On October 28, Philadelphia’s outdoor soccer community gathered to dedicate the 45th annual all-star game to a local soccer leader. They also celebrated the launch of a new grant fund that will support local soccer teams. The 2021 Lonnie Cohen Memorial All-Star Game and the fund were named in honor of the late Lonnie Cohen.

Lonnie, who passed away suddenly in July 2021, served the soccer community and Parks & Rec in a variety of ways. Lonnie worked for Parks & Rec for many years, ascending to Recreation Leader 3. Most recently, he was facility supervisor at Hillside Recreation Center in Manayunk. He also worked at Waterview Recreation Center, Athletic Recreation Center, Kingsessing Recreation Center, and other Parks & Rec sites.

In addition, Cohen was:

• A long-time soccer coach and sports enthusiast.
• Commissioner of Parks & Recreation Soccer and Chairperson of Outdoor Soccer.
• A long-standing member of the Executive Team for the Blue Cross Broad Street Run, Philadelphia Marathon, and many Mummers’ parades.

All-Star Memorial Game and tribute

Parks & Rec’s annual all-star game features youth from across the city. They are part of 63 teams that make up the department’s soccer program. Before this year’s game, a tribute was held to honor Lonnie. In attendance were members of the Cohen family, city officials, and Lonnie’s Parks & Rec colleagues. More than a dozen Parks & Rec retirees also came out to show their support.

Parks & Rec’s Deputy Commissioner Orlando Rendon led the remarks. He noted that “the game is a fitting tribute to a recreation leader who was uncompromising in his dedication to youth sports, and giving every kid that opportunity to play.”

“Lonnie was a friend to many, and a role model to all,” said Parks & Rec Athletics Coordinator Mike Grubb. “We at Parks & Recreation miss him every day, and are proud to name the All-Star Game in Lonnie’s honor.”

The Roxborough United Soccer Club presented the Cohen family with a scarf and a framed “Cohen” jersey. The family also received a jersey and blanket from the Outdoor Soccer Committee. It was immediately put to good use by Lonnie’s mother Susan Cohen.

A lasting legacy

At the event, Commissioner of Parks & Rec Soccer Steve Schmidt announced the launch of the Lonnie Cohen Soccer Grant Fund. This non-profit organization was created by Lonnie’s sister Jodi Cohen Levine and her husband Neil Levine. The fund will help outdoor soccer clubs with the cost of equipment.

After the event, Lonnie’s sister Jodi noted “Lonnie loved youth sports in Philly—what it taught these young kids, what it meant to them and what they gained from it. His work was his passion and you have honored him in the most fitting way. Thank you just seems insufficient.”

Parks & Rec would like to thank our youth athletes, members of the Cohen family, and staff members past and present who came out to honor Lonnie.

The event was a partnership among: