US Youth Soccer Competitive Coaches of the Year
The annual winners of the 2016 US Youth Soccer Boys and Girls Competitive Coach of the Year awards have been announced ahead of the 2017 NSCAA Convention set for next month. The national Boys and Girls Competitive Coach of the Year winners will be presented at the US Youth Soccer Awards Gala on Friday, January 13th.
Youth Soccer News: US Youth Soccer has announced the regional winners of the 2016 US Youth Soccer Boys and Girls Competitive Coach of the Year awards. The Competitive Coach of the Year is awarded to a boys and girls coach for his or her coaching activities, sportsmanship, player development, personal coaching development and citizenship.
The national Boys and Girls Competitive Coach of the Year will be presented at the US Youth Soccer Awards Gala on Friday, January 13th, at 7:30 p.m. PT, as part of the US Youth Soccer Workshop in Los Angeles — held in conjunction with the NSCAA Convention.
Boys Competitive Coach of the Year regional winners:
Region I – Michael Ertel – Cheektowaga, N.Y.
Michael Ertel is known by fellow coaches and players for leading by example. While he emphasizes soccer-specific skills, the theme for each of his coaching messages is how to develop not only as a player, but as a person, as well. In his free time, Ertel is a volunteer at charity events and coaches local kids in the community. In addition, Ertel is the head men’s soccer coach at Villa Maria College. He holds a USSF National “B” License.
Region II – Kirk Brazeau – Toledo, Ohio
Kirk Brazeau’s Toledo Celtics teams have achieved great success while competing at the top level. Three of Brazeau’s teams reached the Ohio North State Cup semifinals, while two of them hoisted OYSAN state championships. Brazeau not only cares about his players’ finished product on the field, but off the field, as well. Each of Kirk’s U18 players will be attending college, with 11 of 14 players earning scholarships.
Region III – Patrick Daka – Charlotte, N.C.
In Patrick Daka’s eyes, each player is different and deserves a personalized approach to their game. Daka helps his players understand how using the love of the game can go well beyond the pitch. He recently led his U12 team to win the Disney Soccer Showcase. Off the field, Daka organizes soccer-related fundraisers to help villages in his homeland of Zimbabwe.
Region IV – Kevin Skinner – Silverdale, Wash.
Kevin Skinner encourages a love for the game that allows each player to strive for improvement. Skinner teaches his players that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. Skinner also sponsors “off the pitch” programs, which encourage his players to enjoy time off the field with others. Skinner recently completed his NSCAA Premier Diploma in Sacramento, Calif., and in the last five years, he has won more than 30 tournaments for Kitsap County.
Girls Competitive Coach of the Year regional winners:
Region I – John Greaves – Yardley, Pa.
For the past 15 years, John Greaves has been a member of Yardley Makefield Soccer. Greaves has experience in coaching from the English Premier level, to the U.S. youth soccer level. On one of his recent teams, nearly every player went on to play Division I soccer. In 2016 alone, Greaves and his team won the US Youth Soccer National Championship, a US Youth Soccer National League title and a fifth Eastern Pennsylvania State Cup.
Region II – David Robertson – Mason, Ohio
David Robertson prepares his players to take their game to the collegiate level. Many of his players are committed to Division I universities due to Robertson’s relentless efforts. Robertson holds a USSF National “B” coaching license, and he also received a Premier Diploma from the NSCAA. In the community, Robertson participates in a junior program to promote the love for soccer at the youth level.
Region III – Ronnie Woodard – Nashville, Tenn.
Ronnie Woodard and her Tennessee Soccer Club have been extremely successful over the years. They won the 2016 US Youth Soccer National Championship, they were three-time US Youth Soccer Region III Champions and four-time Tennessee state champions. To prepare her players for the next level, she regularly brings in speakers to talk to the team about character, discipline and priorities. Woodard always stresses to her players the importance of being a good person on and off the field.
Region IV – Othon Castillo – Manteca, Calif.
Sportsmanship, honesty and dedication are just a few qualities Othon Castillo promotes to his players. With over 30 years of coaching, Castillo strives to help his players become the best version of themselves. Castillo has a USSF National “C” License, NSCAA Diplomas and a Cal North Goalkeeping License.
