Earle Smith moved to the Elk Grove community in 1968 with his wife, Patty. It is here in Elk Grove that Earle and Patty raised their family.
He became involved with many community activities such as The Western Festival and Home Field Advantage. Many years prior to Home Field Advantage, in 1976, Earle found not only his calling, but his passion.
In approximately 1976, Earle’s son began to play soccer. Earle wanted to make sure that the children not only learned the rules of the game, but also learned about teamwork and good sportsmanship. At this time, the Elk Grove Youth Soccer League (EGYSL) was fairly new and in need of volunteers. Earle had never played soccer before, barely even knew the rules, but he was willing to learn. He took classes and learned the rules of the game. From 1976 to approximately 1995, Earle could be found coaching and refereeing both recreational and competitive soccer in the Elk Grove community. Earle coached both of his children; his son for more than 20 years, his daughter for 13. Not only did Earle coach and referee, but he could also be found on Saturday mornings mowing and chalking the field, hanging nets, and putting up corner flags. Because of Earle’s great reputation, Elk Grove High School asked him to announce their night games. Earle did this, along with writing an article in the Elk Grove Citizen, Kicking Around Elk Grove, for many years without pay.
If you needed to find Earle on a Saturday, all you needed to do was drive by the soccer field located at Joseph Kerr Middle School. He was a fan of the sport and a fan of all players. It did not matter if Earle knew any of the players; He enjoyed watching and recognizing skilled play along with teamwork and good sportsmanship.
The community of Elk Grove, has established a scholarship in the memory of Earle. Earle's family, including Randy (class of '63), and Glenna (class of '65) cannot think of a better way to honor Earle and all that he has done for the Elk Grove Community.