Crystal Soderquist has pledged to use her Coach of the Year award to continue helping young people at 7 Elite Academy develop as players, both and off the field.

Soderquist, who coaches two of the academy’s 2011 and 2006 Girls teams in Southern Utah, was named Coach of the Year during a glittering ceremony in Layton.

She has been a member of the 7 Elite Academy coaching staff since 2017, and even won Far West Regionals with the Olympic Development Program 2009 Girls this year.

Following the award, Crystal praised the coaches, players and parents she works with at 7 Elite Academy.

She said: “We have a great team here at 7 Elite Academy and I can’t thank everyone enough for their help in coaching the young people we see at training sessions and games every week.

“This award is a fantastic honor, but it’s down to the team of coaches we have here in Saint George and the support we get from colleagues in Salt Lake City and the UK.

“It is so nice that people appreciate me enough to put me forward for this award and vote. The youth soccer community in Southern Utah is like a big family and I am proud to be part of that.

“I love seeing players grow through soccer and become better young people, both within the game itself and in their community. That is what makes soccer so special.”

Stuart Dewey, Head of Coaching at 7 Elite Academy in Southern Utah, praised Crystal for her hard work with players across the age groups.

He said: “Crystal is a very popular member of our coaching team and is always willing to help out or offer advice, whether that’s players or coaches themselves.

“I have known Crystal for a long time through soccer and she fully deserves this award. We are very lucky to have a coach of her talent and experience on our staff.

“The players she works with all appreciate the extra effort she puts in to make sure training sessions and games are always as productive as possible.”

Click here to register for tryouts - starting in May