Fatschel retires after helping build Liberyville's soccer program for 45 years

Libertyville's soccer program started in Horst Fatschel's backyard, where he would lead 40 neighbor kids in practice.

From that humble beginning some 45 years ago, Fatschel would be instrumental in building the Greater Libertyville Soccer Association into one of the largest and most successful programs in the suburbs.

Today, it boasts roughly 2,300 youths playing on recreational and travel teams and a huge Libertyville Township Soccer Complex that hosts tournaments that draw out-of-state teams each summer. The organization features 55 complete travel teams, more than 1,800 recreational and adult players, as well as team members who have gone on to play soccer in college and beyond.

With that legacy in place, the 85-year-old Fatschel retired from GLSA on May 1, after a career that included serving on two soccer boards, being instrumental in building the soccer complex, coaching and refereeing.

"I need more rest these days, but I've had fun and it's kept me young and slim," he said. "I got see players go on to high school and college from our teams and others and made a lot of friends with the coaches. I'm proud that I have made a positive impact on Libertyville."

Since childhood, Fatschel has been passionate about soccer. When he worked for Volkswagen, he initiated employee teams. But when he settled in Libertyville in 1972 with his wife, Heide, and his son, Stephan, now 57, and daughter Tonja, now 52, there was no organized soccer program.

"Dad was always very social and likes to volunteer," Stephan said. "He was not a pushy parent but leads by example and always has been good at organizing.

When Stephan was in elementary school, Fatschel remembers talking to a small group of parents about soccer. What started with 40 kids practicing in his backyard grew quickly throughout 1973.

GLSA Executive Director Michael Zovistoski, 47, of Libertyville, said that core group led by Fatschel became the foundation of the organization, which incorporated in 1974.

"(Horst and this board) also led to establishing (elementary and) high school soccer in Lake County. This man has spent half his adult life with this club and facility," Zovistoski said. "He has given everyone here - coaches, administrators, players and families - a platform."

A member of the boards overseeing both the soccer association and the soccer complex, Fatschel has been involved in several key decisions. His efforts have resulted in construction of the soccer complex 28 years ago. The 110-acre soccer complex consists of 48 acres of playing surface. Additions have included an irrigation system, lights to seven fields and converting two fields to artificial turf to allow soccer to be played for more of each year.

He has coached and officiated nearly 6,000 high school and college games and has volunteered to procure and coordinate team uniforms.

Along the way, he has garnered great respect from the community for his dedication and selflessness and a passion that has touched many lives.

"All of us young boys were in awe of him," due to his knowledge and instruction, said Soccer Complex Superintendent Tom Holevas, 52, of Lake Villa, who played under Fatschel in 1977.

Vernon Hills resident Jim Dash, 59, who refereed with Fatschel in the 1990s before Dash became GLSA referee director and board president, said Fatschel has been important to the organization's history and a great source of information.

"A laid-back and thoughtful guy who was always fair but firm, there was never a question about any calls he made during a game. He did his job well, always rendering a terrific service to our community," Dash said.

Fellow referee and board member Roy Lucke of Libertyville said Libertyville would not have the soccer programs or facilities it has today without Fatschel.

"He has been that important. Most of what he has done was done behind the scenes," Lucke said. "He is one of the most dedicated and long-term members of the board who will do anything to accomplish the best results for the players and facility. He is always willing to talk to and mentor younger referees and has a warm and engaging way to be specific and direct while coming across as caring. Few have been more visible than Horst."