Taylor McNair has gotten a lot out of soccer. A leader on the Staples boys team’s quest for a fourth straight FCIAC championship, and a star on the Beachside Soccer Club’s premier team, he also knows how to give back.
Taylor McNair (r) delivers 140 soccer balls to Bill Madaras, father of Nick Madaras. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
This month, the senior defender organized a “Kick for Nick” used soccer ball drive. The project honors Nick Madaras, a former Wilton High School player who, while serving in Iraq, collected used soccer balls to give to Iraqi children.
After Madaras was killed in action in 2007, his parents and friends formalized “Kick for Nick.” Balls are collected, then sent overseas. U.S. soldiers distribute them to Iraqi and Afghan youngsters.
McNair planned every aspect of the Staples “Kick for Nick” drive. He arranged for publicity, set out boxes at a varsity match, deflated the balls, then delivered them –- a total of 140—to Madaras’ grateful father, Bill, in Wilton.
“Taylor truly understands that some of the best lessons of soccer are learned off the field,” said Staples head coach Dan Woog. “This was entirely his project – and he made it work. Dozens of youngsters overseas will benefit from Taylor’s hard work, passion and compassion.”
