution in 2002 due to his disease, but later joined the ranks of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society as the Soccer Development Director.
Smith passed away on December 31, 2003, after battling leukemia for a year and a half. The soccer world was devastated by the loss of a smart, caring, and original individual who was a standout athlete and administrator in his lifetime. The USNSTPA is proud to call Todd Smith a member of the Time In program.
U.S. National Team Players mourn the loss of Todd Smith
(Dec. 31, 2003) — The members of the US National Soccer Team Players Association join the American soccer community in shared grief at the passing of our friend Todd Smith.
Since the Players designated the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society as our official charity, it has been our honor to meet people going beyond what any of us should expect in fighting these diseases.
After leaving the New England Revolution, Todd got in touch with us and we recommended him to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society as an individual uniquely qualified to lead their efforts to integrate soccer into their school and youth programs. As the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society strengthened their commitment to using soccer as an outlet for raising awareness, Todd Smith was an excellent choice as their key person.
When we met with Todd a few months ago to talk about the relationship between the Players and the Leukemia Society, it was with someone who shared not only our charitable goals, but our love for the game and its potential in the United States. Todd was a soccer person, he knew his business, and his commitment was real.
Speaking on behalf of the Association, Acting Executive Director Mark Levinstein remembers Todd as “a quality individual, capable of taking concepts and working through the realities while maintaining his enthusiasm.
To Todd’s family, we want to express our greatest sympathy and support. Todd was a man who brought great pride to his work and it was a great privilege to have had the opportunity to work with him.”
To our friends at the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, we share your grief in losing an ally. Todd is an example to all of us of what can be done even when suffering from a disease that, for most of us, would impact every aspect of daily life. Todd didn’t let that happen. Though it is our loss that Todd will not be able to continue his work with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, on behalf of the Players it reaffirms our own commitment to help find a cure for this disease.”
