In between matches last Sunday, the STFX Soccer program was honoured to celebrate the life and legacy of our coach and friend, Patrick Rutayisire, who passed away this May after a difficult battle with cancer. Patrick was 35. 

We were so grateful to have had Patrick's son Mikey and Mikey's mom Jan join us for this special day. Our StFX X-Women and X-Men have dedicated this season in honour of our much-loved goalkeeper coach who was a dedicated, hardworking, caring, talented, and fun-loving member of our X-Soccer family. He was an inspiring coach, former Rwandan national team goalkeeper, and beacon of warmth and kindness to all. Patrick took great pride in being a part of our StFX teams and touched the lives of many, many players during his time with us. We will honour our joyful, 'Rwandan Lion' this season by wearing black armbands for every game this year.

Through unwavering dedication to our community and the lives he touched, Patrick left an indelible mark on those who were fortunate enough to know him. The "In Safe Hands" fund has been created with profound love and respect by Patrick's former goalkeepers, who have come together with a promise – a commitment to support Patrick's young son Mikey. The vision for the "In Safe Hands" fund is to support Mikey in his future education and endeavors. Just as Patrick excelled on the soccer pitch, we aim to provide his son with the means to pursue his own dreams and aspirations as he grows. Through this fund we hope to honour the father, the friend, and the mentor that Patrick was to so many at StFX. Your contributions, no matter the size, will serve as a lasting testament to the impact Patrick had on the lives of so many in our X-Soccer Family. 

One of Patrick's favourite Rwandan expressions was "We Are Together!" Thank you to those who have joined "together" to reflect on the wonderful impact Patrick had on those who were blessed to call him "Coach".

To donate to the "In Safe Hands" fund, please visit https://sites.google.com/view/safehandsformike/home