News

Local soccer coach named NC coach of the year

By Bill Moss, Published: January 31, 2013

A Hendersonville volunteer soccer coach and schoolteacher received the 2013 Boys Recreation Coach of the Year Award from the North Carolina Youth Soccer Association (NCYSA) on Sunday in Greensboro.

The award winning coach, Michael Ericksen, has volunteered as a recreation coach with the Henderson County Parks & Recreation Department for 15 different teams since 2005. His dedication and effectiveness in teaching the skills and fundamentals of the games are evident, with players continuing in the recreation program or moving into competitive levels of play with the Henderson County Soccer Association.
Ericksen's selfless contribution of time and energy are what contributed to his nomination for the award, Henderson County said in a news release.
NCYSA, the governing body for youth soccer in the state of North Carolina, operates under the jurisdiction of U.S. Youth Soccer. NCYSA accepts nominations each year for their Coach of the Year awards, choosing one recipient in each category. This is the first year that a Henderson County coach has received an NCYSA Coach of the Year award in any category.
The Henderson County Parks and Recreation Department coordinates the recreation soccer program. Over 450 children participate per season in the league, from ages 5 - high school. The recreation league is focused on fun and skill development for anyone who wants to play. Registration is open now for the spring season.