Coach Gordon McClay

In the 1960s, Gordon McClay and his brother Ken McClay moved to Franklin. Their father, US Soccer Hall of Fame inductee Allan McClay had been helping grow the sport in the United States since he arrived to the country in the early 20th century. The brothers started teaching their sons the game when they were 7-8 years old. Together with others, they established the Franklin Youth Soccer Association in 1967.

Gordon and Ken looked ahead to high school for their children and did not see a soccer program there. Working with others, the McClays petitioned the FHS Athletic Director Jerry Leone. Responding to multiple denials by the School Committee, the youth soccer leaders addressed all of the concerns including providing equipment and field preparation. The initial uniforms were hand-me-downs from another athletic program. The last piece of the puzzle was to find a coach.

With his involvement in the youth soccer program, Gordon McClay was a logical choice to lead the start-up Boys Varsity Soccer program and Franklin High School (FHS). Gordon stepped up, telling Leone and the School Committee that he would serve for one year to give them an opportunity to find the next coach. He shared his passion for the game with his sons and their classmates. One of Ken's grandsons went on to play professionally.