William "Rusty" Wightman Field Memorial Fund

A donation in memory of William " Rusty" Wightman .

William “Rusty” Wightman, our NHSA President, was a tremendous advocate, tireless participant and lover of our game of soccer. Rusty was a devoted coach and developed players individually, he developed teams and helped players find enjoyment in the game of soccer at many different levels.

Rusty was also a leader for soccer in NH. He began in the NHSA as the Executive Vice President in 2017 and quickly became president and held that position until he passed. Rusty loved the game in a way the benefited everyone, he loved coaching kids, he loved coaching high schoolers. He enjoyed watching every level of soccer from youth to high school, to college, to World Cup, to the New England Revolution and beyond.

Rusty wanted everyone to feel the thrill of the game and he knew that thrill didn’t have to come on a championship pitch. We think Rusty knew that thrill was found anywhere there was room to kick a soccer ball. We think Rusty would have agreed with the late, great Pele who said: “Football is the only sport where you put people together, it doesn’t matter if you are rich, or poor, or black, or white. It is one nation. This is the beauty of football.”

In addition to having a strategic vision for the NHSA, Rusty led the association through thick and thin. Recently he kept us all afloat through the pandemic with strong, clear communication and endless positivity. Getting back on the pitch was the light at the end of that tunnel and Rusty helped us all get there sooner rather than later.

We owe a debt of gratitude to Rusty for all he did for the game of soccer in NH and also to his family for sharing him with us, right up to the very end.

Rusty never stopped being involved with the game. In fact, this past Saturday, he was participating in our Annual General Meeting, including accepting an Honorary Life Membership Award, the highest honor the NHSA can bestow on an individual.

Rusty was very passionate about the NH field complex . All donations made will be used for field improvements.  

Play on Rusty. We will remember you fondly.