(back)

‘Platinum Award’ a goal worth achieving for area soccer group

By Tony Ku

It promotes a five-step philosophy, designed to help better prepare kids at an early age by teaching them life skills while having fun. But this isn’t a parenting program: It’s the American Youth Soccer Organization’s Chapter 1046.

What makes these young enthusiasts more unique than their counterparts in other parts of the country is AYSO’s recent bestowal on the group of its coveted Platinum Award.

“It is an extremely big feather in our cap,” said AYSO Region 1046 commissioner Paul Scowen.

“The award itself is the highest national recognition that can be given to a region.”

While he was delighted to hear of the honor, Scowen admits he hadn’t been expecting it.

“At some level, I was more than a little surprised because this is a huge award.”

One of the primary factors to which Scowen attributes his region’s selection was its ability to uphold AYSO’s five philosophical principles: each participant playing at least two quarters, balanced teams, positive coaching, open registration and encouraging good sportsmanship.

“One of the big things we really push for are positive coaching by not cutting them (the players) down, but instead channeling them in the right direction by giving them constructive criticism.”

And Scowen said adherence to the philosophical principles also differentiates AYSO from other organizations.

“There are a lot of other organizations that promote the concept of winning at all costs,” he said.

“We found that through youth sports you can impress those kinds of life skills such as leadership and team work.”

Chapter 1046, which covers south Tempe, west Chandler and Ahwatukee, wasn’t the only one that took home a Platinum Award. Region 503, which encompasses the Dobson area, earned an award as well.  

Assistant Commissioner Jolene Washatka said the award was fitting for the organization and for Scowen, who she said put a lot of extra work into the organization in the past year.

“I was pleasantly surprised,” said Washatka, who has been involved with AYSO for the past eight years.

“I know that Paul has tried really hard to go above and beyond the expectations of what our region has done in the past.”

But Scowen said his own and his group’s appreciation of the award wasn’t because it made a statement about his accomplishments since taking the role of commissioner in December 2001. 

“We do it because we love the kids and the sport,” he said. “It’s truly a recognition of everyone’s effort.” 

(back)