08/07/2026
Honoring Becky McLaren
The Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA) posthumously inducted Becky McLaren into the FYSA Hall of Fame during the recent AGM ceremony in Orlando. Becky gave over twenty years of passionate service, leadership, and mentorship to both FYSA and SFUYSA, leaving an enduring mark on Florida soccer.
At the recent FYSA Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Orlando, the youth soccer community came together to celebrate the extraordinary life of Rebecca "Becky" McLaren by posthumously inducting her into the prestigious FYSA Hall of Fame. Far from just a soccer volunteer, Becky balanced a highly decorated 37-year corporate career with a deep devotion to community service, youth sports safety, and fraternal leadership.
A Pillar of South Florida Soccer
Becky committed nearly three decades to local and statewide youth sports. Her impact was felt most acutely at the South Florida United Youth Soccer Association (SFUYSA), where she was fiercely respected for her firm but fair leadership as the Disciplinary Chairperson (Red Card Chair). In this vital role, she earned a reputation for being strictly "by the book," yet she approached every case with ultimate integrity and an unwavering desire to protect the good of the game.
Her dedication to youth soccer elevated her to the Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA) Board of Directors, where she served faithfully in a variety of roles. Becky’s influence expanded nationally through her vital work drafting player safety frameworks on the U.S. Youth Soccer National Risk Management Committee and the Southern Regional Committee. Today, teams that compete with absolute honor are still awarded the Becky McLaren Award for Outstanding Sportsmanship in her memory.
Corporate Excellence & Community Impact
Outside of the soccer fields, Becky’s professional and philanthropic life was equally impactful:
American Airlines (37 Years): Becky gave nearly four decades of flawless service to American Airlines. To celebrate her historic career milestone and professional dedication, the carrier bestowed a rare honor by naming a commercial airplane in her name.
The "Magic Flight": She spent years merging her aviation network with charity, spearheading initiatives like the "Magic Flight" program to fly children with critical illnesses to special destinations.
Theta Phi Alpha Sorority: A sister since 1982, Becky devoted decades of volunteerism to her fraternity. She eventually climbed into executive leadership, serving as the Foundation Director for the national Theta Phi Alpha Foundation, managing educational grants and philanthropic funds.
This FYSA Hall of Fame induction honors a master organizer, a fierce defender of fairness, and a leader who spent her life showing up for others.
https://sfuysa.com/articles/677
