History

Jeff Goodrich

Jeff Goodrich was the founder of the Parents’ Soccer Classic. The first year of the tournament was 2003 and it looked quite different than it does today. It has grown over the years and as the years pass we play each year in memory of Jeff and all that he brought to his family, friends and Manhattan Beach through the sport he loved. Jeff will always be remembered by those who had the pleasure of knowing him, but for those who didn’t, here is some background. Information supplied by Jeff’s wife Julie Goodrich and his mother Arlene Di Fraia.

Jeffrey Emerson Goodrich was born February 11, 1969, and from a very young age he had a passion for all kinds of sports including soccer, tennis, skiing (snow & water), and football; however, soccer was his favorite. He started playing in AYSO at the age of 6, moved to club soccer with the PSL Raiders all through high school; as well as playing for his high school team. After graduating high school, Jeff played soccer for El Camino College where his team won a Championship. Jeff’s passion for playing ball continued as he played for Palos Verdes Alumni for years and joined his brother Greg on Doxa Italia, a Los Angeles semi-pro team. He also teamed with his brother to coach the Pacific Soccer League (PSL) Raiders. Whenever Jeff found some free time in his busy schedule, he’d find a way to play soccer in pickup games at night or on the weekend. The coaching continued to bite, so after he married his high school sweetheart, Julie, he moved to Long Beach for a short time and coached his little cousin, Jennifer, in Cypress AYSO.

Jeff always worked in the South Bay so he and Julie eventually moved back where they were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Kayla and Natalie. Jeff instilled in them his love for soccer, coached them, and was heavily involved with their Indian Princess gatherings. Jeff’s love of life showed in everything he did from his relationship with his family, to his construction business, police work, and every part of the world of soccer. Jeff became very involved with the Sharefest organization and was honored by them for his countless hours of volunteer work. If you had a moment to spare, Jeff would take that opportunity to talk to you about his love for his family, the game of soccer and helping his community.

Tournament History

The first official tournament took place in 2003. At the time Jeff. ‘s two daughters were attending Pennekamp. Jeff loved the city of Manhattan Beach and that his daughters were in MBUSD.

Jeff wanted to figure out a way to bring in more money for Manhattan Beach Education Foundation (which ultimately splintered off to Manhattan Beach Athletic Foundation and is now known as the MBX Foundation). Jeff played soccer with other Manhattan Beach parents every week and knew they would want to help MBEF as well, given the opportunity. Jeff came up with the idea to have the parents fundraise instead of the kids, doing what they all loved to do…play soccer! Parents from each of the 7 schools were on board, fielded the teams and raised the money needed in order to play. Jeff spent COUNTLESS hours planning the tournament to make it a success. The first year started at Pacific school with a clip board to keep track of the score, a few pizzas and ice cream were donated “just in case people got hungry (thank you Cathy Banchik for helping with the planning and the food)!  The tournament was a huge success and raised a large sum of money. The best part was that everyone was fired up to come back the next year to play again.

From that point on the tournament evolved and raised more money each year. Eventually enough money was raised to help redo the MCHS football field which was so exciting to see! In 2010, Jeff lost his battle with brain cancer. His wife, Julie, daughters Kayla and Natalie and mother Arlene are so thankful to know Jeff’s name will be carried on with the tournament.

Many thanks from the Goodrich family to Sean Banchik, Corey Baim and Jeff Serota as Tournament Directors for many years and the continued support of Gary Wayland from MBX Foundation, everyone who has served on the tournament board and of course every player, referee, and volunteer, including Harry Andreas, Pennie Stepczyk and Julie Argue. The goal was to raise money for South Bay athletics and Jeff would be so happy to know that it is continuing every year at the Jeff Goodrich Parents’ Soccer Classic!

Past Tournament Winners

  • 2003   Meadows
  • 2005   Pennekamp
  • 2007   Meadows
  • 2008   Grand View
  • 2011   Pacific
  • 2012   Pacific
  • 2013   Pacific
  • 2014   American Martyrs
  • 2015   Grand View
  • 2016   Grand View
  • 2017   American Martyrs
  • 2018   Meadows
  • 2019   Pacific
  • 2021   American Martyrs/Del Sol & Friends
  • 2022 Meadows/Pennekamp
  • 2023 Hermosa
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