Dubbed “The Father of Madison Soccer” by local media outlets, Keith “Dusty” Binns has stood witness to the evolution of soccer in the united state for fifty-plus years -- patiently nudging players in the greater Madison community to branch out by starting the area’s first soccer club, encouraging youngsters to hone their skills by competing abroad, and continuing to play well into his seventies.

Keith started playing as a wee lad in his home country of England and continued playing in the Wisconsin State Major League after coming to the United States in the 1950s. He is a licensed coach, served on the Wisconsin Soccer Association state board, was a founding member of the Madison Area Youth Soccer Association, the Wisconsin Soccer Coaches Association, and started the first women’s soccer team in Madison.

Read a recent article about Keith and his book "Alive & Kicking"by Doug Moe from the Madison Capital Times Newspaper -- click here.

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A soccer player remembers the time when...

Before joining Madison United Soccer team, I had heard a story about a 70 plus year old man playing in the Madison soccer league. Just like the Loch Ness monster and Bigfoot, I passed it off as an urban or folk legend. However, during only my second game ever with Madison United, to help fill a short-sided team Keith took to the field one Saturday afternoon. As I watched Keith play the game I was amazed, awestruck and inspired and I hadn’t even met the man yet. I had similar feelings after sharing a pint with him after the game and learning of his intriguing past. I am a better person for having known Keith Binns, and unlike the witnesses at Loch Ness I KNOW that what I have seen is true!

Thanks Keith!

Vince Purpero.