Refusing to take credit where it’s due

Soccer coach Robert Horlick and small business owner Inayat Bergum

are at a standoff. Each pointing the finger at the other, in classic

whodunit fashion.

Will the real humanitarian please stand up?

Horlick, the coach, manager and trainer of an AYSO under-14 team,

has nothing but positive things to say about the sponsor of his team

-- a woman he touts with saving his players’ families the burden of

shelling out money for uniforms and equipment in addition to the $75

registration fee.

“I hate to keep asking parents for more and more money, so I sent

out letters to numerous businesses, looking for a sponsor,” he said.

“I got no response, except for this Montessori day care owner. She

didn’t even hesitate.”

Horlick gives a glowing description of his new sponsor, Christian

Montessori of Newport Beach, calling the owner concerned, willing and

generous.

All portrayals that Bergum takes exception to.

“It is not a matter of generosity but a matter of duty to the

community,” Bergum said in a surprisingly stern voice. “We do not

want recognition for this.”

Her tone softened as she explained herself and her commitment to

the girls’ soccer team.

“The people such as Robert and the parents of the children, who

are going through this wonderful discipline of sports who need to be

applauded,” Bergum said. “We are really not the ones to pat on the

back. The pat needs to go to Robert.”

Bergum is giving $200 for the uniform costs and supplying

necessary equipment such as cones and balls for practice. Horlick

sees it as a donation. Bergum sees it as payment for enrichment of

the community.

The two agree on one thing: the value of sports.

“It is such a great thing,” said Horlick, whose daughter will play

keeper for the newly formed team. “It keeps them out of trouble and

teaches them so much.”

Bergum echoed his thoughts and added benefits of well-being to the

list.

“It is something that is very healthy,” she said. “We live in such

an emotional society. We all have so much on our plates, and these

parents and children get out and participate in sports and spend time

together.”

Horlick can be found on the soccer field with his daughter nearly

every day. For two hours, the father-daughter duo practice

goaltending at the park on 23rd Street and Orange Avenue. Nichole,

who is quickly approaching 5-foot-10 at the age of 12, learns to dive

to her weak side, cut off the angles and punt like a pro. Horlick

gladly blasts far-post shots, challenging his daughter’s abilities.

In a few weeks, when soccer season starts, Horlick will do the

same with about 14 other girls for no payment other than the thrill

of watching his team improve throughout the season.

“The discipline involved with coaching and all the things he deals

with, such as the parents and politics,” Bergum said, without

finishing her sentence. “I truly mean this from the bottom of my

heart. It is the very least I can do.”

* LOLITA HARPER writes columns Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and

covers culture and the arts. She may be reached at (949) 574-4275 or

by e-mail at [email protected].