October 26, 2007

The 4 day event kicked off with a reception to welcome all the US Adult Soccer administrators, coaches, and Hall of Fame members. The evening was sponsored by K&K Insurance and was capped off with a year in review slideshow of various US Adult Soccer events.

While the rest of the weekend was devoted to soccer business, USASA inducted its second class of Hall of Fame honorees. The Friday night event was dedicated to recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions toward the development and advancement of adult amateur soccer at the national or regional level.

For a full listing of the 2007 Inductees please click here.

“Adult Soccer is rich with history and tradition and the list of Inductees over the last two years exemplifies the contributions of these individuals that have helped shape soccer in the United States” said Stephanie Walker, USASA National Administrator.

Every year, USASA pays tribute to the regional Coach and Referee of the Year through an Awards Luncheon that also takes place at the Mid Year Meeting. The guests were captivated by an inspiring speech given by Tony DiCicco, former Head Coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team, who has won both World Cup and Olympic gold, author of “Catch Them Being Good,” and is also the winningest coach in soccer history. 

“It’s an honor to be here sharing my coaching stories with you, but most importantly it’s an honor to be part of this ceremony. This is all about those coaches and referees that have dedicated countless hours to adult soccer, lets recognize their work” DiCicco expressed during his speech.

This year’s coaching honorees include Joe Manso – Region I, Minos Vlamakis – Region II, Terry Woodberry – Region III, and Paul Scherer from Region IV. 

Minos Vlamakis won the 2006 Coach of the Year Award. Minos is presently the Head Coach of the Illinois Men’s Sate Select Team.

The Official Sports International (OSI) Referee of the Year Program is presented each year to a referee who has distinguished himself/herself through outstanding contributions to soccer refereeing in the USASA.

The 2006 Referee of the Year finalists included Mike Rugnetta – Region I, Edvin Jurisevic – Region II, Newman W. “Zoom” Stemple – Region III, and John Davis from Region IV.

The 2006 Referee of the Year award was given to Region III Referee - Newman W. “Zoom” Stemple.

Stemple has been involved with the Florida State Soccer Association for several years. He is a Lifetime Member of the US Soccer Federation and a Referee Instructor for the Florida State Referee Academy.

After all the business and awards were concluded, guests were treated to an evening cruise down Ft. Lauderdale’s scenic intercoastal waterways.

The 2007 USASA Mid Year Meeting came to a close with its National Council Meeting, where the entire membership and Executive Committee gathered to discuss the organization’s current state of affairs as well as upcoming programs and events.

The National Council Meeting also included the unveiling of USASA’s Promotional Video, Veteran’s Cup Video and a presentation from the US Soccer Foundation.

Please click here to view the event in pictures!