Virginia’s Patrick Casey honored at Awards Gala
LOS ANGELES (Jan. 13, 2017) — Patrick Casey of Nokesville, Va., was honored as the 2016 US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year award recipient Friday night at the US Youth Soccer Awards Gala, held in conjunction with the 2017 US Youth Soccer Workshop at the NSCAA Convention in Los Angeles. US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer is the outreach program for soccer.
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 people in attendance. Boys and Girls Recreation and Competitive Coaches of the Year, Young Referee of the Year, Administrator of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Goal and Save of the Year, TOPSoccer Coach of the Year, the Dr. Thomas Fleck Award, and the latest US Youth Soccer Hall of Fame inductee were honored, as well.
Patrick D. Casey is a positive role model for many TOPSoccer athletes. Forming a relationship with each athlete is a high priority for him. Casey has been a TOPSoccer volunteer for five years, and has been described as “patient, caring and enthusiastic” by his peers. Casey is a nationally certified TOPSoccer coach, a summer camp TOPSoccer coach and he promotes TOPSoccer at various community events. Moreover, Casey has a 4.1 GPA and he is in the top 10 percent of his class.
The recipient of the TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year award is selected by the US Youth Soccer Awards Gala Committee on the basis of his or her demonstration of patience, understanding, dependability, flexibility and the ability to adjust to ever-changing on-field situations. The Buddy of the Year is an invaluable volunteer who facilitates the program by filling many roles, including being a coach, cheerleader and role model as well as assisting when needed with administrative responsibilities. Other important qualities of the buddy are engaging with players one-on-one, modeling desired behavior and being cognizant of player safety. Buddies assist, guide, direct and teach the game of soccer and its skills while creating a fun learning experience.
For bios on each of the regional award winners, click here.
For more information about the US Youth Soccer Awards Gala and award winners, go to USYouthSoccer.org/workshop/galaawards. To find out more about TOPSoccer, go to /programs/TOPSoccer.asp.