Homestead soccer fans were in high spirits as the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) U10 Girls team came home with the gold and won first place in the 2015 All Stars Team Tournament. The U10 Boys team also excelled in the Tournament, achieving second place. To honor the hard work of the coaches and players, Councilman Jon Burgess presented them with certificates of recognition.
In the midst of honoring these local athletes, Councilman Burgess pointed out that “youth sports are not just about physical development, but also about the development of sportsmanship- helping to shape our youth into better citizens.”
The AYSO is the oldest national youth soccer program in the United States. It started from humble beginnings with only nine teams and a handful of soccer enthusiasts in 1964. AYSO has grown to a non-profit organization that provides youth soccer programs for participants all over the United States and internationally in the Virgin Islands and Trinidad and Tobago. Consisting of over 50,000 teams and 500,000 players nationwide, AYSO is one of the leading youth soccer organizations in the world.
As Councilman Burgess presented plaques to the AYSO U10 girl’s Head Coach Soila Gallegos and Assistant Coach Javier Gallegos, he pointed out that the their team won 8 to 7 in an exciting penalty shoot- out. It is a one on one battle, where a single member of each team takes turns attempting shots from the penalty mark, defended only by the opposing team's goalkeeper, with the team scoring the most goals being declared the winner.
There to receive the honors for the boy’s team were Head Coach Samuel de la Rosa and Assistant Coach Noe Jimenez, accompanied by their players. An especially moving moment was when Councilman Burgess presented the certificate to his son, a proud member of the boys’ team.
From the U-10 Girls Division the following players were honored: Nora Aguilar, Dayanara Espinoza, Leanna Gallegos, Janeisy Gamino, Riley McIntosh, Kennedi McPhee, Layla Reyna, Naleigha Rios, Emily Saucedo and Jiselle Torres.
From the U10 Boys Division, the following players were honored: Jon Burgess, Anthony Burgos, Adrian Burgos (a.k.a “the twins”), David De la Rosa, Nyrobie Habben, Noe Jimenez, William Kinnebrew, Christian Melguizo and Jason Zapata.
