Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer

As in years past, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer was again flooded with nominations for our annual awards. And, as in years past, it was not easy for this organization to select the winners. The nominees were celebrated with countless letters of support from coaches, parents and players. In the end, everyone was a winner. 

 

“Both the nominees, and the winners of our state awards, represent the best of what Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer has to offer in its commitment to foster and perpetuate the game of soccer,” said Robert McDade, president of the Board of Directors. “I am in awe of the devotion shown by those who took the time to make sure our soccer community was fully recognized by taking part in the nomination process.”

 

“It was obvious, while reading over the letters that poured into the state office, that we truly have some of the finest people representing us on the fields,” said Chris Branscome, chief executive officer of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer. “I congratulate all who won, all who were nominated and all who continue to make this game special for the kids.”

 

 

 

Jeffrey started coaching in 1995 when his oldest son began playing recreational soccer for Southern Chester County. It didn’t take long for Jeffrey to realize the game had changed since he was a kid. He earned his “D” license through Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer’s coaching program and soon after received his “C” license.

 

“A rewarding aspect of soccer for me is the opportunity to use ‘soccer lessons’ as life lessons. There are days when you are tired and feel lousy but you fight through that to attempt to give your best.” – Jeffrey Sommer

 

“Jeff’s coaching style is one of quiet patience. He spends as much time talking to the kids about school and life as he does playing the game.” – Michael H. Finnegan, president, Southern Chester County Soccer Association

“Jeff always provided the boys with a sense of balance and priorities. Jeff never let them forget that family and school came first. Jeff always insisted, and we tried to teach, that the boys play the game the right way.” – Don Carlino, assistant coach for the Chesco Premier

“Jeff never crosses the line with officials, gets tossed out of games or makes comments personal. His perspective of the game and coaching is what you would want your child to experience anytime they are competing.” – Mark Tully, parent

 

Chris has been coaching soccer for 12-years. He is currently the head coach of the U-11 Girls team Aston Galaxy. Like many coaches before him, Chris got hooked on coaching when he started with his children.

 

“The most rewarding aspect of coaching is seeing players grasp a concept or technical skill and apply it in a game situation and see that look on their face when they know that they got it.   When kids get inspired they can do great things and I am fortunate to be able to experience such events almost daily.   Soccer helps to build strong personal relationships between players, families and the community at large. It is awesome to be a little piece of that giant puzzle.” – Chris Lambert

“Not only does Chris have an effect on the girls but on me as well. He inspires me to read about new drills and strategy, learn more about the game and be a better assistant coach. He is always open for suggestions during the game and willing to try different things.” – Keith Warren, assistant coach of the Aston Galaxy U-11 Girls

“The teams Chris have coached are always well organized and play with passion. As a current and former player, he has an eye for recognizing how best to prepare his team while always keeping in mind teaching the fundamentals of the game allowing his teams to achieve a high level of success.” – Ed Finn, president, Aston Youth Soccer Association

“An all-around class act is how I would describe Chris, his coaching and his team. He runs the team much as I do my own, and I admire and hope to duplicate the success he has built. As a referee and coach, I can say that I am truly honored to be included with him as a member of the Aston Club.” – Matt Hengey, referee and coach

 
Joe started coaching in 1979. Like so many other coaches, he began his soccer journey with his children by coaching them.  It wasn't long before Joe found himself in the position of junior varsity coach at  Copiague High School in Long Island, NY. Joe learned a lot from books and watching videos. But most of all, Joe learned from watching other coaches. Joe not only coaches but is also on the Board of the Wallenpaupack Youth Soccer League.

"I would like to see all children have the opportunity to play this great game. The talented ones should have the competition they need to become better players, while not forgetting the ones that just want to kick the ball around and have fun with their friends. Some of the most rewarding things I find about coaching is seeing a player try something new that we just learned in practice or them not wanting practice to end because they're having so much fun. How could you not enjoy coaching?"- Joe Ragusa

“Being around the game for as long as he has gives Joe a wealth of knowledge and respect for all aspects of the game. When you are on the sideline coaching with him he has a way of grounding the team and putting things in perspective. He has taught me that as a coach you are there to guide and provide support not only for your players, but for the other team’s players, coaches and referees.” – Colleen Weis, coach and WYSL Board secretary

“Joe is the consummate mentor, teacher and coach. He is an invaluable asset to the Board, league and overall community.” – Chris Strong, president, WYSL

“I have had the pleasure and honor of assisting Joe for the past eight years. His dedication to his team and knowledge of the game is unsurpassed. He is always indentifying each player’s strength’s and continually offers encouragement.” – Toni Marino, coach’s assistant and parent

“It takes a dedicated coach to make a difference in their players’ lives. Coach Joe has accomplished that. With his extraordinary dedication Joe has turned players into team members and all-around great leaders with sportsmanship fundamentals. We are confident this will be ingrained into these players to make them future coaches and upstanding community members.” – Paul and Patricia Johnson, parents

 

Keith has been involved with the Donegal Youth Soccer Club for a number of years coaching mainly at the U-8 and U-10 levels. Keith has also helped at fundraisers, lined and set-up fields and is always available to help when his club or league needs him. Keith is out on the practice fields six nights a week with his teams.

 

“Coach Keith has been a refreshing addition to our program. He is a blessing to the girls that have been lucky enough to have been coached by him and to the parents who request him as a coach from season to season.” – Diane Kitch, parent, U-10 Girls

“I can say without a doubt that Keith is a coach of the year because his sole purpose is to provide his team with as many possibilities to learn and play soccer at a challenging level with sportsmanship, commitment and the desire to improve as his only focus.” – Dr. Donald P. Henriques Jr., secretary, Donegal Youth Soccer Club

“Without coach Keith’s encouragement and proper instruction, our daughter may have just given up. I am at almost every practice and I hear coach Keith deliver the same kind of encouragement and instruction to all of the girls. Coach Keith Renner has dedicated his busy life to teaching young girls how to play soccer.” – Dylan and Michele Sites, parents

“Coach Renner always stressed playing hard and within the rules. Win, lose or tie, he conducted himself in a professional manner and was a positive role model to his athletes. We never once heard him talk poorly of a referee or the competition. We are grateful that our daughter has had the opportunity to play for coach Renner.” – Scott and Mary Goodwill, parents

 
"I find meeting so many great parents and nice kids to be the most rewarding aspect of my involvement with SCCSA.  Things are crazy for periods several times a year, but sitting back at on a Sunday afternoon and watching the smiles on kids faces, the cheering parents, and seeing the friendships being formed make it all worthwhile. We need to take our positions as role model for these kids very seriously.  Coaches and administrators need to realize that everything they say and do while in a position of authority has a lasting impression on the kids in our charge.  I'm always thrilled when one of my players from years ago asks me for a character reference when they apply for jobs in college.  They grow so quickly." - Michael Finnegan

 

“SCCSA is a club that prides itself on providing a program that is available to kids of all abilities, and affordable to kids from any socioeconomic background. In particular, the neighborhood that encompasses SCCSA includes a large Latino population. Under Mike’s leadership, the club has strived to find ways to include these kids in our programs. Mike, through his volunteer service on the Kennett Area School Board, has reached out to ESL teachers and community leaders to the underserved areas and found ways to get these kids into the recreation and travel programs. From the little things to the big things Mike Finnegan has been at the forefront; volunteering his time, running the club, the recreational program and making soccer in the Southern Chester County area truly the ‘game for everyone’”- Jeffrey Sommer, past president, SCCSA

 

Alan started the North Union United Soccer Club in 1998 so his two sons would have a club to play for in Lewisburg, Pa. Over the years, North Union United has grown to 18+ travel teams for boys and girls. Though his kids don’t play for the club anymore, Alan remains active as the club’s treasurer, registrar and director of operations. Alan also coaches three teams, provides training sessions and assists with lining fields and field maintenance.

 

“I love the game of soccer and want to perpetuate that love for the game to players of all ages so that they might grow as confident individuals.” Alan Zeigler

“I first met Alan five years ago when he offered soccer skills training in a gym on Saturdays in the winter to any kids who wished to participate. My twins happened to be six at the time and absolutely loved the training. His training gave the kids an increased passion about soccer that continues today.” We all know of ‘Mother Nature’ and ‘Father Time.’ Central PA has ‘Grand Pa Soccer.’” – Frank Omlor, president, North Union United Soccer Club

“What is most remarkable about Alan and his commitment to the teams is that he doesn’t have to do this. He doesn’t have a child or grandchild playing on a team. He could spend his free time in so many other ways. He genuinely loves the game of soccer and wants to instill that love of the game into the players with whom he comes into contact.” – Courtney Rosevear, team manager and assistant coach for the North Union United ’01 Lady Cannons

 

Joe got involved in TOPSoccer four years ago when the sister of one of his travel team players, who has a disability, told him she wished that she could play soccer one day. Joe promised her that she would indeed have that opportunity one day. Joe went before the Plymouth Soccer Club and made the case that all members of Plymouth Township should have the opportunity to play soccer. Now, four years later, Joe has 19 kids in the program and his travel team, the Plymouth Knights U-16 Boys, volunteer every Sunday with TOPSoccer.

 

“Whether you are a regular athlete or a special needs athlete, every member of the community has the opportunity to play a sport- to play soccer.” – Joe Hunter

“Joe is understanding of each child’s limitations and also pushes them to encourage them to do a little more. He is always upbeat and gets into the action with the kids. He is patient and kind and takes the time to teach the children the game while doing it in a fun and exciting way.” – Jennifer Powers, mother of a TOPSoccer player

 

“Because of Joe Hunter, my daughter Rachel can now enjoy playing the game of soccer. Joe’s commitment and compassion to this truly ‘special’ group of children is inspiring. Joe wears his heart on his sleeve. The hugs, guidance and joy he imparts is contagious.” – Linda Mullen, mother of a TOPSoccer player

“Joe’s enthusiasm and passion for this program is immeasurable. He shares his love of soccer with each child and helps them to reach their potential. He is patient, warm and full of love and humor when he is around these children.” – Sue Ogle

 

Daniela became a referee to understand the game from a perspective other than a player's. She wanted to instill in players the same appreciation of the game that her coaches and various referees had instilled in her. Daniela first started refereeing intramurals for the West Mont United Soccer Club when she was about 15-years-old.  In 2007, when she was 16, she received her certification as a Grade 8 referee. Daniela’s father and brother were her main influences.  She began her career by refereeing tournaments with them as a three-man system.  Through their advice and example, she learned the skills needed to be a commanding referee.  

 

“Refereeing has taught me valuable lessons of leadership, teamwork and conflict resolution.  I’ll admit that when I first began refereeing I was afraid of the responsibility of officiating as the referee.  So, I tended to sign up for assistant referee slots.  Through the support of peers and mentors, I developed the courage to sign up for referee slots.  By doing this, I began to love the fast-paced decision-making and opportunity for interaction with players.  This confidence has spread through all realms of my life and has assisted me in making crucial decisions.  However, the most rewarding part of refereeing is knowing that I can stay connected to the game and to the development of players even after I no longer play competitively.” – Daniela Chieffo

“Daniela’s love of refereeing is fueled by a desire to stay connected with a game which has played a large part in her personal development and maturation process. Refereeing has allowed her to stay involved with soccer (even though she still plays), and has taught her valuable life lessons of conflict management, leadership and communication.” – John Campbell, State Youth Referee Administrator

“I was always impressed with how Daniela carried herself both on and off the field and her knowledge of the laws of the game. She has gained the respect of both the coaches and the players. Daniela is well deserving of this award.” – Joanne Neal, USSF state referee, PIAA registered official, NISOA registered official

 

Melvin fell in love with officiating after he volunteered to ref at an intramural tournament on Columbus Day in 2006. Soon after, he began taking courses and was on his way to becoming a referee. Melvin is currently studying accounting at Widener University but still makes time to officiate on the weekends and plans on advancing as a referee. Melvin is currently a Grade 7 referee.

 

“The best part about being a referee is the interaction with the players and coaches. I love being amongst the referees. We have similar interests, like a brotherhood. It’s a unique bond.” – Melvin Holmes

“Melvin represents the best of our next generation of leaders and shapers of society.” – John Campbell, State Youth Referee Administrator

“Game by game, Melvin continues to improve and always has a good attitude towards any critique with a sincere desire to learn and become a better official. He is someone that will definitely succeed in higher games.” – Stan Nagle