***Final Versions of the Vision, Mission, Objectives & Action Plans Summarized from the USASA Soccer Summit Sessions are available for Download Here.***

A weekend filled with hope, emotions and recognition – all for the love of the game, took place at the USASA Fifteenth Annual Midyear Meeting in Mesa, Arizona, on October 8-11. A welcome reception on Thursday night kicked off the event with a casual gathering of USASA members from across the United States. Brooks McCormick, USASA President, welcomed and thanked everyone for being part of this year’s meeting and also introduced a slideshow of the 2008-2009 season. People mingled, laughed, talked, and had a perfect-weather evening. Thanks to the Arizona State Soccer Association for hosting such a great event. Barb and Dan Trainor of Arizona made sure over 250 attendees felt at home. Every night, a hospitality suite was open to everyone with one purpose in mind – to relax after a long day of hard work.

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, USASA’s Vision & Strategy Soccer Summit was held and hosted by Hank Steinbrecher & Kevan Pipe of Sporting Strategies International Inc., a consulting firm that provides executive level consulting for the development and execution of strategic plans for sport organizations;  Tom O’Shea, Summit Task Force Chairman and Mark Haas, Research & Organization Management Inc President. Around 170 people from all state associations were in attendance to discuss and envision USASA’s future. Summit participants had the opportunity to share ideas in a round-table discussion set up where a new USASA Vision, Mission, Objectives, Strategies and Action Plans were written, laid out that optimistically will be implemented in a five-year period.

Aleks Mihailovic, USASA Men’s National Team Head Coach, bestowed the USASA Coach of the Year 2008 Award to Douglas Homer from Metro DC/Virginia, Region I. John Motta, USASA Referee Chairman, announced Gary Owen of North Texas, Region III, as the 2008 USASA Referee Lifetime Achievement Award Winner. Congratulations for all your hard work! Click here to read both Bios. Austin Wildcats of Texas State Soccer Association-South were recognized for its charity efforts off the field at the Awards Luncheon as well. Austin Wildcats’ Manager, Angela Molock received the Award from Brooks McCormick. They are the first team to be named Recharge Team of the Year, a program that rewards teams for their community work. Check out the Austin Wildcats’ accomplishments here.

                                                             
                                                          Regional Coaches of the Year with Coaching Committee at the Awards Luncheon

Bruno Trapikas, Hall of Fame Chairman, welcomed everyone in attendance to the Mesa Convention Center for the celebration of the Hall Of Fame Dinner, Class of 2009. Hank Steinbrecher did not only host the Summit but also served as the Master of Ceremonies. Steve Gogas, Joe Gryzik, Ed Murphy, Blaz Pesorda, Michael Ryan, Janet Slauson, Consalvo Turchi and Pat Varsallona were inducted into the USASA Hall of Fame by the Committee members: Marypat Bell, Bob Black, Gianfranco Borroni, Mike Edwards, Stephen Flamhaft, Werner Fricker, Jr., Marge Madriago, Bruno Trapikas and Richard Williams. A prayer, in both Navajo and English, was given by Andrew Pete from the Navajo Reservation in Window Rock, Arizona area who also spoke about the Navajo Culture – its spirituality and traditions. In addition, friends and family in attendance witnessed wonderful stories shared by the accomplished inductees making the night even more special and filled with history without a doubt.

Finishing touches on the Strategic Summit were held Sunday morning where common questions such as “Where are we (USASA) going? and How soon will the strategic plan be executed?” came to the surface. The task force is already working on a report from this past weekend and will present the Executive with an effective plan that will allow the organization to move forward.  As usual, the National Council meeting was held on Sunday morning addressing unfinished and new businesses such as insurance, rules and future tournaments. 

                                                            
                                                  Summit Task Force Holding USASA’s Final Vision & Mission Statements signed by all Summiteers

Camaraderie, unity and harmony were seen throughout the busy and productive weekend and that is why the 2009 USASA Midyear Meeting & Soccer Summit was successful. A phrase often heard was "this is the beginning of the beginning" meaning a changing process has begun for the USASA. Thanks for all that you do!

Until next year’s meeting in Philadelphia!