Christine Gloth, NJ Youth Soccer
New Jersey Youth Soccer continues its celebration of the 2024 NJYS Awards Presented by RWJBarnabas Health, officially recognizing John LeFever of Red Bank FC as the NJYS Liesel Krehan Volunteer of the Year. This award was created to honor an individual who not only serves as an excellent soccer role model but also exhibits a willingness to advance the sport via their conduct and personal character.
“I am humbled and honored to have been named the Liesel Krehan Volunteer of the Year by New Jersey Youth Soccer,” said LeFever. “It came as quite a surprise, and while I appreciate the recognition, no one wins an award like this by themself. I have a great group of coaches, parents, players (past and present), family, and of course my wife, who share the vision, believe in the process and are 100% behind everything we try to do at Red Bank FC.”
John LeFever has been a part of Red Bank FC for more than 20 years. During that time, he has played many roles including youth coach, referee, Club President, MOSA representative and field coordinator. Today, he coaches three teams and has his referee license. He also organizes camps and is always working to get more volunteers to coach and take on responsibilities in the club. Many people within Red Back FC feel there would not be a club without him.
LeFever has made it his mission to ensure that any child, especially a child from Red Bank, has the opportunity to learn and play soccer. He is a great leader and understands that learning the game is more important than wins and losses at the younger age groups. He also implores respect from all participants of the game, whether it be players, coaches or parents. LeFever has shared his love of the game with many, and he takes pride in the fact that former players return to the club to coach.
“I want to thank all those I previously mentioned for their belief, support and passion,” continued LeFever. “I also want to thank New Jersey Youth Soccer for the recognition and for everything they do to support all of the soccer volunteers in New Jersey.”
In addition to a plaque to commemorate this achievement, LeFever was treated to a congratulatory video tribute from Cindy Parlow Cone, current President of the US Soccer Federation and a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and FIFA Women’s World Cup champion, that was played on video screens for the awards dinner audience to enjoy. He also received a custom ball from SIGND displaying a QR code that provided access to his personalized video.
NJ Youth Soccer recently held its 2024 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 saw a capacity crowd for the annual celebration.
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