Teaming Up With Tim Howard
Jun 09 | Men's Soccer
PISCATAWAY, N.J. - The Rutgers men's soccer team joined up with superstar and New Jersey native Tim Howard as the superstar goalkeeper hosted a clinic at the home of Scarlet Knight soccer, Yurcak Field, to help bring attention to several of his initiatives with Tourette Syndrome and associated disorders.
"It was a great opportunity to give back to the community and helped raise awareness of Tourette Syndrome. It's awesome to see a guy of Tim's stature come back to his hometown and show that he's not bigger than the game and bigger than Tourette Syndrome," said Rutgers head coach Dan Donigan. "It says a lot about Tim Howard as a person. He's a great individual and role model for all the boys and girls out there."
"Team Up With Tim Howard" featured a book signing with the two-time U.S. Soccer Male Athlete of the Year and on-field clinic with over 300 young children conducted by the Rutgers men's soccer team. The event helped benefit the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders (NJCTS) Tim Howard Leadership Academy - a four-day intensive training designed to challenge, empower and help teens with Tourette Syndrome reach their fullest potential. Additionally, Howard kicked off a new initiative called "The GreaTS" to help open the conversation about Tourette Syndrome and help affected youth find their path to personal greatness.
"I talk about dreaming big because it doesn't always work out, but I think sometimes if you work hard, and put your head down for long enough, and do all the right things, you get rewarded," said Howard to the crowd gathered at the stadium to hear him talk about his life in soccer and living with Tourette Syndrome.
Howard, who was diagnosed in the sixth grade, went public about his TS while playing for the NewYork/New Jersey MetroStars of the MLS and has since been an integral part of NJCTS. He has spoken openly about Tourette Syndrome and has educated millions of people across the world about the disorder.
"To be honest, it was a weight off my shoulder because I didn't have to hide anymore," said Howard of his revelation to the world. "I could be myself and let people ask questions. My job is to create awareness and break down walls and barriers. I've been able to do that. Self-esteem is the biggest thing I could preach today."
During the afternoon, Howard received several honors including recognitions from state senators Christopher Bateman and James Beach, as well as a proclamation from New Jersey Governor Chris Christie declaring the day "Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day" across the Garden State.
Recently wrapping up his 10th season with Everton in the Premier League, Howard is also the USA's all-time leader in career wins and goalkeeper appearances. Becoming a household name after a memorable 2014 FIFA World Cup that included a tournament-record 15 saves during the USA's contest with Belgium last July, the North Brunswick hometown star certainly hasn't forgotten his roots.
"I watched the great Rutgers teams of the early 90s go the Final Four. That was like the World Cup to me," he remembered. "Those guys were amazing and my heroes. I'm grounded in what is the wonderful tradition of Jersey soccer." Howard's sincerity and openness about overcoming obstacles in life and mission of raising awareness of Tourette Syndrome through the game he loves was certainly noticed by the members of the Scarlet Knights.
"Just to see him in person and have someone so inspirational for these kids...they really look up to him," said rising sophomore Niel Guzman.
"It was a great day for everyone, everyone involved and all the kids," said redshirt senior JP Correa. "To see him up close and see him interact with the kids for a great cause, learn about the issues he struggles with and share his personal experiences, it was great for him to give back. "
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