2006 Toyota President's Award
Jeff and Paula Knox, Salina Soccer Club, Salina, KS
The Toyota President’s Award is new this year. This award acknowledges the efforts of a special soccer person who goes the extra mile for the sport and has a positive impact on the development of soccer in his or her community. This year’s Kansas Toyota President’s Award goes to Jeff and Paula Knox of the Salina Soccer Club.
Jeff and Paula have long been vital to soccer in the Salina community. Not only were they instrumental in bringing club soccer to the Salina area, but most recently their volunteer efforts have spearheaded an ambitious goal of finding the funds to develop a soccer complex with matching funds from the City of Salina.
Working closely with the city, through Jeff and Paula’s efforts, a quarter cent sales tax bond was added to the ballot and approved by the citizens of Salina. Through several set backs including finding the best location for the fields and cost over runs, Jeff and Paula continued to persevere with positive attitudes, strong leadership, and commitment to the project. The result of nearly $900,000 in fundraising along with matching sales tax bond money was a beautiful soccer complex nestled along the picturesque Smoky Hills River which opened in September, 2006.
Without the tireless spirit of volunteerism of Jeff and Paula as well as so many other soccer moms and dads, this project may have never left the concept phase.
About the Toyota President's Award
Each year, Kansas Youth Soccer pays tribute to outstanding soccer people by selecting someone for the Kansas Youth Soccer Toyota President's Award. Take the opportunity to say "Thanks!" to these distinguished individuals and nominate them for this honor. Our state selection will join the award winners from Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, South Dakota and North Dakota and be eligible for further recognition for the Midwest Soccer Alliance Toyota President's Award.
Selection Criteria:
- Nominees must be affiliated through an active Kansas Youth Soccer club/league in good standing.
- Nominees must have an outstanding record of participation.
- Nominees should be excellent role models in and beyond the soccer community.
- Nominees should have favorable relationships with other members of the Kansas soccer community.
- A personal statement of involvement.
Candidates or their representatives should send their nomination via email or regular mail and attach as much supporting documentation as possible, including:
- Letters of recommendation from other parents, club administrators, community leaders, and youth.
- Personal statement of involvement or other documentation which states their philosophy.
- A short resume of volunteerism.
For 2007, please send nominations, with documentation, no later than December 15, 2007 to: Kansas Youth Soccer ,Toyota President's Award, 708 S Rogers Rd , Ste C , Olathe , KS 66062 . Notification will be in early February at which time the winner will be invited to the Kansas Youth Soccer Awards recognition program to be held in 2008.
On September 22, 2005, the Kansas City Regional office for Toyota Motor Sales USA announced that Toyota has become the Official Vehicle for the Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota State Soccer Associations. The sponsorship includes a variety of event and promotional opportunities designed to reach youth soccer participants and families during the fall and spring soccer seasons.
Toyota's Kansas City Region encompasses 75 Toyota dealers in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The Midwest State Soccer Associations (MSSA), covering the same regional footprint and marketing area as Toyota, have combined to register more than 100,000 participating soccer players. Core participant demographics cover youth soccer players ages 6-19 years old, with some States also including amateur and adult soccer leagues for participants 20 years and older.
“Having the opportunity to bring Toyota together with thousands of registered soccer players throughout the Midwest is just one of the many benefits that our MSSA Alliance has been able to provide” stated Harold Kahler, Executive Director of the Iowa State Soccer Association. “Having great corporate partners like Toyota only grows our ability to communicate the message about who we are and how anyone can become involved in soccer in their local market.”
Toyota will receive the benefits of having one primary soccer tournament held in each State, named the ‘Toyota Cup'. Youth soccer players and family members attending the tournaments will be able to interact with local dealers at on-site vehicle display areas. The agreement also allows Toyota dealers in selected markets to host “Soccer Education Clinics” coordinated by each State Soccer Association coaching staff.
“With this agreement, Toyota sees a great opportunity to show our support to youth soccer and reach a large portion of our target demographic,” says Samantha Goot, Toyota Motor Sales - Regional Marketing Manager. “We look forward to giving our dealers many great opportunities to reach out to the families by providing community support for an activity they participate in on a regular basis.”
Sponsorship of the Midwest State Soccer Associations expands Toyota's vast array of sports marketing ventures, which also included becoming the Official Vehicle of USA Swimming earlier this year.
