The UYSA AGM started off with our annual awards banquet Friday night where we honored our volunteers of the year. Sever weather in Texas delayed our keynote speaker, US Youth Director of Coaching, Sam Snow, however RSL General Manager, Steve Pastorino, and retired RSL player, Brian Dunseth, stepped up and made a great presentation for our guests. After dinner, our volunteers were honored with awards and great words of appreciation.

Saturday featured the morning business meeting and luncheon. RSL players, Joey Worthen and Mehdi Ballouchy, spoke on their experience playing youth soccer through to the pros. RSL Coach, John Ellinger and Pastorino gave a presentation on the outlook for the 2007 season. As an exclusive for UYSA members, the new RSL players were presented for the first time. UYSA members had a chance to meet each one, get autographs, and visit.

The severe weather in Texas couldn't keep US Youth Soccer's Director of Coaching Education Sam Snow away for long, and although bad weather canceled his flight from Dallas on Friday, Sam was able to find another flight and make it in time to perform as our Super Soccer Saturday guest clinician.

Coach Snow conducted two sessions: Kicking Balls for U-10 and younger players, and 4 v 4 Games for U-11 and older players. The sessions were outstanding and the player's truly enjoyed themselves. "It is evident why Coach Snow serves in his current position -- he has a unique ability to connect with and teach player's at all levels and abilities in a fun, challenging, and positive learning environment. It was an honor to have Coach Snow attend our Soccer Saturday; and we look forward to his return for future events," said State Technical Director Greg Maas.

UYSA would like to thank Real Salt Lake and all of our sponsors, the staff and volunteers who put on the AGM, as well as all of the members who came to the event. Please see below for our award winners and sponsors.

UYSA Award Winners:

Volunteer of the Year: Shelley Gillwald

Real Parent of the Year: Kimberle Huefner

Female Youth Referee of the Year: Britney A. Wells

Male Youth Referee of the Year: James Baggaley

Boys Coach of the Year: Morgan Carlson

Girls Coach of the Year: Bruce Cuppett

Special Awards: Eric Blommer, Rick Hennage, Tina Patterson

Kirk Hoecherl Award: Arnold Wilcox

Sponsors:

Crown Trophy, www.crowntrophy.com
Elite Trophies & Awards/Next Level Sportswear
Joe's Trophies & Gifts, www.joestrophiesandgifts.com
Real Salt Lake, www.realsaltlake.com
SCORE, American Soccer Co., www.scoresports.com
SCORE GOAL - Utah Futsal, www.utahfutsal.com
Sports Pins International, www.sportspins.com
Sweeet Soccer Sleeves
Tot Shots Sport Photography, www.1photo.com
UK International Soccer Camps, Inc., www.uksocca.com
Varsity Soccer/Select, www.selectgear.com