It all began in 1968 when Ed Merante fielded “The Westsiders” as the first Chili Soccer team. Made up of boys 15 to 17 years old, they competed against other local area teams such as “The Eastsiders,” “The Northsiders,” and “The Baysiders,” coached by such notable and talented men as Victor Carlson, John Vandeweather, and the late Augie Thomas.
In 1969, seeing the need to teach the game to younger players, Ed decided to expand participation by founding “Chili Little Guy Soccer.” Through his perseverance and forth sight Ed was able to identify and solicit advertisers, sponsors and recruited 88 aspiring boys (including his son Vincent) to join in the inaugural soccer program for 7 year old boys. His efforts were so pioneering that Chili Soccer was officially recognized by the United States Chamber Of Commerce.
Following the success of Chili Soccer, Ed with the help and support of many of the local newspapers, was instrumental in assisting in the creation of soccer programs in many other surrounding towns such as Gates, Ogden, Spencerport, Churchville, Greece, Irondequoit, East Rochester, Hilton, Scottsville and the City of Rochester. ยท
In 1972, the Chili Soccer program expanded to include girl teams, 14-40 year old teams, teams for children with special needs and teams for mature women.
In 1974, the Town of Chili recognized Ed by:
- Dedicating the “Ed Merante Field”
- Approving a “Wall Of Fame” in Ed’s name in the Community Center
- Erecting a “Welcome To The Home Of Little Guy Soccer” sign at every town entrance
Ed and Chili Soccer promoted soccer in our area, but also organized the first and only International Soccer Tournament in Chili with participation by teams from Germany, Italy, Russia, Canada and the Ukraine.
Ed, along with Town of Chili Recreation Director Ron Fodge, was also instrumental in organizing two teams of 7-15 year old boys to participate in an International competition in Italy.
In addition, we would also like to acknowledge the aforementioned Towns, and the City Of Rochester for their continued commitment to the growth of the sport of soccer in their respective communities.
Ed Merante was also officially recognized by:
- The Late Chili Supervisor, Jim Powers and Chili Town Board
- The late Monroe County Executive, Gordon Howe
- The late City of Rochester Mayor, Frank Lamb
- The Rochester Lancers, professional soccer team
- The Indoor Rochester Lancers, who added Ed’s photo on the Wall Of Fame at the Blue Cross Arena.
- St. Plus X School by dedicating their Soccer field to Ed in 2010