Washington’s Joe Matthews and Georgia’s Steve Reid honored at Awards Gala
LOS ANGELES (Jan. 13, 2017) — The recipients of the 2016 US Youth Soccer Recreation Coach of the Year award for Boys and Girls were announced tonight at the US Youth Soccer Awards Gala, held in conjunction with the 2017 US Youth Soccer Workshop at the NSCAA Convention in Los Angeles. The national US Youth Soccer Recreation Coaches of the Year award winners are Joe Matthews of Woodinville, Wash., (Girls) and Steve Reid of Tucker, Ga., (Boys).
Hilary Kennedy, host of The US Youth Soccer Show, set the stage for the night as the master of ceremonies for the more than 1,000 in attendance. Boys and Girls Competitive Coaches of the Year, Young Referees of the Year, Administrator of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Goal and Save of the Year, TOPSoccer Buddy and Coach of the Year, the Dr. Thomas Fleck Award, and the latest US Youth Soccer Hall of Fame inductee were honored, as well.
Player safety, having fun and developing soccer skills are three coaching philosophies that Joe Matthews has for his team every season. Matthews empowers his players to make decisions and communicate among themselves during a match. Avoiding injuries in teenage girls is important to Matthews, so he holds extra conditioning sessions to ensure the safety of his players. Moreover, Matthews and his team do community service in their area by volunteering at the local community kitchen.
In April of 2015, Steve Reid suffered from an aneurysm, which led to a stroke, and he was in a medically induced coma for 26 days. When he first came out of a coma, he asked, “Will I still be able to coach?” That alone shows the passion and dedication Steve Reid has for his team and the sport of soccer. His soccer career has stretched over the last 40 years, and he has often been described as the type of person who makes those around him better.
Recipients of the Recreation Coach of the Year awards are selected by the US Youth Soccer Awards Gala Committee on the basis of sportsmanship, player development, personal coaching development and community involvement (citizenship).
For bios on each of the regional award winners, click here.
These coaches have committed to continued education and self-sacrifice to give back to the sport they love with the hope that they might enhance one of their players abilities and quality of life. US Youth Soccer is proud to highlight these Recreation Coaches of the Year for their time and efforts in contributing to America's youth through the great game of soccer. By promoting teamwork, discipline, fitness and fair play these coaches are making a difference.
For more information about the US Youth Soccer Awards Gala and award winners, go to USYouthSoccer.org/workshop/galaawards.