DES MOINES, Iowa (July 29, 2006) – The 2006 US Youth Soccer Annual General Meetings (AGM) took place today while the finalist in the US Youth Soccer National Championships enjoy a day of rest. Representatives from each US Youth Soccer State Association, 55, were in attendance.

Before the elections were held the acknowledgment of leaders from U.S. Soccer were made in President Sunil Gulati and Vice President Mike Edwards, both in attendance. Gulati addressed the crowd of over 250 and extended his appreciation to the organization, “for its support in what we are all trying to do in soccer.”

The now former US Youth Soccer President David Messersmith, who has reached his term limit, also added his appreciation to the membership as well as applauding the efforts of Gulati and U.S. Soccer. 

Larry Monaco, a member of the Virginia Youth Soccer Association and former president in addition to appointments to the U.S. Soccer Federation and US Youth Soccer Board of Directors was elected at the nation’s largest youth sport organization’s president. Monaco ran against current US Youth Soccer Vice-President, Eveyln Gill and former Oregon Youth Soccer Association President, Steve Baker.

A current youth coach, Monaco was respected as a proven source of leadership and the best person to lead US Youth Soccer forward.

“I am overwhelmed and extremely grateful for the support I have been given and I look forward to the challenges,” said newly elected US Youth Soccer President Larry Monaco. “I truly believe we are on a roll and we’re ready to do bigger and bigger and better and better things.”

Messersmith was recognized for many contributions to the organization during his leadership including the strategic plan, financial stability, the establishment of the US Youth Soccer Coaching Education Department, bringing the marketing efforts of the organization as well as the public relations/communications in-house and the forming of strategic partnerships such as Major League Soccer and National Soccer Coaches Association of America to name a few.

Following the acknowledgment of successes, Messersmith was then ‘roasted’ by US Youth Soccer Region III Treasurer, Roy Smithers and North Texas State Soccer Association President, John Sutter.

“Together we have done a lot of good and I applaud you all for the success we’ve had and for the success our future holds,” said Messersmith.

In addition to the change at president, two new regional directors were elected due to the retirement of Chris Christoffersen of US Youth Soccer Region II and Darl Rose of US Youth Soccer Region IV. 

In meetings held earlier, Jolene Woodhave was elected as US Youth Soccer Region IV Director and Bill Podewils as US Youth Soccer Region II Director.

Both Chris Christoffersen and Darl Rose were recognized for their years of service at the AGM, 12 and 18 years respectively to US Youth Soccer. Both gentlemen agreed that soccer had given more to them than they gave and will always cherish the friendships from the game.

In other elections, Tony Buiniskis was uncontested and re-elected as secretary of the US Youth Soccer Board. Tim Miller, Region I, and Pat Abbott, Region III, were re-elected to US Youth Soccer Regional Deputy Director positions while Bud Manley, Region II, and Brent Mangus, Region IV, were newly elected.

A 2004, grievance filed to the United States Olympic Committee against the U.S. Soccer Federation was also lifted by unanimous vote.

Tomorrow, the finals of the 2006 US Youth Soccer National Championships will take place at James W. Cownie Soccer Park in Des Moines, IA. The first game is scheduled to be played at 8:00 AM CDT.

Learn more about the 2006 US Youth Soccer National Championships at championships.usyouthsoccer.org. For more information on US Youth Soccer please visit USYouthSoccer.org.