Another season of hard work and loyal service was recognized at D.C. United's Second Annual Awards Reception this week, as the club handed out individual honors and announced community grant winners for its charity arm, United for D.C.
An undrafted free agent, Bobby Boswell, who was named the team's Humanitarian of the Year, came out of nowhere to fill United's desperate need for a central defender at the start of the season, playing the difficult position with composure beyond his years and becoming a fan favorite in the process. Recognizing the opportunities presented by his visibility as a pro athlete, he also dived headlong into the club's outreach efforts, regularly traveling to schools, hospitals and community events across the Washington metro area.
"I think I'm in a position now when I talk to kids and people who are a little less advantaged than others, they listen to me," he said. "I try to take advantage of that, and tell them that there are people out there that can help them, and I would like to be one of those people."
The team's morning training sessions leave players' schedules open most afternoons, and Boswell committed much of that time to helping others with United for D.C.
"I'm fortunate that I have time during the day where I can go to schools and hospitals and camps, whatever they have set up," he said. "I try to do at least one a week. Giving back to the community is important to us."
The Florida International graduate encountered his own share of struggles this season, conceding three frustrating own goals and losing his starting spot with the arrival of Argentinean signing Facundo Erpen. But he earned respect for handling the setbacks with poise and perseverance.
"I think everyone gives it their best in practice and that's what makes us the team that we are," he said after being relegated to the bench. "I'm just going to keep working and hopefully improve as a player. I'd like to be out there playing, but if (coach Peter Nowak) doesn't see it that way this week, then I've just got to go back to work and try to earn a spot next week."
Boswell encountered a variety of people and places in his many community appearances, though he cited a visit to Washington's Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind as one of the more memorable experiences.
"A lot of times you go into things not knowing what you're going to get," he said. "You don't know what the group's going to be like, if they're going to be happy, sad, motivated or unmotivated, so you just try to go in there with a lot of energy. It's been a lot of fun for me."
Boswell's rapid development on the field earned him an upgraded contract in April, but his rookie's salary still precludes him from lavish charitable donations. Instead, he's focused on making contributions of a different sort.
"My biggest thing is, I try to be genuine," he said. "When I go, and I tell them that I'm going to come back, I make sure that I go back. I do care, I enjoy doing what I do, and I think that goes pretty far.
"I am going to keep doing it as much as I can. I would like to be able to give money back, but right now I don't have that -- all I have is time, so I continue to give my time where it's needed."
Charles Boehm is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
