Every Thanksgiving morning a dedicated group of local soccer players have laced up their cleats without fail. The tradition started in 1972 at Lockwood Junior High School, marking this year as the incredible 50th anniversary. For the past 48 years the lightheaded pickup game has taken place at CCRI where many of the members attended and played soccer. While many of the originals are no longer there, the outing has become a multi-generational family affair. Original player Charlie Thurston said, “No matter what the weather every Thanksgiving we played, in the rain, the snow, the sleet. Some years if it was to bad to play we’d still show up and kick the ball around just to keep the tradition alive. We played no matter what”. Pictured are, back row from left: Jeff Perry, David Bortes, Gary Tousignant, James “ Ribsy” Morehead, Joe Grimaldi, Tim Bowman, Joao Silva, Javier Lopez and front row: Jon Carson, Alex Bortes, Andrew Bortes, Keith Grimaldi and Charlie Thurston. (Photo by Kate Carberry)