What may have looked like just another pickup soccer match in North Riverside’s Veteran’s Park Friday night was actually a source of community for bereaved fathers in the area.
Since May 15, the Charli Mae Foundation, a local organization supporting families affected by the loss of a child, has been hosting monthly pickup soccer games for bereaved fathers and their friends. While it started as a group of six men back in May, its match on Friday, July 17, saw 25 players.
“This is just an opportunity for dads to get together and be a part of something bigger, and be able to honor their child where possible,” said Dean Arrowsmith, who organized the match.
Arrowsmith and his wife founded the Charli Mae foundation in honor of his late daughter, Charli Mae. The foundation helps families navigate child and pregnancy loss through events and support programs.
“It’s important for us that we just create this space for any dad who just wants to get out and remember their child,” Arrowsmith said.
One player, David Vicencio, has played soccer all his life. Friday night was his first match with the group.
“A big thing that’s not talked about is men’s mental health,” he said. “Getting out with the boys, having some exercise, is good for our minds and bodies.”
Vicencio and his wife, Melissa, first became aware of the matches through the SHARE group at Edward Hospital, which supports families who have experienced infant or pregnancy loss.
Vicencio noted the sense of community the match brought for bereaved fathers.
“It’s important that we try to find some people that share the experiences, so that we don’t feel alone,” he said.
Events like Friday night’s match can create an environment of support without pressure for families. Melissa Vicencio, who watched the match along with their children, said she appreciated “the lightheartedness of the event.”
“Groups like this can be intimidating because it kind of brings you back to the [loss],” she said. “Something like this is nice because we’re surrounded by people who have kind of experienced the same thing, but the event is not focused on that.”
In addition to pickup games, Arrowsmith and his wife organize annual charity soccer games in Charli Mae’s honor. Last year, the Charli Mae Shield was held in Arrowsmith’s hometown of Dundalk, Ireland. It raised thousands of dollars for Féileacáin, an Irish nonprofit providing support for bereaved parents. This year, the Féileacáin fathers will visit Chicago for the 2026 match on Oct. 11.
As summer moves on, Arrowsmith’s group will continue welcoming fathers into their community. No soccer experience is required to join. Brian Beach went to his first game with the group Friday night, noting how he had not played soccer since he was eight years old.
“I’ve been here all of about 20 minutes,” he said. “Very different playing it than watching it on TV.”
As the match ended, players gathered for a group photo before huddling up. Arrowsmith says they follow each pickup game with a social event, in what he calls “typical Irish fashion.” While the group is still new and finding its footing, Arrowsmith is hoping to grow the community further.
“The objective is we’ll have more events as we grow,” he said.