NCSL R&D Chair Alan Paez Named East Region Volunteer of the Year by US Youth Soccer

 

The National Capital Soccer League is pleased to announce that Alan Paez, the league’s Rules and Discipline Committee Chairman, has been named as Volunteer of the Year in the East Region by US Youth Soccer.  His selection makes him one of four national finalists for the USYS National Volunteer of the Year Award, which will be presented in January at the United Soccer Coaches Convention.

The East Region comprises the 15 USYS state associations in the Northeast United States, including Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Eastern New York, New York West, Eastern Pennsylvania, PA West, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Paez has served as the Chairman of the NCSL Rules and Discipline Committee for the past 12 years. As Chairman, he has enforced FIFA laws and NCSL Rules and required strict protection of referees while encouraging clubs to police their own actions.  The result has been a cooperative approach to the R&D function and more appropriate sidelines behavior.

NCSL nominated Paez for the award, noting his long impact on the youth game at every level.  Paez began coaching at the recreational level in 2000, when his oldest joined a team, and continued coaching until his youngest moved to a travel soccer team in 2009.  He has since served as a Team Manager, as NCSL Club Representative for the Alexandria Soccer Association, and more recently as R&D Chairman.  Paez is also a certified referee.

“There could not be a more deserving person than Alan for this award,” said Richard Smith, NCSL President.  “He has worked tirelessly for more than two decades to bring the beautiful game to the children of our communities and to protect its integrity through the adjudication process.  His dedication is inspiring to all of us, and we are delighted that he is being recognized on a national stage.”

Paez was also selected by the Virginia Youth Soccer Association as its Volunteer of the Year.  He will receive that award at the VYSA Awards Gala in March.