The recipients of the 2007 US Youth Soccer adidas Recreational Coach of the Year were announced tonight at the US Youth Soccer Awards Gala, held in conjunction with the 2008 US Youth Soccer adidas Workshop at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, in Pittsburgh. The national Recreational Coaches of the Year award winners were Elizabeth Nordell of Duluth, Minnesota (Girls) and Gary Waltz of Fresno, California (Boys).

Hilary Kennedy, host of The US Youth Soccer Show on Fox Soccer Channel, set the stage for the night as the master of ceremonies for the more than 1,200 in attendance. This year was the first year that US Youth Soccer split the Coach of the Year award into two categories (competitive and recreational). Several awards were also added including Administrator of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and Goal and Save of the Year. The Male and Female Young Referee of the Year and the Dr. Thomas Fleck Award were also presented during the Gala along with the charter member of the US Youth Soccer Hall of Fame.

Elizabeth Nordell, of Duluth, MN, is the head coach of a girls Under-10 team. She has been with the team for four years, moving up from assistant coach. Having fun has always been her top priority in games. It is important that her team wins or loses as gracefully as possible. She is creative and enthusiastic. Elizabeth arranges pick up games, a perk for parents and players, especially when they play each other. She always puts a lot of thought and energy into her practices and games. Her players admire her for being understanding, thoughtful and motivating.

Gary Waltz, from Fresno, CA, coaches for the North Fresno Soccer League. He works with TOPSoccer and coaches three of the teams. He knows that players with disabilities need practice to improve and learn the game and ensures they will continue to get that opportunity. Waltz is creative coaching these unique players. He lets them play to the best of their ability and teaches them to utilize each other's strengths. He educates other states on TOPSoccer and helps coaches understand the different coaching techniques.

Recipients of the Recreational Coach of the Year awards are selected by the US Youth Soccer Board of Directors on the basis of sportsmanship, player development, personal coaching development and community involvement (citizenship).

The regional winners of the 2007 US Youth Soccer adidas Girls' Recreational Coaches of the Year are:

Region I	Mark Bragaw	Vienna	Virginia Youth Soccer Association
Region II	Elizabeth Nordell*	Duluth	Minnesota Youth Soccer Association
Region III	Todd Warren	Jackson	Mississippi Youth Soccer Association
Region IV	Manish Doshi	El Cerrito	California Youth Soccer Association - North

The regional winners of the 2007 US Youth Soccer adidas Boys' Recreational Coaches of the Year are:  

Region I	Oscar Rodriguez	Newark	New Jersey State Youth Soccer Association
Region II	David Opie	West Des Moines	Iowa Soccer Association
Region III	Geron McGinnis	Broken Arrow	Oklahoma Soccer Association
Region IV	Gary Waltz*	Fresno	California Youth Soccer Association - North

*denotes national US Youth Soccer adidas Recreational Coach of the Year

These coaches have committed to continued education and self-sacrifice to give back to the sport they love with the hope that they might enhance one of their players abilities and quality of life. US Youth Soccer and adidas are proud to highlight these Recreational Coaches of the Year for their time and efforts in contributing to America's youth through the great game of soccer. By promoting teamwork, discipline, fitness and fair play these coaches are making a difference.