United Soccer Coaches announces Youth Coaches of the Year

KANSAS CITY, Mo.  (Via United Soccer Coaches) – United Soccer Coaches announced on Monday the association’s 2017 Regional and National Coaches of the Year for boys’ and girls’ youth soccer.

Brandon Rodriguez, a coach with SA United Soccer Club and Players Academy of Soccer Skills in Texas, and Lorne Donaldson, a U-16 and U-18 coach with Real Colorado, are recognized as the United Soccer Coaches 2017 National Youth Coaches of the Year.

Rodriguez has demonstrated a dedication to coaching education for personal and professional development by earning United Soccer Coaches Advanced National and Director of Coaching Diplomas, completing all levels of the United Soccer Coaches Goalkeeping Academy and acquiring additional 4v4, 7v7/9v9 and Special Topics diplomas through the association.

Donaldson, a former member of the Jamaica Men’s National Team, recently concluded his 30th year of coaching and won an ECNL championship in 2016. He holds both his United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma and U.S. Soccer B License, and is a past member of the United Soccer Coaches Academy staff.

2017 Youth Boys’ Regional Coaches of the Year
East: Jon Williams, AFC Lightning (Sharpsburg, Ga.)
South: Stuart Brown, Tennessee Soccer Club (Franklin, Tenn.)
Midwest: Reynaldo Lopez. Dallas International Stars FC (Wylie, Texas)
Southwest: Brandon Rodriguez, Players Academy Soccer (Floresville, Texas)

2017 Youth Girls’ Regional Coaches of the Year
East: Nicci Wright, Arlington Soccer Association (Arlington, Va.)
Central: Marcus Kelcher, Elite Girls Academy (Omaha, Neb.)
Mountain West: Lorne Donaldson, Real Colorado (Centennial, Colo.)
Far West: Platini Soaf, West Coast Futbol Club (San Diego, Calif.)