On Wednesday, Oct. 19, the New Hope-Solebury School District commemorated a $61,000 donation from the Robert Nagg Memorial Fund to support its recently launched stadium capital campaign.
The Robert Nagg Memorial Fund hosts an annual soccer game in memory of Robert Alexander Nagg, a New Hope-Solebury student and member of the boys soccer team, who passed away from cancer in 2013. Robert was a talented soccer player and avid fan. During his time at New Hope-Solebury, his team captured the Class A state soccer championship for two consecutive years.
When he was granted a wish by the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Robert traveled to Spain to see his favorite team, Futbol Club Barcelona, play in its home stadium. Through this tremendous cumulative contribution, Robert’s passion for soccer lives on and will support the experience for current and future Lions athletes.
Founded by teammate Jaxon Vallely (NH-S ’12), the Robert Nagg Memorial Game enables current soccer players to enjoy a game with recent alumni – all while honoring Robert’s tremendous courage and passion for soccer. Thanks to the generosity of the community, including sponsorships from Solebury Soccer and Solebury Parks and Recreation, the fund has cumulatively raised $61,000 for the future New Hope-Solebury stadium project.
The commemoration ceremony was held at the start of the Lions boys varsity soccer game against Upper Moreland, their final home game of the season and their Senior Night celebration. Remarks were made by coach Dave Bachart, who coached Robert Nagg, to express the significance of the donation and the possibilities it will afford current and future players. Abel Flores (NH-S ’14), a teammate and friend of Robert’s, read the inscription on the plaque in Robert’s memory that sits on the stadium site.
Closing remarks were made by Nan Nagg, Robert’s mother and the fund director, to share the family’s gratitude for the many community members, organizations and local businesses that have supported the Nagg Fund since it was founded 10 years ago. Nan and her husband, Dennis, presented the final check to New Hope-Solebury administrators Dr. Rose Minniti, assistant superintendent, and Patrick Sasse, high school principal, with the entire boys soccer team sharing in the moment behind them.
The Nagg Memorial Fund contribution is among the $1,000,000 in philanthropic donations raised by the district to support a new structure, to be named Asplundh Stadium. The new stadium will be equipped with a press box, a fieldhouse, fully accessible restrooms, a concession stand and pavilion to enhance the student-athlete and spectator experience for generations to come.
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