Annual General Meeting and Club Awards - 2023-2024 Season
Guelph Soccer hosted its Annual General Meeting of Members and Club Awards on Sunday, February 2nd, at the Italian Canadian Club in Guelph.
The morning began with a Volunteer Breakfast to thank those who contributed to the success of Guelph Soccer. This was followed by the AGM, where key club matters were discussed. Shortly after, the Club Awards ceremony took place, recognizing individuals for their achievements during the 2023-2024 season.
Award Recipients
Outstanding Youth Player of the Year – District
Hannah McCaig – A captain of the Guelph Jr. Gryphons Black 2007 District team, Hannah consistently led by example. She welcomed new players, fostered a supportive environment, and showed compassion for injured teammates. Her strong communication skills bridged the gap between players and coaches, making her a respected leader.
Naod Katma – Naod’s leadership, dedication, and positive influence set him apart. He led with humility, inspiring his teammates with resilience and commitment. His impact extended beyond the field, earning him respect as both a player and a person.
Outstanding Youth Player of the Year – Academy
Rachael Van Milligen – Rachael is a hardworking midfielder known for her great positional awareness and positive energy. She is a strong offensive threat who keeps team spirits high with her contagious laughter and uplifting attitude. Her leadership extends beyond the field, making her a vital team member.
Eric Wellhauser – As the Boys U14 Academy goalkeeper, Eric’s determination and fearless performances were key to the team’s Ontario Cup success. His leadership and sportsmanship earned the respect of coaches and teammates alike. He consistently delivered in high-pressure moments, proving his reliability in goal.
Outstanding Youth Player of the Year – Regional
Emily Bruce – As a team captain, Emily demonstrated an outstanding work ethic and commitment to her team. She welcomed new players and ensured they felt included. Her compassion shone through as she was always the first to assist injured teammates on the field.
Carson Duldhardt – Carson led the Boys U17 team with a strong work ethic and encouraging presence. He set a high standard in training, pushed his teammates to perform at their best, and played with respect for officials and opponents. His leadership was evident in every game.
Referee of the Year
Maelle Bittermann – Maelle’s understanding of the game allows her to make confident, fair decisions. She communicates effectively with players and coaches and is always eager to improve. Her dedication to learning and development will take her far in her refereeing career.
Kai McCoubrey – Kai is known for his strong presence on the field, clear signals, and confident decisions. He remains composed under pressure and seeks feedback to refine his officiating. His adaptability across different levels of play has contributed to his rapid development.
Volunteer of the Year
Amber Williams – Amber has dedicated over 10 seasons to the Boys 2008 team as a coach and manager. She keeps players and parents informed while organizing tournaments and fundraisers. Her commitment to the team’s success is unmatched.
Tom Mann – Tom played a crucial role in organizing the Girls 2009 Academy team’s schedule and travel. His efforts ensured a successful Nationals experience. His dedication to providing the best opportunities for players greatly contributed to the team’s success.
Recreational Coach of the Year
Keri Schinck – Keri has been coaching with Guelph Soccer since 2022, fostering a positive team culture. She connects with players on a personal level, ensuring a fun and supportive environment. Her commitment to player development makes her an invaluable coach.
Jeremy Markou – Jeremy has coached both house league and rep teams since 2019, often volunteering beyond his own children’s teams. He creates an encouraging and enjoyable atmosphere, ensuring that every player has a positive soccer experience.
Rep Coach of the Year
Sami Falkenstein – Sami is a dedicated coach who balances professionalism with personal commitment. She played a key role in guiding the Girls U17 Academy team, helping multiple players secure varsity opportunities. Her ability to motivate and support players has left a lasting impact in all areas of their lives.
Daniel Hendricks – Daniel coaches two competitive teams with a focus on individual and team development. His calm approach and respect for players foster a great learning environment. He consistently promotes sportsmanship and fair play towards the players, and other teams, and his players respond very well to his coaching tactics.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Keith Mason – Keith has been a vital part of the Guelph soccer community for over 40 years. He started coaching in 1981 and went on to lead the University of Guelph Men’s Soccer Program for 28 years. Thanks to his leadership, and dedication to the Club, the Junior Gryphons partnership that has been in place since 2016, has been the gold standard in the community. With his career wrapped up at the university he can now focus all his soccer energy on Guelph United, the League One organization which he leads in our community. This past summer, he was the driving force behind the 10-year partnership between the Guelph Soccer Club and Guelph United, which now paves the way for our players to possibly play for Guelph United one day. Thank you Keith, for everything you have done, and will continue to do, for soccer in our community.
We extend our gratitude to all award recipients for their dedication and achievements. Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations to recognize these nominees’ efforts. A special thanks to Soccer World for providing gift cards, Christina Macaluso-Thomas for photographing the event, and Sean Furfaro for serving as Master of Ceremony.
Finally, we thank our entire community. We are unable to be the Club we are without our players, parents, coaches, volunteers, managers, and supporters. Thank you for making this a successful 2023-2024 season and we look forward to an exciting future for Guelph Soccer!
