'Smile Deep' soccer tournament

Paul Hayward has been a positive influence to children and adults, not only with soccer, but in life. His positive disposition, despite having extensive stage four cancer for many years, has been an inspiration to everyone he crosses paths with.

Many Island residents, friends and teammates of Hayward are organizing a charitable 4 v 4 soccer tournament to be hosted at the Anna Maria Island Community Center on May 17. “Smile Deep,” named after one of his many peace loving phrases, will help raise much needed funds. While Hayward and his family are poised to meet the many challenges brought on by his next phase of medical treatment, they need help.

All net proceeds from the Smile Deep soccer tournament benefit the Joe Doirin in Trust – A Helping Hand for Hayward Fund. All sponsorship, donations or entry fees will go to this fund and be managed by the Hayward family to help pay costly medical bills. This trust has provided Hayward with financial assistance since 2011.

For those who have not met Hayward, he has played professional soccer and coached at so many levels in his career. He has touched so many lives through his passion of soccer. He has coached collegiate soccer, held workshops and soccer camps at the Community Center and coached St. Stephens’s boys’ soccer. What he has given to the sport of soccer and the encouragement to the kids, not just on the Island, is nothing compared to how he spreads happiness and positivity to all who are around him.

The center of Hayward’s universe though is not soccer but his 3-year-old son.

Amy Talucci said it best, “Everyone who has ever met Paul, hopes that he can receive the treatments needed to live as long as possible to watch Jackson Kai grow! We all want Jackson to know his father!”

A local parent, Dina Franklin also said, "One night he was sitting up against the building while Tyler was playing a soccer game. As I walked by, Paul stopped me and introduced himself and said that he often comes to the Center to watch Tyler play. Paul says to me, he has always noticed the way Tyler walks and carries himself.

"He said that Tyler's manner of step is a sign of an excellent soccer player and that he would love the opportunity to work with him. I was excited, as I had known of Paul through a very good friend of mine, Joe Hutchinson, whose son Joey worked closely with Paul in soccer and received a Division I college scholarship to play.

"To put into words my thoughts of Paul Hayward is hard as there is so much good to say and describe. I do know this; Paul is one of the most brave, honest, kind hearted man I have ever met. Other than of course his son, I feel I know Paul enough to say soccer is his passion. Soccer is also my son Tyler's passion.

"To know this man would literally take the time to come to games to specifically watch Tyler play soccer, as a mother that is such a major compliment. I am so honored and happy that my Tyler has been able to have the opportunity to learn, play and work with such a wonderful teacher and friend, Paul Hayward. People, you don't get any better than him!"

Paul is currently recovering in his Anna Maria Island home from a recent and challenging surgery due to current complications from fourth stage renal cancer.

The Smile Deep 4 v 4 soccer tournament will be a celebration of his passion for soccer and a fun way to raise money for his cause. For more information on how to donate or enter the May 17 tournament, call Community Center Athletic Director Matt Ray at 941-778-1908, ext 9205, or visit the tournament's Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/461288620670451/ ?ref=2&ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming=

If you would like to learn more about Hayward and donate to the trust, go to the Helping Hand for Hayward Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/613172152109623/ permalink/613642875395884/