Bend, OR - December 13, 2011 – The 12 Finalists of the Inspireum Soccer Awards got an early Christmas present today, as the Trusted Sports Foundation and Inspireum announced the names of the twelve Finalists. Each of the Finalists will receive an academic scholarship provided by the Foundation. The twelve are recognized for the inspirational impact they have made on their teammates, coaches, peers, and communities and were chosen from over 250 nominees. The Finalists represent all regions of the United States, stretching from California to New York. Their incredible stories can be read at
www.InspireumSoccerAwards.com.
Maritza Valdespino of Houston, Texas was named among the Finalists. You will often hear Maritza's friends refer to her as "Robot," based on her ability to excel in so many activities. She participates in an abundance of extracurricular activities - as many as 12 - including five national honors societies and many different community improvement groups. What most do not know about Maritza is that the community and high school that she works so hard to help is not like others in the Houston, Texas area. Her high school is located in Houston's historic East End barrio and is made up of primarily Hispanic students, most of whom live in extremely economically disadvantaged situations. "Robot has given more to this place, her classmates, and teammates, than any other student I have encountered thus far," said Coach Cody Roberts of Maritza. She continues to excel on and off the soccer field and is leaving a long-lasting impression on her community.
A national Selection Committee chaired by Steve Sampson, former head coach of the LA Galaxy and U.S. Men's National Team will determine the final results. Other members include Joe Cummings, Chief Executive Officer of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA), Jurgen Klinsmann, Head Coach of the current U.S. Men's National Soccer Team, and April Heinrichs, former player of the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team and the first female inductee into the National Soccer Hall of Fame.
"Each of these young soccer players is a role model and has shown so much character and courage in their pursuit of the sport and in exhibiting a passion for life that is extraordinary," said Steve Sampson. "They have the ability to inspire people both on and off the field, and should be celebrated – everyone should have an opportunity to get to know the stories of these incredible young athletes."
Academic scholarships totaling $25,000 provided by the Trusted Sports Foundation will be awarded to those players who bring the most heart to the game of soccer. Known as the award that honors athletes for character, courage, contribution and commitment, the Inspireum Soccer Awards recognize those kids that bring honor and inspiration to a team and community. The final results will be announced on January 3, 2012, and the winner will be honored on January 14th at the NSCAA's annual convention in Kansas City. The winner will receive a $7,500 academic scholarship to the college of their choice. Three runners up will each receive $2500 scholarships, and both a female and male Fan Favorite selected by the public will each receive a $1,500 scholarship. The six other Finalists will each receive a $1,000 scholarship. America can show support and vote for their favorite nominees through January 2nd at www.InspireumSoccerAwards.com.
About Inspireum and the Inspireum Soccer Awards Inspireum utilizes the power of social media, technology and community-based marketing to share inspirational youth achievement in sports and community service. We discover, amplify, and celebrate young people who inspire their schools, teammates, friends, family, and community. 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.
Images and video are available online at www.InspireumSoccerAwards.com.
Contact: Kristin Hansen (541-633-9139 / Kristin@inspireum.com)
About Trusted Sports FoundationTrusted Sports Foundation is a nonprofit organization focused on inspiring kids to thrive in life through sports. Our goal is to empower underserved youth to live up to their full potential through positive sports experiences that form active, healthy habits for a lifetime. Through our national inspirational youth sports awards programs, we reward character, courage, contribution and commitment with academic scholarships for athletes who inspire their teams, schools, and communities. Through our Kids In The Game program, we provide financial resources to help youth from low-income families, youth that are physically or mentally challenged, and kids that are at-risk gain access to sports programs. Learn more at
www.TrustedSportsFoundation.com.
Contact: Sandy Henderson (541-848-9509 / Sandy@trustedsports.org)
