ED CELLI HONORED AS U.S. YOUTH SOCCER'S
"NATIONAL BUDDY OF THE YEAR"
Louisville, Ky. (Feb. 25, 2011) – The US Youth Soccer Awards Annual Gala was held on Friday, February 25th in Louisville, Kentucky. At the Gala, US Youth Soccer presented its National TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year award to Ed Celli, of Wilmington, Mass.
Ed coached his own children through Wilmington Youth Soccer programs. When his children grew to high school age and beyond, Ed was not ready to retire from coaching. He learned about the U.S. Youth Soccer Program called “TOPSoccer” and immediately pitched the idea to the Wilmington Youth Soccer Board of Directors. After 15 years of hard work and devotion, the TOPSoccer Program Ed started boasts 93 players from 21 different communities. As a result of his dedication and commitment, Ed has been instrumental in starting many new TOPSoccer Programs across Massachusetts. Ed is a perfect example of a TOPSoccer “Buddy”. He goes the extra mile to provide the opportunities and family experience youth soccer provides and is truly dedicated to the principle that soccer is the “Game for ALL Kids”.
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 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.
On behalf of all the players and families whose lives Ed and his programs have touched, Mass Youth Soccer congratulates Ed and his family for this outstanding national recognition and we thank him for his continued compassion and hard work. To learn more about the U.S. Youth Soccer TOPSoccer Program, CLICK HERE.