The Vashon Island Soccer Club (VISC) wrapped up another successful season last month, with about 600 players participating in preschool through adult programs in 2011.

Club members chose Joe Silagi as the 2011 coach of the year for the Association league, which is for players age 10 through 18.

VISC president Greg Martin said Silagi carried a huge load for VISC last year, taking on the role of association director, coaching two teams and assistant coaching another. When the coach of an additional team had to step down midway through the season, Silagi stepped up to help with the team and ensured a smooth handoff to its new coaches.

“The club was a major beneficiary of Joe’s time, talent and outstanding coaching,” Martin said.

The club also chose Scott Rice as the Mod league coach of the year. The Mod league is for players age 8 through 10.

Rice took on the development director role mid-year in 2011, having already served on the board in the fields development role. Rice also established the club’s kindergarten program a few years ago, and was extremely active as a referee and referee mentor.

Silagi and Rice were honored at a banquet and will have their names put on a tile at the new Vashon Fields.

VISC had 21 Association teams in 2011 that competed in the Tacoma-Pierce County Junior Soccer Association, as well as 20 Mod teams.

The club had 17 Asso-ciation teams in 2010. However, last season organizers chose to create smaller teams so that players could get the most playing time possible.

Martin said that there were about 50 active coaches last season across all the age groups.

“These coaches put in around 2,500 volunteer hours to make this happen for the kids,” he said.

The club will hold its annual meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17, at McMurray Middle School.

 

Contact Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber Reporter Natalie Johnson at njohnson@vashonbeachcomber.com or 206-463-9195.

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