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DC Soccer Club Remembers Len Oliver

By DC Soccer Club Staff, 07/25/22, 5:00PM EDT

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WASHINGTON – DC Soccer Club is saddened by the loss of former Club Director Len Oliver. Oliver, a National Soccer Hall of Fame Member, was instrumental in the creation and growth of DC Stoddert (now DC Soccer Club).

Originally from Philadelphia, Oliver went on to play Temple University where he won a National Championship. He then joined the Armed Forces Soccer Team while stationed in Europe with the US Army.

Following an illustrious playing career both domestically and abroad, Oliver turned his focus to coaching. In addition to being an active member of the coaching and soccer communities in DC, Oliver was also a renowned coaching educator leading thousands of coaches through courses over many years

He was a member of the inaugural class of the Virginia-DC Soccer Hall of Fame. To hear more about Len's legacy in his own words, CLICK HERE.

“Len Oliver was truly a person that touched so many lives in such a special way. His time at DC Stoddert was transformative for the club. His presence in the soccer community from the grassroots to the national programs will be everlasting,” said DC Soccer Club Executive Director Greg Andrulis. “His legacy will live on in the many lives that he touched, and he will be missed, while being honored and cherished.”

“Len was the most positive and influential leader I had the pleasure to work with at DC Stoddert,” said Technical Director Khaled Hamami. “Len was one of soccer’s most genuine, kind, effective teachers, leaders, and role models. Len inspired many coaches and had a lasting impact on many colleagues, and my career, as well.”

"I was a little nervous about his reaction to the rebranding and renaming," said former Executive Director Jennifer Gootman. "So I reached out to him to share the news and the reasons for it doing this prior to the public announcement. In typical Len fashion — he supported the change with his unwavering commitment to making the club a welcoming place for ALL children and their families from all parts of DC to learn and to love soccer."

DC Soccer Club extends condolences to the Oliver family. For many of our long-time DC Families, Len was a household name. As we would like to honor his memory, we ask that if you have any memories or stories about Len, please share them with us!

We will be putting together a video tribute in his honor. You may send us your personal recording or sign up for a 10 min time slot at Jelleff Rec Center tomorrow, July 26th. You may also email nick@dcsoccerclub.org with any quotes or memories you wish to share them with us!