US Youth Soccer Celebrates The Leaders Among Us
An Extraordinary Youth Soccer Player Setting An Excellent Example – How Soccer Make Our World A Better Place For Everyone. Thank you Zach Saliterman for being an inspiration and a role model for our country.
Zach Saliterman of Mendham, N.J., was honored as the 2015 US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year award recipient Friday night at the US Youth Soccer Awards Gala, held in conjunction with the 2016 US Youth Soccer Workshop at the NSCAA Convention in Baltimore. US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer is the outreach program for soccer.
Hilary Kennedy, host of The US Youth Soccer Show, set the stage for the night as the master of ceremonies for the more than 1,000 people in attendance. Boys and Girls Recreation and Competitive Coaches of the Year, Young Referee of the Year, Administrator of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Goal and Save of the Year, TOPSoccer Coach of the Year, the Dr. Thomas Fleck Award, and the US Youth Soccer Hall of Fame inductees were honored, as well.
This fall was Zachary Saliterman’s 13th season in the West Morris SC TOPSoccer program, which his family founded, and his fifth running the program in its entirety. Saliterman has logged over 100 hours as a buddy and director. He handles all aspects of the program, including session plans, recruiting volunteers and players, managing equipment and securing field space. The high school senior continues to offer players a safe and supportive environment to learn the game.
The recipient of the TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year award is selected by the US Youth Soccer Board of Directors on the basis of his or her demonstration of patience, understanding, dependability, flexibility and the ability to adjust to ever-changing on-field situations.
The Buddy of the Year is an invaluable volunteer who facilitates the program by filling many roles, including being a coach, cheerleader and role model as well as assisting when needed with administrative responsibilities. Other important qualities of the buddy are engaging with players one-on-one, modeling desired behavior and being cognizant of player safety. Buddies assist, guide, direct and teach the game of soccer and its skills while creating a fun learning experience.
Established in 2009, the US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year award is awarded for extraordinary accomplishments as a TOPSoccer Buddy.
Photo Credit – Evan Dabby, New Jersey Youth Soccer
