2019 North Texas Soccer Award Winners Jace Mathis (Young Male Referee of the Year), Iain Garza (TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year) and Matthew Emmons (Girls Recreational Coach of the Year) were all named US Youth Soccer Southern Regional Awards winners.
The regional winners were announced last week, and the national winners will be recognized at the 2020 US Youth Soccer Awards Gala, held Jan. 18 as part of the US Youth Soccer Workshop at the United Soccer Coaches Convention in Baltimore.
US Youth Soccer Regional and National Awards were given in the same categories as the North Texas Soccer Annual Awards. The awards include: Boys and Girls Competitive Coaches of the Year, Boys and Girls Recreation Coaches of the Year, Young Referees of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Administrator of the Year and TOPSoccer Buddy and Coach of the Year.
Full North Texas Soccer Awards winners
Mathis represents Cedar Hill Soccer Association and has excelled in his development as a referee. He uses his knowledge to help younger referees improve. He has handled his games well and is always willing to help out.
Garza is an exemplary young man who loves soccer. Iain is a full-time college student and finds time in his busy schedule to play soccer, referee with Fort Worth Youth SA (FWYSA), and to maintain the FWYSA soccer fields. In addition, Iain volunteers with the Special Olympics’ Young Athlete Program and is a TOPSoccer Buddy with FWYSA’s TOPSoccer program.
Emmons hails from Wylie Youth Soccer Association and creates a learning environment at every opportunity; at team practice, at skills sessions, and during games. Matthew makes it a priority to tell every girl on the team how proud he is of her hard work and dedication to the team. Matthew holds a National E License and is a Grade 7 referee. Emmons frequently volunteers with his church; serving as a youth leader and a mentor for a youth leadership program.
