Utah Youth Soccer held their most successful AGM, SoccerFest and Awards Luncheon this past Saturday. If you missed it you missed a great soccer weekend.

Our final event of the weekend was our REAL Awards Luncheon. The lucky winner of a REAL sponsored trip to the MLS cup was Pat Sebring. Winners of the REAL game tickets and half time festivities were Orden Yost and Lorean Borrowman. Thank you REAL for your partnership and the generous prizes.

We enjoyed listening to Bill Riley and his remarks about the influence of sports in his life. At the Awards Luncheon we were able to recognize our outstanding volunteers within Utah Youth Soccer. These volunteers will be Utah Youth Soccer's nominees to Region IV in September.

A heartfelt thank you to all of the volunteers within Utah Youth Soccer. We recognize that game of soccer would not be what it is today in Utah without the countless hours that each volunteer donates to the youth of Utah. The 2008 outstanding Volunteers are:

Parent of the Year
Debbie John - The true definition of "soccer mom".
Long Nguyen - His enthusiasm for the game rubs off on all those around him.

Volunteer of the Year
Mary Ann Essig - Tireless worker on behalf of the youth player.
Kermit Winslow - True example of sportsmanship to his players and parents.
Tracey Winslow - She is there for all of it, wherever there is a need she takes care of it.

Coach of the Year - Boys
David Newman - A great role model - his players want to be "just like him".

Coach of the Year - Girls
Chris Oberle - Works hard to educate players and parents.

Young Referee of the Year - Male
Andy Haycock - Is a well rounded referee and uses his knowledge gained as a player and coach as he referees.

Service Awards
Leisa Vineyard - Past President and has served many years within all levels of Utah Youth Soccer.
Paul Brockbank - Former League President and served as a member of the Board of Directors as the Recreation Director.
Alan Jones - Former District Chairperson and member of the Board of Directors

Kirk Hoerchel Lifetime Service Award
This is the highest award that is given out for Utah Youth Soccer. The individual chosen exemplifies the highest standards of volunteerism and has served for many years. This years award was presented by Arnold Wilcox winner to Tom Borrowman, former League President, District Chairperson, Director of Development, Treasurer, Referee and many other volunteer roles. Thank you Tom for a Lifetime of Service to the players and Utah Youth Soccer Association.

We are making changes to the Awards that are presented each year. You are now able to make the following nominatations; Recreation Coach of the Year - Girls, Recreation Coach of the Year - Boys, Competitive Coach of the Year - Girls, Competitive Coach of the Year - Boys, Administrator of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Young Referee of the Year- male and female-, Goal of the Year and Save of the Year. Everyone should be looking at the volunteers around them and submitting those nominations.

Applications for consideration for the 2009 AGM and SoccerFest will be available online and are due to Utah Youth Soccer September 10, 2008.