Inspireum Announces Top 50 Semifinalists
Steve Sampson and Jurgen Klinsmann head up Selection
Committee in search of America’s Most Inspiring Young Soccer Players
For Immediate Release
Bend, OR – November 17, 2011 – The Inspireum Soccer Awards honor and celebrate young athletes who embody the values of character, courage, contribution and commitment. Today, Inspireum announced their 50 Semifinalists for the awards. More than 250 inspirational young players were nominated by their coaches, peers and parents, in the search for the most inspirational soccer players in America. Some of the players who were nominated faced such adversity as having navigated tough home lives, playing through battles with crippling diseases, and continuing with their commitment to the game despite the loss of family members or friends. The Trusted Sports Foundation will award $25,000 in academic scholarships to the 12 Finalists, with a $7,500 scholarship bestowed upon the winner. America can vote for the Semifinalists that inspire them at www.InspireumSoccerAwards.com.
The Selection Committee, in charge of naming the scholarship winners, is comprised of many well known soccer personalities, and is headed up by Steve Sampson, former coach of the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team and the LA Galaxy. Of the awards Sampson said, “We hope to show young athletes that we value their character and ability to inspire as highly as we regard their athletic talent. We’re leveraging the power of soccer to motivate players, teams and communities to enable more youth to play so that no kids are left on the sidelines.” Other members of the Committee include notable Spanish language soccer announcer Andres Cantor, as well as current U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann.
“With this being our first year for the Inspireum Soccer Awards, we wanted to continue the success we’ve had with the High School Football Rudy Awards by honoring soccer players across the country who have defied the odds,” said John Ballantine, Founder of Inspireum. “We are thrilled with the courage and character that all the Semifinalists have shown and feel honored to present their stories to America.”
Inspireum will announce the 12 Finalists of the Inspireum Soccer Awards on the 13th of December. The winner will be announced on January 3rd, 2012, and will be awarded the $7,500 scholarship at a ceremony at the National Soccer Coaches Association of America’s annual convention in Kansas City, Missouri on the 14th of January.
About Inspireum
Inspireum is a social enterprise dedicated to celebrating outstanding achievement of young people that inspires the next generation and strengthens our communities. We discover, amplify, and celebrate stories of youth that overcome adversity and inspire others to achieve. Our technology, programs, and financial resources provide the inspiration, motivation, and opportunity for youth to engage in sports and service as hands-on, action-oriented paths to leadership, academic performance and healthy lifestyles. In partnership with the Trusted Sports Foundation, we work to inspire and empower all youth, regardless of socio-economic status, to thrive in life through positive sports experiences. Together, we provide assistance to low-income, physically and mentally challenged, and at-risk kids who need access to sports programs.
For information: www.InspireumSoccerAwards.com
Contact: sandy@inspireum.com
Phone: (541) 848 9509