Answering The Hall's Call

Long a pillar of Boca Raton's youth soccer programs, Commissioner Bob Rollins recently received recognition on a much larger scale.

On Saturday during its annual meeting in Orlando the Florida Youth Soccer Association inducted Rollins into its Hall of Fame.

“It was something I never expected,” Rollins said, “You don't do things like this – work with these programs – to get accolades. You work with kids to teach them the game, teach them teamwork, teach them how to be good sports.”

Established in 1987, the FYSA's Hall of Fame recognizes contributors for their promotion of the sport, contributions to the game's growth, service as a role model, and standard-setting for future generations. 

President of the Beacon Group insurance agency in Boca Raton, Rollins warranted induction not only for his on-pitch soccer contributions, but also his organizational guidance and expertise.

“With his professional career in insurance, the expertise that he's lent to FYSA over the decades has really just been invaluable,” said FYSA Executive Director Joel Dragan. “People talk all the time about free legal services, but Bob has lent free insurance expertise to the Association during a time that type of information has never been more valuable.”

Rollins is only the 30th person inducted into the FYSA Hall of Fame.

Approaching his third decade as a Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District Commissioner, Rollins championed youth soccer in Boca Raton for nearly 40 years. He started coaching his son's team, later became the president of the Soccer Association of Boca Raton – Florida's largest soccer club - and has served as SABR's treasurer for 20 years.

He's also been a referee at the recreational, travel and high school levels.

“There is no one I know who deserves this recognition more and I'm humbled to have called him my friend for many years,” District Commissioner Susan Vogelgesang said. “Congratulations, Bob!”

To Rollins, one of the most rewarding aspects of his longevity comes from attending games and seeing players who he once coached. Many of those former players, who still refer to Rollins as 'Coach,' are now coaching their own sons and daughters – extending the legacy of excellence Rollins helped create.

“That's where the satisfaction comes in,” Rollins said. “It's just great giving back.”