GroClix Proud to Support 8 Years of the Jacob Roger Poulin Foundation Tournament

This past weekend marked the 8th Annual Jacob Roger Poulin Foundation Soccer Tournament — a hometown tradition that continues to grow in impact and meaning each year.

GroClix was proud to once again play a part in the event, both helping facilitate and serving as a proud sponsor alongside other local businesses that share the same passion for community and connection.

Typically hosted at Tedford Memorial Park (formerly Brookside Park) in Ellington, this year’s tournament was held at the Star Hill Family Athletic Center in Tolland due to weather — and the energy, excitement, and community spirit were as strong as ever.

Over the past seven tournaments, this annual event has raised more than $70,000 in Jacob’s name — funding scholarships and creating opportunities for local kids, while keeping his memory and spirit alive through something he loved most: play.

Remembering Jacob Roger Poulin

Jacob Roger Poulin was just five years old when he passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. Even at such a young age, he had a remarkable way of touching the lives of everyone who knew him.

Jacob was known for his constant smile, his kind heart, and his love for being active and outdoors. He loved soccer, loved his friends, and carried a sense of joy that was impossible to ignore. Above all, he was known for his kindness and sportsmanship — the same qualities that have become the foundation of this tournament’s legacy.



The Jacob Roger Poulin Foundation was established to honor that spirit. Through community events like this soccer tournament, the Foundation raises money in Jacob’s name to fund scholarships, create opportunities for kids, and bring people together in celebration of the values he represented — compassion, perseverance, and positivity.

For Nick Desrocher, founder of GroClix, this tournament has always felt personal.

More than eight years ago, Nick and his family partnered with the Poulin family to bring this idea to life. What started as a small community fundraiser quickly turned into one of Ellington’s most meaningful annual traditions — a day that combines competition, joy, and a shared sense of purpose.

GroClix founder, Nicholas Desrocher, speaks with players and parents before the start of the 8th Annual Jacob Roger Poulin Foundation Tournament — sharing a few words about Jacob’s story, the meaning behind the event, and the power of coming together as a community.

A Day of Community, Connection, and Gratitude

This year’s tournament brought together players of all ages, families cheering on from the sidelines, and sponsors who make the event possible year after year.

GroClix was honored to stand alongside an incredible lineup of local supporters, including Spectrum Insurance, Ben Shaffer Recreation, KG Roofing, Deer Valley Townhomes, Frank’s Landscape Construction, Anchor Construction, A&D Portable Rentals, Kitchen’s by Bruce, and The Barn Yard.

This year’s tournament introduced a fun new tradition — “Jacob's Justice League” who joined in select games to keep the energy light, ease tension, and remind everyone what the day is truly about. Pictured: GroClix founder, Nick Desrocher (right), with his brother, Kevin Desrocher, helping bring smiles and positivity to the field in honor of Jacob’s legacy.

As the event came to a close, Jacob’s mother, Sarah Poulin, shared a heartfelt message that summed up the spirit of the day. "Thank you for making this event all that it's supposed to be." Those simple words carried deep meaning for everyone involved — a reminder of why this tournament exists and how it continues to capture the heart of the community each year.

A Legacy That Lives On

Every match played, every cheer from the sidelines, and every dollar raised adds to a growing legacy of kindness and togetherness.

For GroClix, this event represents more than just sponsorship — it represents everything the company stands for: empathy, partnership, and community growth.

"We’re so thankful to take part in meaningful community events like this one,” Nick said. “GroClix was founded to help people grow — not just in business, but as a community. And this tournament is a perfect example of that."

The tournament continues to remind everyone why it started — to honor a young boy whose life, though short, left a lifelong mark on everyone around him. The laughter, camaraderie, and goodwill shared each year show that Jacob’s story continues to bring people together — and that his light is still shining brightly in Ellington.