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As the Region III Girl's Olympic
Development Program Don has been instrumental in creating
positive soccer environment instilling the belief that all
children should have an opportunity to participate, have fun
no matter what. Early on, Don knew Soccer was the sport of
choice for him. He was one of the first members of his high
school soccer team and since then, he has remained committed
to the game and ensuring the kids, coaches and staff have
a memorable and enjoyable experience - Don's philosophy is
simple: "If you are not in soccer to benefit the players,
then get out of the game".
Don's life reads like a John
Grisham novel. Born in Winchester, MA in 1934 he was not only
one of the first members of his high school soccer team, in
1975-1978 he was a volunteer high school coach. He co-founded
the Jacksonville Youth Soccer Club and was elected District
Commissioner of Florida Youth Soccer in 1976 and 1978. He
was also appointed Select Team Representative and continued
as Regional Select Team Camp Administrator from 1980 till
present. Don was also appointed Region III ODP Chairman in
1993. He was elected Regional Vice President of the Florida
Youth Soccer Association and elected to the Presidency from
1983-1994. Don has hosted numerous events and while President
of the FYSA he hosted 2 regional tournaments, West German
Youth National Team 3 times and continues to coach is grandson
still today.
Don say's one of his greatest contributions is the Select
Team and Olympic Development Program. Why? As the program
grew, the players have been given a venue to pursue the highest
level of competition available. The program is the pathway
for players to make the National Team as well as obtain college
scholarships. "The greatest reward for me, is to see
these players reach the levels where they gain great recognition
for themselves."
Florida Youth Soccer Association owes a great deal to Coach
Don Gurney. Without his vision and commitment to youth sports
and soccer Florida Youth Soccer Association probably would
not be where it is today. Don Gurney was the 1st inductee
into the Florida Youth Soccer Association Hall of Fame in
1988 and since then, many youth organizations have used his
program platform as their road map to developing and building
a successful youth sports organization. Youth Sport Organizations
across the United States recognize Don Gurney for many reasons.
Probably the ones that stand out the most are his dedication
to helping kids, coaches and parents and his commitment to
making sure the game of soccer is about the kids first.
Don is a graduate of Jacksonville University. He served in the US Navy and
has been married to his wife Betty Jean since 1972. He has
2 children and currently coaches his grandson's soccer team.
He credits the game of soccer for keeping him youthful and
full of energy. We salute DON GURNEY for his commitment to
youth in sports and for ensuring this great sport remains
about the kids.
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