A respectful silence replaced the sounds of laughter and playful banter that previously filled the gymnasium and cafeteria at Metuchen High School, where dozens of scholastic girls soccer players gathered for a sportsmanship and leadership summit.

After engaging in icebreaker games and conversing over pizza, the eyes and ears of the student-athletes from 20 different high school programs, previously strangers but now becoming fast friends, were transfixed on two keynote speakers.

Kristen Edmonds, an alumna of Metuchen High School who currently plays in the National Women’s Professional Soccer League, returned home, bringing with her NJ/NY Gotham FC teammate Abby Smith to deliver inspirational remarks on the eve of the third annual Greater Middlesex Conference Soccer for a Cause Charity Festival.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW A PHOTO GALLERY FROM THE SUMMIT

The duo talked about their career paths from youth soccer to the professional ranks, which included playing in multiple countries overseas and in South America. They discussed time management at the college level, focusing on goals, leadership, chasing team championships, and the importance of giving back to the community.

The latter part of their well-wrought message resonated with the high school players and their coaches, who have been fundraising all month for two New Jersey charities that assist pediatric cancer patients and other children in need.

In addition to raising money for The Marisa Tufaro Foundation and Go4theGoal, the participating teams have also been collecting nonperishable food items for REPLENISH, which serves a network of more than 160 local food pantries, soup kitchens and social service agencies.

During its first two years, the Soccer for a Cause Charity Festival raised $30,000 and generated 1.5 tons of food. The event fittingly takes place in September, which is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and National Hunger Awareness Month.

Metuchen High School Principal Ed Porowski, who could not have been a more gracious host, captured the quintessence of the evening and the ensuing soccer festival, which will feature 10 games between evenly matched opponents.

“Soccer for a Cause is yet another example of how each of you have stepped up to work together to support others,” Porowski said.

“You’ve challenged yourselves in different ways to assist three organizations who make significant differences in the lives of others. It’s quite humbling how this charity festival, which has only been around for three years, has successfully helped support (children in need).

“Your leadership, participation and collaboration across all of the schools are a great representation of how competitors – and sometimes even rivals – can come together for the greater good.”

Porowski and Metuchen varsity soccer coach Mike Knoth opened their hearts and their building to players and coaches from other programs on what turned out to be a magical night.

Greater Middlesex Conference Executive Director Frank Noppenberger, who has been involved with the league since its inception in 1986, said the sportsmanship and leadership summit was among the finest events of which he has been privileged to be a part. He credited Metuchen Athletics Director John Cathcart, who in addition to conceiving the summit, has spearheaded several other fundraisers to benefit children in need including a mud run and a swim-a-thon.

“To the athletes and coaches,” Noppenberger said, “my hope is that tonight serves as a spark for other sports and groups to join together and recognize the powerful impact that our conference can make in the lives of others.”

North Brunswick head coach Megan Carroll and Metuchen assistant coach Julie Youngman opened the sportsmanship and leadership summit, engaging players in team bonding activities including a scavenger hunt and a game of chicken in the hen house. Players competed for free tickets to a NJ/NY Gotham FC game, which Edmonds and Smith generously provided.

“The activities you participated in this evening, as well as (the soccer games) are a testament to your willingness to work together, support one another and lead by example,” Porowski said. “Your active enthusiastic involvement will hopefully inspire you to continue to be a leader and positively influence others to make a difference in our communities beyond (the charity festival).”

Recognizing perhaps that the student-athletes and coaches were deserving of star treatment, Porowski unlocked the high school’s auditorium doors and welcomed the contingent on stage for a group photo.

With the spotlight fittingly shining from the back of the house, players and coaches gathered around Edmonds and Smith, who held a beautiful Soccer for a Cause Charity Festival banner. A tapestry of different colored varsity jerseys and jackets belied the spirt of the evening, as players from various schools blended together, uniting as one team for a common goal.

“You are helping to create a legacy of service that will continue to grow and thrive for years to come,” Porowski said.

“Thank you for your leadership. Thank you for your service. And most of all, thank you for your inspiration.”