Working with vulnerable populations as we do, our group is not unaccustomed to loss. In losing Teddy, we lost a passionate, generous, and purposeful leader and friend. Teddy van Beuren was not vulnerable. He was unstoppable. He made us feel we were too.
This truth is only more evident in his passing. Teddy's legacy will live on in many places and in many ways. It will be cherished, honored, and furthered here at Street Soccer USA. Teddy dedicated more than a decade of his life to our mission in Philadelphia and New York and was named chairman of our NYC Board. Teddy cared deeply about kids, especially those growing up in poverty. He spoke freely of his love for soccer and the lessons, values, and deep friendships the sport afforded him.
He worked tirelessly ensuring the sport could benefit the least advantaged youth in the same way it had him, lending his personal time and talent, and rallying hundreds of his friends and colleagues to do the same.
We hold Teddy up unflinchingly as an example to everyone. Teddy was blessed with talent, charisma, and good nature. To whom much is given, much is expected. Teddy, even with his many blessings, exceeded all we might have expected of him in terms of giving back.
Each Monday, Teddy would send a motivational email with an inspiring quote to a list of his friends and colleagues. Below was his last “Monday Motivation.”
“I have finally concluded, maybe that's what life is about: there's a lot of despair, but also the odd moment of beauty, where time is no longer the same. It's as if those strains of music created a sort of interlude in time, something suspended, an elsewhere that had come to us, an always within never. Yes, that's it, an always within never.”
– Muriel Barbery
It was never imaginable to lose Teddy like this. The joy and motivation he blessed us with will always be with us.
Lawrence Cann, President and Founder
On behalf of Street Soccer USA
