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One of Soccer Streets' dedicated volunteers is being recognized by the Sporting Goods Manufacturers
Association (SGMA) HEROES® Award Program. Harvey Robbins was recently selected as the winner for the state
of Georgia and will compete for one of three national awards.
In an attempt to recognize the tireless efforts of those who make a difference for
Soccer Streets kids, the Soccer Streets National staff nominated some of the many outstanding Soccer Streets volunteers for the
SGMA HEROES® Award. This program is designed, in partnership with the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters
Association (NSSA), to identify and recognize individuals who, through their voluntary efforts and humanitarian
spirit, have enhanced sports participation and opportunities within their local communities and beyond. Certainly
a fitting description for these and many other dedicated Soccer Streets volunteers.
The selection process consists of 51 SGMA HEROES® winners (50 states plus the
District of Columbia) selected by their state's NSSA Sportscaster and Sportswriter of the Year. State winners
will each receive a $100 cash prize and have $400 donated to their favorite sports program. From these 51 state/district
winners, three national winners will be chosen and honored at SGMA's Annual Breakfast at The Super Show in January
2001 in Las Vegas. National winners receive a $3,000 cash prize with another $15,000 for their favorite sports
charities.
A little about the people who were nominated this year ...
In over 20 years as a soccer volunteer, Harvey Robbins has always been a champion
of the underdog. He has made a concentrated effort to teach those in need. He has developed a unique approach
to teaching the game that not only emphasizes skills, but also discipline both on and off the field. He encourages
youngsters to develop responsibility and values that carry over into life, and teams up with parents, who must
get involved, to ensure academic success before success on the soccer field. He has become a recognizable ambassador
for the game, building bridges between mainstream and nontraditional soccer programs for disadvantaged youth
in cities across the U.S.
Clay Berling, as chairman of Soccer Streets and a pioneer in the soccer industry,
is committed to youth development and has pledged time, financial resources and leadership at a crucial time
in Soccer Streets' development. He gives constant caring attention to the program, and has become a driving force
behind the initiation of mentoring program.
Scott Golde has connected with a variety of communities in San Francisco. He
has sacrificed financial rewards to dedicate more time to Soccer Streets Programs in disadvantaged areas. He is dedicated
to seeking out resources to benefit kids.
Hiram Springle spends an extraordinary amount of time bringing soccer to youth
in Greenville, SC public housing and is dedicated to giving his kids exposure they wouldn't normally have. He
emphasizes skills on the field, and in academic areas, and reinforces that by planning trips, educational experiences,
banquets and much more beyond soccer. The kids' success has encouraged more parental support and involvement.
Recognized as a top community service organization, program director Bea Warrick
brought Soccer Streets Programs to the Hispanic community in Dallas, TX. The events, including celebrity role models,
created so much enthusiasm that parents started their own teams.
While a full-time student at Tuskegee Institute, Dingnani Nkuchwayo, of Tuskegee,
AL has organized a program in public housing that includes almost 200 boys and girls ages 6 to 16, on seven
teams in this small, rural community.
There are many more Soccer Streets volunteers that would make excellent nominees for this
annual award. Those interested in submitting the name of a deserving individual are encouraged to contact the
Soccer Streets national office or contact SGMA for more information on this program. The Coordinator for SGMA Heroes®
Awards is Craig Kaliser, who may be reached at 561.840.1127 or email at cksgma@aol.com.
You can also visit their website at http://www.sgma.com/sports_development/signature/heroes/index.html.
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