The Jerry Walters Memorial Scholarship Program

The San Carlos United Soccer Club established the Jerry Walters Memorial Scholarship Program in 2002.  The program seeks to identify and provide financial support to worthy youth soccer players on teams associated with San Carlos United.  Players, family members and supporters are encouraged to inquire about the availability of a scholarship for financially needy players. Talk to your team's manager or coach.

The program is named in honor of long-time San Carlos youth sports supporter Jerry Walters.  Jerry died prematurely, at the age of 48, in June of 2002.  Prior to his untimely death, Jerry was one of those adults who could always be counted on for support of youth sports.  Jerry always had time for the kids, regardless of whether the need was for financial support or for more direct involvement.  Jerry coached for many years in the San Carlos AYSO program.  Indeed, he started his coaching career in AYSO when his older daughter, Kelsey, was five years of age.  Kelsey went on to play CYSA soccer with the San Carlos Explosion.  Jerry continued to coach in the AYSO program until his death.  At the time of his death he was taking the classes necessary to become a soccer referee.

In addition to supporting soccer, Jerry was an avid supporter of girls’ softball through the San Carlos Youth Softball Association’s Fast Pitch Program.  Jerry served as an assistant coach and head coach in the spring recreational league, as well as an assistant coach for the San Carlos Force traveling summer teams for two years.  In addition to always being ready with his time, Jerry was a frequent sponsor of both soccer and softball teams.  If there was a financial need, Jerry Walters could always be counted on to contribute, asking that his contribution remain anonymous.

Long-time friend and coaching collaborator, Steve Lavezzo, noted that “even though he was a very competitive person, he was able to see the big picture.  He knew we had to keep it fun.”  For those of us who knew Jerry, Steve’s observation rings true.  Jerry knew when to compete and, even more importantly, knew when to have fun.  San Carlos United is proud to have its scholarship program associated with the memory of Jerry Walters.