Thank you for supporting the spirit of youth soccer, goodwill, and dedication on and off the field by contributing to the Roger Vargas Athletic Scholarship Fund! 

The annual scholarship helps offset the costs of soccer training, equipment and travel for Tompkins County, NY youths who represent the values of hustle and friendship. The scholarship is designed to support members of immigrant communities and/or underrepresented groups, as well as players whose families could benefit from financial assistance. 

The scholarship honors Rogelio (Roger) Vargas (1971-2022), whose contributions to the soccer community in the greater Ithaca, NY area touched the lives of countless people. 

Born in Mexico City, Roger moved to the United States after high school and played professional soccer for the Albany Alleycats. He moved to the Ithaca area in 2004 with his wife, Maria, and their daughter, Yessenia. Deeply involved in the local community, Roger was a co-founder of LIFA Soccer Club in Lansing, NY. 

Roger loved to bring together people from all walks of life for soccer, fellowship, and fun. The Roger Vargas Athletic Scholarship attempts to promote the drive, inclusiveness, and devotion to community with which Roger lived his life. 

Awarded on a rolling basis, the scholarship provides a modest cash award for a player or players nominated by youth coaches in the area and selected by the Roger Vargas Scholarship Committee. Thank you!