Field Dedicated to Drury Soccer Standout

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Michael Boland describes his brother Kevin's love of soccer.
NORTH ADAMS - Family, friends and dozens of young soccer players gathered at the Alcombright Athletic Complex on Saturday to dedicate one of the playing fields to the late Kevin L. Boland. The Drury High School graduate and outstanding soccer player died in a car accident at age 39 in Key Largo, Fla., in 2004. His father, William "Bill" Boland, longtime executive director of the North Adams Housing Authority, had considered establishing a scholarship in Kevin's memory but, after talking with Mayor John Barrett III, decided improvements at the new playing field was a more suitable memorial. "Kevin was really known for his soccer skills," said Barrett. Kevin was involved in soccer in the 1970s, when the sport was just starting to take off among youngsters. "He helped pave the way ... what better way to remember him than leaving this legacy for other young people." The improvements will include adding 10 feet to the soccer field to make it regulation; a permanent plaque will be installed with Kevin Boland's name. The soccer field is the latest section of the Alcombright Complex to be completed. Once the concession stand and restrooms are constructed, around $1 million will have been spent on expanding and renovating the youth playing fields along Protection Avenue, said the mayor. Michael S. Boland recalled how his older brother was a tough competitor, especially against his siblings. The All-Berkshire standout took soccer seriously and expected his brothers to do the same. Michael Boland told how Kevin would chastise him for wearing his cleats home and wearing them down after they finished practice at the very same fields. But when Michael wanted to learn how to do a backward kick like soccer great Pele, Kevin spent hours patiently showing him how. "I saw a genuine gleam in his eye as he explained how the kick was perfected." While rough and tumble with his brothers, Kevin took sportsmanship on the field as seriously as his love of the game, said Michael, who lives in North Adams. "Today we dedicate my brother's spirit of competition, sportsmanship, skill and love of the outdoors." Kevin Boland graduated from Drury in 1983 and worked for the city's Parks and Recreation Department before moving to Key Largo in 2000, where he was a land surveyor. He was co-captain of both the soccer and hockey teams at Drury. Considering his love of sports and career with the city, the field is a perfect memorial, said Michael Boland. Brother William M. Boland Jr. of Westport, Conn., agreed, noting that his younger brother was better at athletics than academics. Also attending the dedication were Kevin's widow, Amy, and mother, Elizabeth, city councilors and other officials, parks and recreation employees, and several youth soccer teams that rushed to the playing field as soon as the ceremony was over. His sister, Mary "Molly" Luczynski, lives in the state of Washington and could not attend. Bill Boland proudly pointed out the old newspaper photo of his son in soccer action that was overlaid over Ireland's flag on the podium. "He was a spirit of sportsmanship on the playing field," said Boland as dozens of children chased a soccer ball across Kevin Boland Field.
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Weekend Outlook: Summer Pride

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

Check out the events happening in the Berkshires this weekend including festivals, pride night, free days, and more.

Editor's Pick

The Great Ladybug Release 
The Apple Barn, Bennington Vt.
Friday and Saturday
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Join The Apple Barn to learn about ladybugs and why they are good for the environment. Enjoy a storywalk with the kids and you will also be able to release some ladybugs as you enjoy the farm.

More information here.

Multiple Days

2026 Berkshire Yoga Festival
Jiminy Peak, Hancock
June 11 to 14

Another year of yoga in the Berkshires is back featuring yoga teachers from around the world sharing their knowledge as well as local vendors, hiking, art, and more.

More information and tickets here.

Friday 

North Adams Pride Night
Main Street
Time: 5 to 9 p.m.

Come downstreet for the annual Pride Night featuring a drag story hour, local food vendors, dance parties, and more.

More information here.

Common Craft Night
165 East Main St., North Adams
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.

Bring your crafts and work on them with others in the community.

More information here.

Lebanon Valley Drift
Lebanon Valley Dragway, 
West Lebanon, N.Y.
Time: 2 to 8 p.m.

All driving levels are able to participate in the drift or just come to watch others. The food stand will be open to sit and enjoy the show.

More information here.

Saturday

Fair Gardens: Family Programming
Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield
Time: 11 a.m.

Design a little home a fairy would love to reside in. Open to ages 8 to 18 with family, bring your own garden type supplies or use from the library.

More information here.

Mass MoCA Free Day

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