Recreation Winners Vie For National COY.
Eight outstanding youth soccer coaches, who have received their respective regional Coach of the Year awards, will be honored at the US Youth Soccer Awards Gala in Indianapolis, IN.
From these coaches, the National Coach of the Year for recreationboys and girls will be selected at the dinner on Friday, January 18.
BOYS REGIONAL RECREATION
Region I – Camile Louis – Fairfax, VA
Louis has coached recreation soccer in Northern Virginia for 12 years, starting as a volunteer with no soccer experience. Over the years she erned a USSF “E” License and began playing in an adult league.
Region II – Pete Gustin – Olathe, Kan.
Gustin began coaching youth soccer as a parent coach, and even though his youngest child in now in high school, he continues to coach young children as a favor to neighbors who asked him toimart his knowledge of the game on a new generation.
Region III – Thomas Velek – Columbus, Miss.
Velek started a summer pick-u game rogram and coordinated two USSF “D” License courses in Clumbus. He initiated and directed the Columbus TOPSoccer progrm. Has encouraged higher levels of competition, but will not leave any player behind.
Region IV – Mark Paige – Santa Fe, NM
Paige as coaches severl recreational teams at varying age levels and always promotes appreciation for the game and all involved. He revived U-14 recreational teams to give middle school-agd children the option to continue playing at their own desire. Holds USSF “D” License.
GIRLS REGIONAL RECREATION
Region I – Chris Thomas – Lawrenceville, NJ
Thomas holds a USSF “C” License. He stresses enjoyment of the game, while working hard to encourage each player to improve their skills. Currently working to obtain idoor space for recreational players to train.
Region II
Jeff Taylor – Bowling Green, KY.
Taylor was eight-years old in the fall of 1979 when his family was at the forefront of starting youth soccer in Bowling Green. Now 41, Taylor is still involved as a dedicated coach of his daughters’ teams for the last six years.
Region III – Atef Iskander – Tulsa, Okla.
Iskander is currently the coach of the Under-16 girls recreational team at Metro Tulsa Soccer Club. He provides his team with quality leadership and asks that his players approach the game with the same level of respect as he shows.
Region IV – Rob Rittmeyer- Santa Fe, NM
A wide range of children get the opportunity to enjoy playing soccer for Rob Rittmeyer. He is fluent in Spanish, French and sign language. He has coached deaf youth and gives all players equal attention for instructions. Rittmeyer earned a USSF “D” License last summer.