Playing for Green, Mansfield Youth Soccer's inaugural soccer marathon last Saturday, was a big hit, Fields of Green Chairwoman Kelly Kemp reports.

Not only did the weather cooperate, but more than 250 youth and adults played soccer. And, after more than 12 hours of playing soccer, the White team beat the Green team, 60 goals to 55 goals.

The all-day event raised more than $15,000 for Fields of Green, which is the soccer association's campaign to raise $1 million to build synthetic turf fields at Mansfield's Plymouth Street sports complex.

"It was a fun day for everyone," Kemp said. "Especially the adults. They had fun playing soccer in front of their children - we're usually on the sidelines cheering on our kids." She also thanked the day's sponsors and volunteers for their help.

She added: "Next year, we hope to have even more families participate in this day - and eventually hold it on a turf field at Plymouth Street." Two students honored

Kristina Rothchild and Patrick Maloney, two students at Qualters Middle School in Mansfield, were recently honored at the eighth annual Middle Level Scholar Leader Awards Banquet at the DCU Center in Worcester.

Rothchild and Maloney were honored for demonstrating academic initiative and scholarship, providing service to classmates and their school, exemplifying positive attitudes, and demonstrating leadership in the classroom.

At the banquet, Robert C. Spear, director of the New England League of Middle Schools, spoke to the 700 guests - including 128 eighth-grade students from 64 different schools - and praised the students for their willingness to help others and for choosing to aspire to excellence.

Boosters Club fundraiser

leaves them laughing

The Mansfield High School Boosters' Club recently hosted their annual comedy night, and club Vice President Rose Bryant reports it was a great success, featuring magician Steve Kradolfer and headliner Mike McDonald. The evening raised more than $2,000 to support the high school's various sports teams.

Along with the pair of entertainers, Bryant said the group wants to thank the following individuals: Karen McHugh, Dave Cinnell, caterer Mike Champagne, Margaret Conaty, Helen Malone, and Coaches Anastos, Collins, Connon, DeGirolamo, Frazier, Frias and Redding. The club also thanks those who provided raffle items.

TED NESI covers Mansfield. He can be reached at 508-236-333 or at tnesi@thesunchronicle.com.