Carl Ockerbloom Coach of the Year Award

The Winchester Soccer Club named two coaches – Pat Foley (far left) from our girls travel teams and Allan Wilde (far right) from our boys travel teams as the recipients of the 2007 Carl Ockerbloom Coach of the Year Awards.  Over 20 nominations were submitted for 9 coaches through the club’s web site – and a selection committee that included Carl’s wife, Marie Ockerbloom, made the final decision. 

The Winchester Soccer Club’s Coach of the Year Award was renamed in Carl Ockerbloom’s memory in 2005 after his passing from cancer a little over three years ago.  Carl was an active soccer coach and parent of three girls in our program over the years.

A long time soccer player on Carl’s team wrote:  "Remembering ten years with such a great coach...I can see him on the sideline cheering us on, so proud of what we've done...I can hear the words he said in his prep talk...He was such a role model...he supported all of us on and off the field, no matter what happened, we could count on his kindness and helpful words...I've been able to learn things from him that I will keep with me for life..."

 Marie Ockerbloom said, “We are so appreciative to the club for naming this award in Carl’s honor.  It is such a nice and appropriate way for us to remember him. Carl never wanted recognition -- his passion for coaching came from his love of sport and the kids. Pat and Allan represent this spirit of coaching ‘to a tee’.”

The recipients, Allan Wilde for the boys and Pat Foley from the girls, were awarded special Coach of the Year soccer jackets at a reception at the Tanner Tavern on December 10th, 2007.

 Excerpts from nominations we excerpted the following about Pat and Allan:

(“Coach Foley”)…”Coach Foley is a great role model for the kids. For example, when the girls won their division at the Needham Columbus Day Tournament he gave a wonderful speech not only about the organizers of the tournament but also in detail about the skills and accomplishments of the opposing team from the finals!”

“On the coaching front, Coach Foley is always complimentary of all the players efforts, is supportive and gentlemanly in every way.  He doesn’t criticize a referee even when bad calls are made by youth referees. He would never run up the score or tolerate rough play or unsportsmanship like behavior.”

 “My daughter looked forward to practice and came home with a smile on her face. The team combined serious training with fun-filled events such as jumping in the lake together after the Needham soccer tournament over Columbus Day weekend and wearing Halloween costumes around the holiday.”

 (“Coach Wilde”)…”exemplifies good sportsmanship with his team.  The boys work hard at twice a week practices and everybody has an equal chance to play and have fun. Games are taken seriously, but not too seriously and Allan encourages development of skills over wins and respect for one another on the team.  The boys take direction well and have played much better, individually and as a team…His verbal and email communications encourage respect for one another, parents and the other team.”

Joop Grevelink, President of the Winchester Soccer Club said, “Reading the nominations brought this wonderful sport and why we all do this home for me.  Both of these winners are gentlemen, have respect for the opposing coaches, players and refs – and love this game”. 

JD Hale, Sportsmanship Chair for the club said, “Both recipients are level headed, are just terrific at relating to our children and developing their players’ character and self confidence. The fact that they both are students of the game and exhibit incredibly great sportsmanship is all part of their terrific package. Our club is blessed to have coaches like Allan and Pat”.

Congratulations to previous recipients of the Coach of the Year Awards!