National winner to be named at US Youth Soccer Awards Gala
Twitter: @USYouthSoccer, live announcement of national winner
FRISCO, Texas (Dec. 21, 2016) — US Youth Soccer is pleased to announce the regional winners of the 2016 US Youth Soccer Administrator of the Year award. The Administrator of the Year award honors the extraordinary accomplishments in administration over a lifetime.
The national Administrator of the Year will be announced at the US Youth Soccer Awards Gala on Friday, Jan. 13, at 7:30 p.m., as part of the US Youth Soccer Workshop in Los Angeles, held in conjunction with the NSCAA Convention.
Brief bios of the regional winners are below based on the submitted nomination forms:
Region I – Ann Shapiro – Methuen, Mass.
Making events better for players and coaches is something that Ann Shapiro strives to do for Methuen Youth Soccer. Shapiro redesigned the MYSA website to maximize their online presence and she also implemented a year-round registration process. The year-round registration has allowed more kids to participate in the MYSA program. “Community through Soccer” is a motto that Shapiro came up with for the association that really captures the heart of what Methuen Youth Soccer stands for.
Region II – James H. Waldron – Cincinnati, Ohio.
James H. Waldron has been an active administrator for youth soccer since 1975. Waldron has been a member of Girls Southeast Cincinnati Soccer Association Inc. since 1975, starting as a coach. He was first elected to the Board of Electors in 1976 and then named President in 1977. Furthermore, Waldron was the founder of Cincinnati United Soccer League and has served as president since its founding in 2002. Waldron was also a licensed referee and refereed the first US Youth Soccer Regional Championship in Ohio South.
Region III – Buddy Hawkins – Cape Coral, Fla.
Buddy Hawkins has been involved in soccer for the last 27 years. Hawkins is now the president of the North Fort Myers Soccer Club. Under his leadership, the club has grown from 200 to over 800 players. Hawkins has put together clinics and camps for the players of the North Fort Myers Soccer Club and helped create a positive environment for all players. Additionally, Hawkins is not only willing to lend a helping hand to his own club, but all clubs in the local community.
Region IV – Jeff Smalley – East Olympia, Wash.
Jeff Smalley has served Tumwater Soccer Club for almost a decade in many different ways, including: coach, equipment manager, administrator and club president. As an administrator, Smalley takes pride in leading with good governance and fairness. He is committed to what’s best for players and their families. Smalley has engaged in grassroots efforts to increase the clubs visibility and in turn, his efforts have increased the number of children playing for Tumwater by hundreds.
The US Youth Soccer Workshop will take place in Los Angeles from Jan. 11-15, 2017. The annual Workshop will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center in conjunction with the NSCAA Convention. The week is designed to further the education of coaches, administrators, referees and enthusiasts involved in the game. For more information please visit USYouthSoccer.org/Workshop/NSCAA.