Youth soccer awards fill The Center

With the winter holidays on their way and cool air approaching, the youth fall soccer season heard its last cheers Wednesday night at The Center with the much anticipated award night.

Will Schenerlein, recreation director, started the night off by thanking all of the business sponsors that support The Center and help to make the youth sports program possible. The sponsorships financially pave the way for every Island-area child to play sports at the community center.

While he still had the undivided attention of the audience, Schenerlein also took the time to thank all of the volunteer coaches who took their time each week to bring their knowledge to the pitch. The coaches, those individuals who made sure the kids made it to practices and games, and all of the loved ones that cheered in the stands, made this soccer season another successful ones.

Success comes with rewards and in this case, certificates commemorating a memorable season and trophies for the key players who made a significant difference to their team.

After enjoying a hot dog and hamburger meal donated by Slim’s Place and served by co-owner PJ Smargisso, the accolades began. In each of the age groups, five individual awards were announced, making the night for 15 youth soccer players.

In the youngest age group, five six-to seven-year-old players were announced as coaches’ choice. Scoring and dribbling the soccer ball past defenders all season Ewan Cloutier was named Offensive MVP. Reshma Barnes was voted Female MVP after a fantastic season playing both ends of the field, supporting her team in all positions. Dynamo Charlie Rogers took home the Defensive MVP award, using his strong leg all season.

Asa Brisson protected his team’s net with skill and fearlessness earning him the Goalie of the Season honors. His athletic talent on the pitch was only enhanced by his spirit, manners, love of the game and encouragement of his teammates and opponents, which was what earned Bam Gartman the Sportsmanship of the Season award.
Winning the Sportsmanship award for the eight-to 10-year-old age group was Lily Kawahata. Dalton Fox and Evan Talucci shared the Goalie of the Season praises. The powerhouse girl on the field for the age group was Mikaela Culhane, with Riley Lawson being named for the male counterpart award. Finally for the elementary school league, Frankie Coleman protected his end of the field with fierceness and was named the Defensive MVP of the season.

The teens were the last to earn their stripes during awards night. In her first season at The Center, Sadie Johnson made her mark earning her the Female MVP title. Friends and teammates Nicholas Cavalluzzi and Jack Barnes were named Offensive and Defensive MVPs, respectively.

Always showing a great attitude on the field, Tres Maddox earned the Sportsmanship trophy for the 11-to 14-year-old league. Finally, to no surprise to anyone who has followed his soccer career at The Center, Thomas Heckler won his second Goalie of the Season award.

The youth soccer awards night finished with the announcement of the youth flag football season, which will start play after the new year.

Sun Scoreboard

Tuesday, Dec. 6

Adult Basketball

Beach To Bay 77
Harry’s Grill 67

Mike Walter & Associates 54
Intechgrate Systems 40

Blake Medical BYE

Thursday, Dec. 8

Adult Co-Ed Soccer

Slim’s Place 5
Acqua Aveda 3

Ross Built Construction W
Eason Builders Group FORFEIT

Wash Family Construction 7
Jiffy Lube 3

Anna Maria CrossFit 3
Mason Martin 2