Dear Friends,

With great sadness, I am writing to inform you of the loss of a young member of our community. On Tuesday, August 17th, at a U-10 team soccer practice, Connor Bell sustained a severe head injury as a result of an accidental collision during normal course of play. He was attended to immediately and transported by helicopter to Children's Hospital & Research Center in Oakland. However, he was unable to regain consciousness and passed away on Wednesday evening with his family by his side.

Our entire community is stricken by this incredible event. The children of Mill Valley are much beloved and belong to all of us. Connor was a very special child, known for his keen love of soccer, his enthusiasm and zest for life, and his wonderful family. Connor's passing is a tragedy for all of us and we extend our most heartfelt condolences to the entire Bell family.

In memory of Connor, our friend and soccer teammate, the Mill Valley Soccer Club has established a competitive league scholarship fund in his honor. This scholarship will provide financial assistance to those competitive league players who, like Connor, love the game and who would benefit through an "assist" from Connor. In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome all who would like to participate in the support and funding of this scholarship as a way of celebrating Connor's life.

As the Bell family does - please keep Connor close to your heart.

Most sincerely,

Michael Mauze'

President, Mill Valley Soccer Club