On 3, 05, 11, Coach John Moore was awarded the 2011 MYSA Competitive Coach of the Year in Columbia. It was gratifying to see the enormous support shown by the many Sedalia Soccer 305 Spin players and families that attended. The awards presentation was followed by lunch at the Heidelberg in Columbia. Thanks all for your support and making this possible.
2011 MYSA Competitive Coach of the Year
Acceptance Speech by Coach Moore
When I was nominated for this honor, I was feeling truly blessed in being recognized for my love of the beautiful game. But actually being awarded this honor was unexpected and I was surprised and humbled by it.
While I am not 100% sure why I was selected, I hope it is in part an affirmation that in youth sports, it is possible to develop a program where the emphasis is on the players and the parents in building a family that enjoys together many of the activities that can be associated with sport. A program where training, watch parties, going to professional games, pickup games, being involved in your community are more important than winning games and playing in tournaments. Games in youth sports should just be a barometer to help measure where individuals and the team is at, based on the goals of their training. Youth sports should not be about anything to win, youth sports should be about providing life building experiences that help our youth have an enjoyable and memorable transition to becoming adults. Kids are individuals just wanting to have fun and be challenged. Scores of games are long forgotten. But they will never forget a New Year’s Eve pickup soccer game starting in 2010 and ending in 2011.
I would like to thank my wife, Lori, who is such an important part of my life and this program and who puts up with the many hours that it takes, and supports me regardless how crazy or costly my latest idea to provide a better training environment or opportunity for our players may be. And thanks to these amazing boys and their wonderful families. In 40+ years of being involved in soccer at all levels, I have never experienced such a dedicated and loving group. This award is truly about all of you.
There are so many to thank from over the years. My parents for the opportunities to play youth sports and drive me all over the state. To the late Paul Klover, who brought soccer to Sedalia in 1963 and developed youth soccer for all the right reasons and was a coach and mentor to me. Thanks to the amazing Warren Brown of Raytown Soccer Club where we call home in the KC Metroleague. Sam Pierron of Sporting KC who has provided so many opportunities to me, the boys and their families to experience professional soccer at its highest level. To muy amigo, H.A. Perez who since coming to Sedalia over 16 years ago, has given endlessly his support to soccer in Sedalia and especially to our boys. We always celebrate at El Tapatio and it is HA’s welcoming smile and generosity that makes it special.
And finally, I would not be standing here without the huge influence of State Coach Denny Vaninger. Denny is truly the crown jewel of youth soccer. He has influenced and changed the lives of 100’s of coaches and thousands of youth. I have been fortunate to be a part of his training sessions, youth clinics, F license clinics, the D clinic, and his much loved school programs. We were at a Sedalia school together on September 11, 2001 and he has sat through long lunches with me listening to my moaning and groaning about select team antics and all the ugly stuff in youth soccer. Denny, thank you so much for everything you have taught me and shared with me and the influence you have on the beautiful game.
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