our complicated lives,” says Vennell. The United Soccer Coaches Foundation, Inc. announced three new funds at the annual convention. The Foundation along with colleagues, friends, and former players honor coaches and organizations with named funds to recognize their contributions in advancing the game of soccer. The three new funds are as follows:
BOB SIMS FUND
Bob coached the first high school soccer team in Georgia in 1957 and continued for 34 years; accomplishing a record of 316-83-19, and earning 5 State Championships. He was given the nickname“ Father of Georgia High School Soccer” to recognize his many accomplishments. He served on inaugural NFHS Soccer Rules Committee for 11 years; served on numerous National Soccer Coaches Association of America( NSCAA) committees; published articles in the Soccer Journal numerous times; and received the High School Long-Term Service Award in 1997. Bob was recognized with a 60-year United Soccer Coaches membership pin.
OHIO SCHOLASTIC SOCCER COACHES ASSOCIATION( OSSCA) ENDOWMENT FUND
In 1998, the OSSCA Board of Directors asked for membership approval to collaborate with the United Soccer Coaches, formally the NSCAA, and become a unified association. This effort made the Ohio Scholastic Soccer Coaches the largest high school organization representing some 1,174 high school coaches. The creation of the OSSCA Endowment Fund will allow the association to work alongside United Soccer Coaches to fulfill the mission to inspire coaches and ignite their passion for the game so they pass it on to players and others in the soccer community. The funds will be used to provide financial support for coaching education in the form of attendance at a coaching clinic or a convention.
LOU SAGASTUME SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Lou led Air Force Academy teams to 20 winning seasons going 282-187-43. He coached 3 All-America players and his teams participated in 3 NCAA Tournament appearances including an Elite 8 finish in 1993. Sagastume was recognized by his peers for earning Mountain Pacific Conference Coach of the
Year twice, numerous Rocky Mountain Intercollegiate Soccer League Coach of the Year honors and an NSCAA Midwest Region Coach of the Year award. Lou tirelessly advocated for the engagement of Latino coaches in the US soccer landscape. He helped create the Latin America Soccer Coaches Association( LASCA) within the NSCAA and in 1985, served as its first President. Sagastume received the United Soccer Coaches Latino Coaches Community Award for Excellence in 2020.
The United Soccer Coaches Foundation provides several opportunities for“ coaches helping coaches.” Whether you are applying for a scholarship or grant or planning to donate to a fund to help others, the Foundation is a useful benefit for association members. Each year our application process for scholarships and grants opens in August and closes in September. An updated Scholarship and Grants Guidebook for Named Endowed Funds will be available on our website in August. The For the Good of the Game Fund grants are not restricted and can be applied for at any time and provide flexibility to support a variety needs.
If you have a need or know a member in need, please consider taking advantage of this support. Applicants require an active membership to qualify for a grant. Your email address must be the one used for United Soccer Coaches membership login.
Please contact Member Services at: Membership @ UnitedSoccerCoaches. org if you need assistance retrieving the email linked to your account.
As a coach, friend of soccer or potential donor, we encourage you to support“ coaches helping coaches” and the United Soccer Coaches Foundation, Inc. Information on starting an endowed fund, establishing a legacy gift or making a donation to the Foundation can be found on our website at: www. unitedsoccerfoundation. org or please contact Al Albert, United Soccer Coaches Foundation, Inc. Director of Development at: afalbe @ wm. edu.
Our accomplishments are not possible without your generous support. Please join us to help coaches in need and to honor coaches who have accomplished so much. n
NAMED ENDOWED FUNDS
FOR THE GOOD OF THE GAME FUND
LEGACY GIFT FUNDS
Annually, the United Soccer Coaches Foundation awards scholarships to members who need it most. There are three types of scholarships: Convention, Education, and Host-a-Course.
For the Good of the Game Fund supports a wide range of soccer good works initiatives, expanding the opportunities to help soccer coaches and the important work they do. This fund provides flexible support for a variety of needs that may arise throughout the year.
Legacy Society donors contribute to the growth of our beautiful sport in perpetuity by adding the United Soccer Coaches Foundation, Inc. to their IRA, will, or a bequest.
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