Aleksei Roschko, NJYS Contributor (Photo by Cos Lymperopoulos)
New Jersey Youth Soccer recently held its 2023 NJYS Annual Awards Dinner Presented by RWJBarnabas Health, where many players, coaches and guests of the soccer community were on hand at the Pines Manor in Edison, N.J. With more than 1,000 attendees, the event hosted a capacity crowd for the annual celebration.
During the 2023 Awards Dinner Presented by RWJBarnabas Health, NJ Youth Soccer honored Debra Padmore and George Karounis as its 2022 NJYS Soccer Parents of the Year. The Soccer Parents of the Year Award is presented by Soccer Parenting Association, and it recognizes parents who have gone above and beyond in service to their club, team or community. The award was created to highlight the pivotal role that parents play in the youth soccer experience.
Debra Padmore is a mother of four who travels from East Brunswick to Staten Island each day to work as a chemical engineer. Upon arriving home from work and on the weekends, she packs up her four children, all under the age of 10, and heads out to soccer training. She also serves as the travel director assistant at East Brunswick Soccer Club for 21 active teams. Always selfless with her time, Debra is often found volunteering for her club and around town at local community events.
George Karounis is a father of two children who play at Madison Soccer Club, where he volunteers as a parent coach. His 11U team began competing in small-sided festivals, and they have since attended five league championships and made a State Cup run. For his team and club, George radiates a spirit of community, comradery and positivity. He works tirelessly to establish and maintain a strong sense of community and encourages others to become involved.
The goal of the Soccer Parenting Association is to empower parents while inspiring players. The organization also runs the SoccerParentResourceCenter.com website, which instructs youth soccer coaches and parents. The full range of Soccer Parenting Association materials are made available to NJYS member clubs in good standing, with the state association paying 80% of the expenses (i.e., a $100 annual commitment from the club).
To find out more about New Jersey Youth Soccer or to contact us directly, please email [email protected]. Also make sure to follow us on social media: @NJYouthSoccer