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12/11/2019
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R.I. Soccer Coaches Association renames referee award after Senator Lombardi, inducted into Hall of Fame
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 STATE HOUSE — The Rhode Island Soccer Coaches Association inducted Sen. Frank S. Lombardi (D-Dist. 26, Cranston) to the organization’s Hall of Fame during their annual dinner on Sunday and renamed their Official of the Year award after the senator.
Senator Lombardi, who’s been officiating youth soccer for over 25 years, has been named referee of the year eight times — so often that the association has decided to name the award after him.
“Frank is very well respected by the coaches,” said Richard Grenier, who served as president of the Soccer Coaches Association for 12 years and is the group’s historian. “He has a way with him when he’s officiating. He’s approachable, has a firm control over the game; and whenever he speaks to the kids at the beginning of the game, he has a calming influence. He’s worked really hard to promote youth soccer in the state.”
Senator Lombardi, who serves as president of the Rhode Island Soccer Officials Association, will now be responsible for nominating three referees for the new Frank Lombardi Award, which will continue to be awarded by the Rhode Island Soccer Coaches Association.
“This has all been very humbling,” said Senator Lombardi. “I’ve worked hard for years in youth soccer, and I’m tremendously honored to be recognized by the coaches. I hope to continue to work to earn this honor.”
Senator Lombardi dedicated his Hall of Fame induction to his father-in-law, Carlo Catallozzi, himself a longtime fixture in Rhode Island youth soccer. “I started at 18 under his tutelage. He was Rhode Island’s first FIFA referee when only five were awarded per country. He officiated Pele and other greats. He still critiques me at 85 years old, assuring that I perform as close to perfection as possible.”
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
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