The 2011 Inspireum Soccer Awards


 

In 2011 Inspireum a Bend, Oregon based company in partnership with the Trusted Sports Foundation created the Inspireum Soccer Awards to inspire and empower all youth, regardless of socio-economic status, to thrive in life through positive sports experiences.
This was their website for the 2011 Inspireum Soccer Awards.

Content is from the site's 2011 archived pages as well as other outside sources.
The new owner of this domain is hoping that by keeping the original content visible on the web, others will be motivated to create such awards that award scholarships to worthy young athletes.

 

INSPIREUM SOCCER AWARD

September 26, 2011 | www.soccerindiana.org
Would you like to earn an academic scholarship? Learn how you can make it happen…

The Inspireum Soccer Awards, in partnership with the Trusted Sports Foundation, announce the search for the most inspirational young soccer players in America (ONLY for male / female high school players). The Inspireum Soccer Awards look beyond statistics and traditional performance to discover and celebrate male and female athletes who inspire their teammates, school, family, and community, and best embody the traits of Character, Courage, Contribution and Commitment. 

The amount of $25,000 in academic scholarships, provided by the Trusted Sports 
Foundation, will be awarded to the 12 Finalists. A National Selection 
Committee led by Steve Sampson, former head coach of the U.S. Men’s 
National Soccer team and the LA Galaxy, will determine the nation’s 
most inspirational players.

 

 

Steve Sampson
 

“Through these awards, 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.”


  - Steve Sampson
     Chairman, Inspireum Soccer Awards

About the Awards

The Inspireum Soccer Awards celebrate outstanding young athletes, not because of their statistical performance, but because of their ability both on and off the soccer field to inspire teammates, classmates, families and communities.  This year we will discover, amplify, and celebrate hundreds of soccer players nationwide who display great character, courage, contribution and commitment.  Players are nominated by coaches, parents, teammates, and friends for this prestigious award.

 

ABOUT INSPIREUM

Inspireum, located in Bend, Oregon, is a social enterprise dedicated to celebrating outstanding youth achievement that inspires the next generation and strengthens our communities. We discover, amplify, and celebrate stories of youth that overcome life's challenges and inspire others to achieve. 

Inspireum utilizes the power of social media, technology and community-based marketing to share extraordinary youth sports and service achievements that inspire America. Our multimedia technology platform hosts three national awards programs that showcase outstanding youth achievement that is measured by character, courage, contribution and commitment.

Our objective through the Inspireum Soccer Awards, the Inspireum Football Awards and other programs is to provide the public with a family-oriented platform that amplifies youth that inspire their fellow students, families and communities. 

Soccer Team Shot




KIDS In The GAME

Our Mission

At the Trusted Sports Foundation, we are passionate about helping young people thrive in life through participating in youth sports. Our primary objective is to provide programs and assistance that "Get & Keep Kids in the Game". Our ultimate goal is for youth athletes to participate in sports, and that the positive impact of such experience enables them to live up to their full potential in the present and their future. Benefits of our programs will result in scholarships, subsidized registration fees for less fortunate kids, provision of sports gear and apparel, and other programs that enable young people to participate in organized youth sports.

The Need

Youth sports are a critical positive developmental tool for the next generation of Americans. But the statistics are staggering: 

* 62% of kids ages 9-13 do not participate in any organized physical activity during non-school hours.
 
* 75% of these kids don't play because they cannot afford registration fees and equipment.
 
* 1/3 of children in the U.S. will be overweight or obese by the time they are 9 years old.
 
* Over $3.5 billion was eliminated from after-school sports programs in public schools around the US over the past 2 years.

Why Youth Sports is Important

Organized youth sports programs provide an action-oriented and successful path to discipline, leadership, crime-prevention, lower drop-out rates and healthy lifestyles. Research studies overwhelmingly conclude that kids who participate in after-school athletic programs have:
 
  • less substance abuse
  • less teen pregnancy
  • less obesity
  • less misconduct and criminal activity
  • better social skills
  • better academic performance
  • higher levels of physical activity later in life 

 

"The first time I became aware of Inspireum was when my brother alerted me to the awards when his son brought home an announcement of scholarship winners. Within a week I met a parent whose daughter was a recipient of a small award. I was at a private event for Blue Heron Capital, an investment firm based in Richmond, Virginia. I got into a far reaching, in depth conversation with Satya Rangarajan who serves as the Managing Partner of Enlightened Capital Management, a social venture fund, and as Principal and Founder of Enlightened Management Corp., a strategic technology advisory group. He is also part of the Industry Advisory Network for Blue Heron Capital. Satya has more than twenty years of experience in managing enterprise technology platforms including running a global development organization developing commercial software lines and it showed in our conversation that evening. I suggested that the Inspireum Awards was a perfect way to support our young athletes, and I think there was some interest in some kind of sponsorship, but more importantly the fact that people are talking about this award is an excellent sign that these types of organizations are recognized for their contributions to youth development. Our society needs more of this kind of effort." Rob Battleson

 



 

THE AWARDS

The Inspireum Soccer Awards™ program searches the nation for the most outstanding young soccer players who inspire and lead their teammates, schools and communities. $25,000 in academic scholarships will be awarded by the Trusted Sports Foundation to the twelve finalists. This program looks beyond traditional athletic performance measures to reward heart, team-oriented values, and inspirational impact that help youth succeed throughout life.

The Inspireum Soccer Awards™ celebrate inspirational young athletes who embody the values of character, courage, contribution and commitment through the sport of soccer. Recognizing and rewarding these outstanding players inspires other youth to pursue sports as a positive, action-oriented path to self-discipline, leadership, strong academic performance and a healthy lifestyle.

This fall, soccer teams nationwide will celebrate their most inspirational players through Inspireum’s online nominations process. Both female and male players enrolled in high school that play on their high school teams or with other soccer organizations are eligible to participate. Coaches, parents, teammates, classmates and friends are invited to nominate athletes, vote, and provide supportive comments for their inspirational favorite. A national Selection Committee of soccer and media notables, along with a fan vote, will choose the scholarship recipients.

 



 

WINNER

Congratulations to the 2011 Winner who receives a $7,500 academic scholarship.

Quinton Anderson

CHRISTIAN METZLER - WOODBRIDGE, VA

Christian Metzler is among the top goalkeepers in the state of Virginia leading his team to a winning season and a spot on the All-State Team. It is easy to see why Christian is known for his ability as a talented soccer player, excellent student and a compassionate mentor, rather than his disability, as he was born with just one leg. 

Runners-Up

Congratulations to the Runners-Up who each receive a $2,500 academic scholarship.

Quinton Anderson

TARA MCNAUGHT - LAKEWOOD, CA

Tara is a normal teen that must do the extraordinary every day as she goes through hours of breathing treatments and medication, and endures a special diet, to combat her Cystic Fibrosis and CF-related diabetes.
Quinton Anderson

HUMBERTO ALVAREZ - MEDFORD, OR

Humberto, a terrific soccer player who had extraordinarily made the Far West Region IV ODP team, had to sit this season out while he recovered from surgery – surgery to donate marrow to his five year old brother Marco, who was stricken with Lymphoma.
Quinton Anderson

MICHAEL COOPER - BLACKWOOD, NJ

Michael excels in school, on the soccer field, and within his community. It’s hard to believe that he does all of this while battling Crohn’s Disease. His disease, often making him feel sick and fatigued, doesn’t stop him from assisting his autistic brothers with their daily activities, and supporting the local soccer clubs by donating his time. 

 

Fan Favorites

Congratulations to the Fan Favorites who each receive a $2,000 academic scholarship.

Quinton Anderson

ERIK ARSENAULT - LAKE WORTH, FL

At the age of 12, it was discovered that Erik had a tumor on his spine that eventually required removal surgeries. After the tumor was removed and replaced with metal rods, Erik found himself working hard to get used to his new body. Throughout his recovery he continued to volunteer with the AYSO teams that have been such a big part of his life. 
Quinton Anderson

MARITZA VALDESPINO - HOUSTON, TX

Maritza is a familiar face within her community. Having been nicknamed “Robot”, it isn’t surprising to see the list of extra curricular activities she is involved in. What is surprising is the area in which she works so hard to help.  Having already made a lasting impression on her school, there is no doubt Maritza is inspirational. 

 

Finalists

Congratulations to the Finalists who each receive a $1,000 academic scholarship.

Quinton Anderson

BECCA LIDVALL - LAKEWOOD, CO

Becca Lidvall holds her family together with her passion for soccer. When her father, and biggest fan, Dave, suffered a stroke last year, the family found happiness and stability once again through the sport, as Becca has worked for years to empower her two older brother's with special needs through the The Outreach Program for Soccer.
Quinton Anderson

LAUREN LUKE - MUKILTEO, WA

Lauren was taken from her biological parents at the age of two, and shuffled between five foster homes before the age of five. She was adopted by the Luke family, and has since flourished, providing inspiration to everyone around her.
Quinton Anderson

BROCK MARVIN - ELIZABETHTOWN, NY

In April of 2008, the healthy Brock endured a massive heart attack, which left his heart pumping at 7 percent capacity. He was put on a transplant list, and was given a new heart, and a new lease on life, in December of 2010.
Quinton Anderson

GAELA NORMILE - VIRGINIA BEACH, VA

After the tragic loss of her youngest sibling, Gaela Normile didn’t waste any time making an impact on her community on behalf of her fallen brother.  She sets a great example for her family by staying positive. Raising money for other grieving families in a time of need is only one example of the impression Gaela has already made.
Quinton Anderson

SAM PORTER - GRESHAM, OR

Sam Porter may live away from her mother and at times been without a father due to his battles with addiction, crime and homelessness, but she has found stability in her passion for the sport of soccer, which she now shares with other young women as a volunteer coach. 
Quinton Anderson

GONZALO VASQUEZ - OKLAHOMA CITY, OK

From an impoverished and gang-filled area in Oklahoma City, Gonzalo has overcome stereotypes and peer pressure to become a role model for the young men and women in his area. He is a leader on and off the field as a captain for his soccer team while he excels in the classroom, volunteers in his community and works part time to support his family. 

 

 



 

National Partners

 

Donor's Choose
The American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) was established in the Los Angeles area in 1964 with nine teams. Today, AYSO has more than 50,000 teams and more than 550,000 players. The organization is proud to have paved the road for youth soccer and looks forward to meeting the challenges of the 21st century. 
 

The National High School Coaches Association (NHSCA), based in Easton, PA, is an organization dedicated to helping high school coaches and administrators across the country. Since 1989, the NHSCA has helped host national championships in several sports and offers a variety of resources to coaches and athletes.
 
Based in Kansas City, Kansas, the National Soccer Coaches Association of America is the largest soccer coaches' organization in the world. Since its founding in 1941, it has grown to include more than 30,000 members who coach both genders at all levels of the sport. In addition to a national rankings program for colleges and high schools, NSCAA offers an extensive recognition program that presents nearly 10,000 individual awards every year. It fulfills its mission of coaching education through a nationwide program of clinics and week-long courses, teaching more than 6,000 soccer coaches each year.      
      
Positive Coaching Alliance is a national non-profit committed to providing all youth and high school athletes with a positive, character-building experience. We achieve this primarily through live and online courses for the Double-Goal Coach®, Second-Goal Parent®, and Triple-Impact Competitor®.  
 
ZAAZ
 
Play Like A Champion Today™ is an innovative coach and parent education organization that is transforming the culture of youth sports. Based at the University of Notre Dame, Play Like A Champion Today™ offers a child-centered, research-based approach to coaching and sport parenting.
 
ZAAZ
Rush Soccer represents over 34,000 youth soccer players nationwide. Rush Soccer is committed to making soccer a pleasant, safe, and rewarding experience for everyone involved, regardless of ability, and believe that all players are winners because everyone is afforded an equal opportunity to explore their potential and pursue positive outcomes on and off the field. 
ZAAZ
SHOEBACCA.com is a full-scale online retail footwear company dedicated to helping customers and their families lead active, healthy lifestyles. SHOEBACCA.com boasts an impressive selection of over 200 brands and 25,000 styles from the world's most popular and premium brands of athletic shoes, outdoor shoes, and fashionable shoes, apparel, bags, sunglasses, and gear.

 



 

PRESS RELEASE

 

BEND, OR (PRWEB) SEPTEMBER 21, 2011 | www.prweb.com

Former Head Coach LA Galaxy, Steve Sampson is the Selection Committee Chairman.

Steve Sampson, Former Head Coach U.S. Men's National Team

Through these awards, we hope to show young athletes that we value their character and ability to inspire as highly as we regard their athletic talent.

Following the success of the High School Football ‘Rudy’ Awards, Inspireum has created the Inspireum Soccer Awards. This Bend, Oregon based company founded the High School Football ‘Rudy’ Awards in 2009. Named for the University of Notre Dame’s most famous underdog Daniel 'Rudy' Ruettiger, the football awards honor our youth whose love of the game may not always result in the highest stats, but certainly has a positive impact on their team, school and community. Tapping into the fast growing team sport in the nation, the Inspireum Soccer Awards celebrate inspirational young athletes who embody the values of character, courage, contribution and who inspire others to excellence through their own actions.

$25,000 in academic scholarships will be awarded by the Trusted Sports Foundation to the twelve finalists. America can nominate the most inspirational athlete on their soccer team online through November 9 at http://www.InspireumSoccerAwards.com. Images and video can also be uploaded, and are encouraged. Online voting commences October 6 and continues after the Top 50 semifinalists are announced on November 17. The Top 12 finalists are chosen on December 13 and the winner, three runners-up and two fan favorites will be announced on January 3, 2012. The winner will receive their scholarship and award at the NSCAA Convention in Kansas City on January 14.

Final scholarship recipients are chosen by a national selection committee that is led by former coach of the U.S. Men’s National team and LA Galaxy, Steve Sampson. “Through these awards, we hope to show young athletes that we value their character and ability to inspire as highly as we regard their athletic talent,” Sampson said. “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 notable soccer personalities such as Jurgen Klinsmann, head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team, Lynn Berling-Manuel of American Youth Soccer Organization, and internationally acclaimed soccer announcer known for his signature call “Goooaaallll!” Andres Cantor, serve on the selection committee.

About Inspireum
Inspireum is a social enterprise dedicated to rewarding outstanding youth achievement 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.

 



Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ provides an overview of the 2011 Inspireum Soccer Awards. Please refer to the Terms of Participation for a detailed listing of the rules.

WHAT IS THE 2011 SCHEDULE?

 September 13th   Open for Nominations
 October 6th   Fan Voting begins!
 November 9th   Closed for Nominations (5pm PST)
 November 17th   Top 50 Semifinalists announced
 December 13th   Top 12 Finalists announced
 January 3rd
  Final results announced!
  Winner, 3 Runners-up, 2 Fan Favorites
 January 14th
  Awards Ceremony
  NSCAA Convention (Kansas City, MO)

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE INSPIREUM SOCCER AWARDS?

All female and male soccer players that satisfy the following eligibility requirements may be nominated:
  • Nominees must be enrolled in a high school (or home schooled at the high school level) in the United States at the time of the nomination;
  • Nominees must play on any high school soccer team (freshman, JV, varsity), OR play on any soccer organization team.
  • Nominees must be officially on a team at any time (spring, summer, fall seasons) during the 2011 calendar year.

WHO CAN NOMINATE A SOCCER PLAYER AND WHAT IS THE PROCESS?

Anyone can nominate a player --- coaches, parents, siblings, teammates, classmates, teachers, friends, etc. Nominations can be made easily on the website by clicking the "NOMINATE" button on the homepage and following the online process. Once a nomination is submitted, the player and/or parents will need to confirm acceptance of the nomination and agree to the Participation Agreement.

IS APPROVAL FROM A PARENT OR GUARDIAN REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE?

When a player is nominated through online registration, either the nominee or the parent/legal guardian will have to approve the Participation Agreement. In the event a nominee is under the age of 18 at the time of registration, a parent or legal guardian MUST approve the Participation Agreement.

WHEN IS THE DEADLINE TO SUBMIT A NOMINATION?

Nominations must be submitted on www.inspireumsoccerawards.com no later than 5:00pm PST on November 9, 2011.

WHAT IS AWARDED?

$25,000 in academic scholarships will be awarded to the twelve Finalists.

 Winner   $7,500 academic scholarship
 Runner-up   $2,500 academic scholarship
 Runner-up   $2,500 academic scholarship
 Runner-up   $2,500 academic scholarship
 Fan Favorite            Female   $2,000 academic scholarship
 Fan Favorite
       Male
  $2,000 academic scholarship
 6 Other Finalists   $1,000 academic scholarship (each)

WHAT IS THE SELECTION PROCESS?

There are three rounds of the selection process. The first round determines the top 50 Semifinalists. The second round determines the top 12 Finalists. The final round will determine the Inspireum Soccer Awards Winner, 3 Runners-up and 2 Fan Favorites.

  • Round 1: 50 Semifinalists -- 40 of the 50 Semifinalists will be chosen from the entire pool of eligible nominees by an internal committee of members of the Trusted Sports Foundation.  A combination of Fan Vote and internal committee of the Trusted Sports Foundation, each with a 50/50 weighting, will determine ten of the fifty Semifinalists.. 
  • Round 2: 12 Finalists -- 10 of the 12 Finalists will be chosen from the pool of 50 Semifinalists by an internal committee of members of the Trusted Sports Foundation. A combination of Fan Vote and internal committee of the Trusted Sports Foundation each with a 50/50 weighting will determine two of the 12 Finalists.
  • Final Round:  The National Selection Committee and online Fans will vote from the pool of 12 Finalists to determine the Winner and 3 Runners-Up.  The fan vote will count as one member unit of the Selection Committee.  The online Fans will vote from the pool of 12 Finalists to select one female and one male recipient of the “Fan Favorite" award.

The Inspireum Soccer Awards Winner, three Runners-up and two “Fan Favorites” will be announced on January 3, 2012.

HOW ARE THE NOMINEES EVALUATED?

The nominees are evaluated based on the following criteria:

  • Overall positive impact of the nominee’s inspirational story.
  • Extent to which nominee exhibits the qualities of Character, Courage, Contribution and Commitment.
  • Magnitude in which the nominee has inspired his or her teammates, school, family and community.

WILL FANS BE ABLE TO SHOW SUPPORT BY VOTING?

Yes! The selection process incorporates a Fan Vote. The Selection Committee and the Fan Vote will determine the nation's most inspirational soccer players in America. The Fan Vote will count as one unit of the Selection Committee vote to determine the Winner and three Runners-up. The online Fans will vote from the pool of 12 Finalists to select one male and one female recipient of the “Fan Favorite" award.

HOW MANY TIMES WILL A FAN BE ALLOWED TO VOTE?

Fans are invited to vote on the Inspireum Soccer Awards website as often as they like.

WHAT ROLE DOES THE TRUSTED SPORTS FOUNDATION PLAY IN THE INSPIREUM SOCCER AWARDS?

Trusted Sports Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on removing barriers that prevent youth from participating in sports to get and keep Kids In The Game™. Through the Inspireum Award programs, we provide and administer academic scholarships to honor and celebrate young athletes who have inspired their teammates, schools, and communities. Trusted Sports Foundation provides financial assistance to low-income, underserved youth who cannot afford the increasing costs of playing sports. We also raise awareness of the importance of athletics in developing future leaders, with skills and values that transfer from the sports field into the classroom, workplace, family and community.

ONCE I HAVE BEEN NOMINATED, THEN WHAT?

STEP 1: CONFIRM PARTICIPATION - Once you have been nominated either you and/or your parent/guardian will receive an email link to the website in which you will be asked to confirm that you wish to participate and that you agree with the Participation Agreement. If you are under the age of 18 at the time of the nomination, your parent or guardian will have to approve the Participation Agreement on the website. If you are over the age of 18, you may approve yourself on the website.
STEP 2: PLAYER PROFILE PAGE - You will need to add content to your online Player Profile page. As soon as your nomination is confirmed, a Player Profile page will be created for you and you should upload a master “profile” photo of yourself wearing a soccer jersey or full uniform (This photo should be vertical). Throughout the award program, you as well as your supporters, can directly “add a post” to your online Player Profile. You can post videos, photos, written stories, and links (online articles). Fans and Selection Committee members will evaluate your story based on the content you and your supporters upload. Please ask your coaches, teammates, classmates, friends, teachers and family members to write a story as to why the nominee has inspired others.

HOW DO SUPPORTERS AND NOMINEES SUBMIT CONTENT TO A NOMINEE'S PLAYER PROFILE PAGE?

Nominees and their parent/guardian will act as an administrator of their Player Profile page. Nominees can add or delete videos, photos, stories and links (online articles) to the Player Profile at any time. In addition, supporters of a nominee can directly upload material (i.e. “Add a Post”) to the nominee’s page.
Videos: Nominees can upload video to the Player Profile page by clicking “Add a Post”. There is an online help tutorial explaining how to upload video prepared by nominees and their supporters, as well as how to upload video that resides on TV news stations, YouTube, Vimeo, or other websites.
Stories: Anyone can write stories of support for a nominee, which can be uploaded to the Player Profile page by clicking “Add a Post”. Please ask coaches, teammates, parents, classmates, teachers and family members to write a story about the nominee.
Photos: Nominees can upload photos to the Player Profile page by clicking “Add a Post”. There is a maximum limit of fifteen (15) photos per nominee. Please upload quality photos, preferably of a higher resolution in any of the following formats: .jpg, .gif, .eps or .png.
News Articles, Links, Blog Posts: Any online news articles, news links or blog posts that help tell the nominee’s story are welcome to be uploaded to the Player Profile page by clicking “Add a Post”.
 

HOW DO I USE SOCIAL MEDIA (FACEBOOK, TWITTER) TO CREATE MORE AWARENESS ABOUT MY PARTICIPATION IN THE INSPIREUM SOCCER AWARDS?

Using Facebook is a fantastic way to create awareness about your participation in the Inspireum Soccer Awards. The awards site has a Facebook component that allows supporters to add comments directly on each Player Profile that will also be immediately posted to the user’s Facebook wall. You can click here to download the Inspireum Awards Guide to Social Media, which will provide information as to how best to use Facebook and twitter to drive awareness about your story.

 



InspireumSoccerAwards.com