FARMINGTON — A pleasant and positive attitude of encouragement for not only his child but other soccer players earned Andrew Robinson recognition Sunday as Farmington Recreation Department’s “favorite fan.”

The assistant district attorney was presented the John Boutilier Memorial Award. He sported a new red, department windbreaker Monday, given to him as part of the award. He wore it in jest in front of other employees in his county office but spoke modestly of the honor given him.

The department “does so much for my family … and they want to honor me. It just blows my mind,” he said Monday in front of the county courthouse.

His children Zeke, 10, and Gabe, 8, participate in programs offered by the department. The older child is still in the department’s soccer program while the younger participates in Joel Smith’s traveling soccer league. Between the two, weekends lately are spent following the games, he said.

“I like having active kids,” he said. “I also like it that the department offers a sport for every season.” He also likes the new windbreaker, he said.

His name is now posted on a plaque hung at the Community Center on Middle Street showing people who, like Boutilier, have supported and shown unending enthusiasm for the department’s soccer and junior pro basketball leagues, Director Steve Shible said.

The favorite fan award started in 1997  as a bi-annual recognition of parents or spectators who “openly encourage all contestants to do their best and always display respect and appreciation for the efforts of players, coaches and officials,” according to the plaque.

The name was changed as a memorial to John Boutilier, a former baseball coach and parent who demonstrated his enthusiasm for all sports. He was the loudest person, encouraging everyone and making people smile because of the way he acted. He passed away from cancer, Shible said.

The award acknowledges more than the individual and serves as an example of good sportsmanship, a value the department wants to impart to the nearly 200 children involved in this fall’s soccer program.

“It’s the spirit of it, the sportsmanship,” Robinson said while relating how he likes to let other team members know when they’ve made an awesome play.

The values of good sportsmanship, ones not only expected on the field but also from fans and spectators, are an example to the children in grades one to six who participate in soccer, Shible said. As students get involved in middle and high school sports, parents sometimes get more involved in officials’ calls and decisions. Parental fans and their support is recognized as a big part of what the department does but showing good sportsmanship is an important part of this award, he said.

Shible and Assistant Director Joe Nelson watch the crowds at games looking for the one, sometimes couple, “who seem to be a great example, cheering for everyone regardless of team,” Shible said.

As this year’s recipient, Robinson comes across positive and upbeat, natural and someone who’s always smiling about what’s going on.

“Win or lose, he’s very positive and there’s always a smile on his face,” Shible said.

[email protected]