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 His playing career began in Italy, where he won honors on the
Lauro di Sessa team in 1936.
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Personal Information |
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Class of 1971 |
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Born: November 16, 1920
- Sessa Aurunca, Italy
Died:
July 1, 2006 -San Jose, CA |
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A former
barber in Hartford, Connecticut he emigrated from Italy in
1937 and played for and managed several Connecticut teams from
1937-1952. Abronzino managed and coached St. Anthony Catholic
from 1948-1950. Later moved to California and helped form the
four team Peninsula Soccer League in 1957. Organized the Sons
of Italy (San Jose, CA) in 1959. Served more than ten years as
Secretary/Treasurer of the Peninsula Soccer Football League,
starting in 1961, remaining active into the 1970s. Elected to
the California Soccer Association Hall of Fame in 1964, and
the California Youth Soccer Association Hall of Fame in 1979.
A major force in the development of youth soccer in the
region, he also served on the CSFA Referees Commission, and as
financial secretary of the National Amateur Cup competitions.
He continued to referee games well into the 1990's, and was
named MasterCard Ambassador of Soccer, representing Italy, for
World Cup 1994.
In April of
2007, the San Jose Parks and Recreation Commission voted unanimously
to rename the Watson Bowl the Umberto Abronzino Soccer
Bowl at Watson Park. The local soccer community and neighborhood residents
started the initiative to honor Umberto’s dedication to soccer and
to the San Jose community. In addition, the commission will erect a plaque
adjacent to the Soccer Bowl that recognizes his accomplishments.
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