February 22, 2005

Utah Youth Soccer Association Honors Guests at Annual Awards Banquet

The UYSA 2004-2005 Annual Awards Banquet took place on February 4-5 at the Prime Hotel and kicked off the Associations Annual General Meeting weekend by honoring a select few of the many volunteers who dedicate their time, talents, and enthusiasm to benefit the kids of Utah Youth Soccer. With special guests, excellent speakers, and well-deserved awards, the event was an enjoyable evening for all!

The banquet hall was packed full, including numerous new friends from ReAL Salt Lake. BJ Johnson, the Assistant Coach of RSL, took a break from Florida where the team is currently in pre-season training, to be the keynote speaker of the event. In keeping with the spirit of the evening, Johnson spoke of his youth soccer experience and how lucky he was to have devoted coaches and parents "…truckin' [him] around."

Johnson reported that the team is excited to be in Salt Lake and can't wait to start playing. Of course, ReAL will be working hard this inaugural season to win the MLS Cup, but they are also "…all here to help" as the organization is focusing on forming a strong bond with the Utah soccer community. Johnson and other guests from ReAL were proud to be in attendance and see the devoted parents, volunteers, referees, coaches, and staff who make the Utah Youth Soccer Association one of the leading youth soccer organizations in the country!

Guests also enjoyed MLS highlights and a sneak peak at the new movie "The Game of Their Lives" about the underdog 1950 USA Men's World Cup Soccer Team and their journey to put USA soccer on the map. This film will be out in its entirety in select cities including Salt Lake in April. More information is available at http://www.ifcfilms.com. Be sure to catch it!

The evening was dedicated to the tireless efforts of outstanding parents, volunteers, referees, and coaches. Awards were presented to those who make outstanding contributions, from endless hours of work to being a valuable role model, to our youth in the name of soccer.

The Utah Youth Soccer Association would like to thank everyone who contributes his or her time and hard work to make soccer a positive experience for our youth! (Click on each individual's name for a detailed bio.)

Volunteer of the Year Gail Ellison	ReAL Parent of the Year Tisha & Calvin Chipman
Female Youth Referee of the Year Lindsay Ploeger	Male Youth Referee of the Year Adam Webb
Boys Coach of the Year Mike Anderson	Girls Coach of the Year Robyn Bretzing
Kirk Hoecherl Service Award Novell Liston