Silvio (Foggy) Nero didn’t receive a diploma from Derby High School because he left to fight in WW II. He received it Friday evening. Credit: Photo by Eugene Driscoll

Derby boys soccer and football played their first games Friday, Sept. 20 2019 on a new, $3 million multi-purpose field paid for by a state grant.

A new track surrounds the field.

More photos are available here.

Teams that will use the multi-purpose field include:

Catherine Mary Cable Kelleher, (center) of Derby, is the city’s oldest former cheerleader. She was part of a coin toss to start the game. She asked the players if they wanted her to come out for a few plays Credit: Photo by Eugene Driscoll

  • Girls Soccer
  • Boys Soccer

The Derby girls soccer team. Credit: Photo by Eugene Driscoll

  • Football
  • Girls Cross-country

The Derby High School softball team. Credit: Photo by Eugene Driscoll

  • Boys Cross-country
  • Boys Outdoor track
  • Girls Outdoor track

Members of the Derby High School soccer team. Credit: Photo by Eugene Driscoll

Next door is a $20 million field house and baseball/softball field, paid for by Joan Payden (President/CEO/Founder of Payden & Rygel) in honor of her father, a Derby High School graduate.

To mark the historic day, Derby honored the oldest former football player and cheerleader — Silvio (Foggy) Nero and Catherine Mary Cable Kelleher.

Derby football players. Credit: Photo by Eugene Driscoll

Nero didn’t receive a diploma from Derby High School because he left to fight in WW II. He received it before the game Friday.