February 21, 2004

Messenger Returns to the Board
Peter Unwin's Distinguished Tenure Ends With District 6 Elections

District 6 relies on veteran leadership. In its recent set of district elections, former UYSA President Richard H. Messenger was elected to serve a two-year term on the Association's Board of Directors as Chairman of District 6. Messenger succeeds Peter Unwin, whose term expired after approximately five years.

President Paul C. Burke offered congratulations to Messenger on his election and thanks to Unwin for years of dedicated service. "Besides bringing an accent that reminded me of my year at Oxford University in England, Peter brought valuable insights and perspective to the Board of Directors. He handled difficult situations with integrity and grace. Even more importantly, Peter has always kept his focus on how the decisions of the Board affected players in the neighborhoods of his community. It is my hope that Peter's service to the soccer community will continue in other roles."

Burke also welcomed Messenger back to the Board of the Directors after an interruption of service of less than a month. Messenger's tenure on the Board as past president had ended in January. "Richard's record of service to the Association is unmatched. It is not an accident that Richard's name appears on plaques in the State Office," Burke said. "It is often said that those who forget the past are doomed to relive it. Thanks to Richard's extensive history of service to the Association, we know that our Board will benefit from his experience."