Running down a dream

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

It all started when Don D’Ambra was about 6 years old and spent his free time kicking a soccer ball around the streets of Philadelphia.
Now the Frankford native is touring the globe with the Philadelphia KiXX and trying to help other children score the same opportunities he had.
D’Ambra has been involved with the Children’s Miracle Network for 11 years. He often volunteers his time and efforts to the kids at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in Center City.
"I try to give back to kids there," he said. "Everything we do with the KiXX involves children. This is our way of giving back and becoming positive role models. To be able to make them smile is incredible. And it feels great to be able to give back."
And when the professional athlete isn’t making miracles a reality at CHOP, he spends his time coaching the Washington Township Vipers, a South Jersey travel soccer team for 9-year-old players.
"I first got involved because my daughter is on the team," said D’Ambra. "But I love going out and spending time with these kids. It’s a stress release. And I think it’s important to develop them at such a young age."
D’Ambra now lives in New Jersey with his wife Leslie and three daughters, Samantha, Kylie and Milana — all of whom love to play soccer.
"It’s all about the children," he continued. "I love my children. I enjoy working with children. It’s a perfect fit."
Before he was teaching the sport, D’Ambra got his start on the soccer field at North Catholic High School. The 1990 North graduate earned a full scholarship to St. Joseph’s University, where he continued his soccer career.
"The character of North was great," he said. "I met a lot of great teachers and friends there. I think the blue-collar mentality of playing and working hard really helped me. It taught me work ethic."
After his St. Joe’s days, D’Ambra was drafted by the Milwaukee Wave, and later heard about the Philadelphia KiXX. The KiXX organization had joined the National Professional Soccer League (NPSL) in 1996.
And so it was home sweet home for D’Ambra.
"This is where I grew up," he said. "It’s amazing to see all those banners being raised in the Wachovia Spectrum. That’s where I went to see 76ers and Flyers games when I was a kid. It’s an honor to play in that stadium."
It didn’t take long for the Philly team to experience success. The KiXX posted their 100th win in the 2000-01 season. That same year, the team advanced to the NPSL finals for the first time but lost to the Milwaukee Wave.
The following year, the KiXX joined the newly organized Major Indoor Soccer League. After a successful run in the regular season, the KiXX faced the Wave in the finals once again. And this time, they came out on top, earning their first league championship.
In 2002, D’Ambra took over coaching and led the KiXX to 10 straight victories at home. They entered the playoffs with a 24-12 record but were knocked out by the Baltimore Blast in the semifinals.
"It’s different being the head coach and a player," said D’Ambra. "Obviously you have to be prepared mentally for your own game, but also manage twenty other adults. As player and coach you want to practice what you preach on the field.
"It gets easier and easier every year," he added. "I rely on the leadership of the team to enforce what I’m trying to instill into the program."
D’Ambra is joined by fellow KiXX veterans Peter Pappas, Pat Morris, Drew Kopp and Shawn Boney. They have put some impressive points on the scoreboard over the years and helped the KiXX defeat the Detroit Ignition, 13-8, in the 2007 MISL championship on April 21.
"I think the team has a good tradition now," said D’Ambra. "We have a reputation for being a successful organization. In beginning, you don’t have an identity to the team. But over the years we have had players that established themselves. Now, everyone knows who the Kixx are."
In their 11-year existence, the KiXX have taken part in postseason play 10 times. And much of that success can be attributed to their star forward.
D’Ambra tallied his 100th assist with the KiXX in 2002 and his 250th goal in 2004. He leads the team in all-time points (707) and total goals (318). This season, D’Ambra led the team in points, with 85, and posted the second-most assists with 18.
"I push myself to contribute offensively," said D’Ambra. "I’m a competitor. That’s my job. At the end of the day you want to succeed. My role with the team is to score, and I do my best to make that happen."
D’Ambra’s exceptional talent and passion for soccer have earned him a spot on the U.S. Futsal team, a national men’s team that is in Rio de Janeiro to compete in the Pan American Games.
Futsal is a challenging indoor soccer game invented in Brazil. It is played on a field roughly the size of a basketball court. There are no walls and the ball is smaller and heavier than traditional soccer balls.
"It is much more challenging and requires much more skill," D’Ambra said during recent a phone interview before his departure for Brazil. "But to represent your country is always an honor. You want to win a medal, and competing against other countries is very exciting. I’ve never been in Brazil before, so I’m excited to see it. It’s one of the powerhouses in soccer."
The U.S. team is composed of athletes from the Milwaukee Wave, Detroit Ignition, Chicago Storm, Baltimore Blast, California Cougars and, of course, the Philadelphia KiXX. The athletes will face off against Argentina, Ecuador and Costa Rica during the overseas tournament.
"To wear a U.S. jersey there is still an incredible feeling," said D’Ambra. "This is a dream come true. When I first started playing soccer as a kid, there was no professional team in Philly. But that is what’s so exciting for young kids now — there’s a pro team in your hometown. It gives youngsters something to dream about. And that’s what it’s all about." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com