2017 TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year Award winner to be honored at Awards Gala
FRISCO, Texas (Dec. 20, 2017) — US Youth Soccer is pleased to recognize the accomplishments of the national winner and nominees for the 2017 US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year award, which honors a role model who creates a fun learning experience as a mentor, advocate, coach or administrator.
US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a community-based training and team placement program for young athletes with disabilities.
The national TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year will be honored at the US Youth Soccer Awards Gala on Saturday, Jan. 20, at 7:30 p.m., as part of the US Youth Soccer Workshop in Philadelphia, held in conjunction with the United Soccer Coaches Convention.
National TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year Award Winner:
Abbey Wills – Amissville, Va. (EAST)
Wills has won national awards in English, Spanish and Latin, but those close to her say her real talent is her ability to communicate and interact with her TOPSoccer athletes. She has volunteered with the program for five years and is a nationally certified TOPSoccer coach. Wills continues to be a valuable asset to all involved in TOPSoccer and has organized several events to promote TOPSoccer in her community, including arranging for her entire high school team to volunteer with the program.
Other National Award Nominees:
MIDWEST – Chris George – Lexington, Ky.
George got involved with TOPSoccer through a service class that required 10 volunteer hours with the program. His 60 hours far exceeded that requirement, and he’s now spent six seasons as a buddy.
SOUTH – Natalie Bress – Melbourne Beach, Fla.
Starting at 11 as the youngest of a group that started Beachside TOPSoccer, Bress has helped run the program for five years. In that time, she’s done everything from coaching to recruiting new buddies.
WEST – Kenna Casey – Chandler, Ariz.
Casey is a valuable member of her TOPSoccer program who can contribute in a variety of roles. She has helped promote the program at her school and served as a mentor for younger teams through a Buddy Team Program.
The US Youth Soccer Workshop will be held in Philadelphia from Jan. 17-21, 2018. The annual Workshop will take place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in conjunction with the United Soccer Coaches 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/USC.