Mark Gorgos, a coach with Susquehanna River United Soccer Club, will be the Region One nominee for the US Youth Soccer Boys Coach of the Year. Region One represents fifteen state associations in the northeast, and is one of four regions of youth soccer in the USA.

Mark will be honored on Friday, February 18, 2005, at the Coach of the Year Dinner held annually during the US Youth Soccer "adidas" Workshop and Coaches Convention. The 2005 convention will be held in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Mark Gorgos becomes the third coach in the past four years selected from NYSWYSA as Region One Coach of the Year. He joins Dan Shoniker the 2001 selectee and Chris Apple the 2002 selectee. Dan was also honored when he received the national award as the US Youth Soccer adidas Girls Coach of the Year. In 2002, Chris Apple was honored as the Region One Boys Coach of the Year. Both Dan and Chris are from the Rochester Junior Rhinos Soccer Club.

Mark Gorgos

Mark began his coaching career with 5-7 year olds in the Broome County YMCA youth league.  He moved to the Susquehanna River United Soccer Association where he continues to coach Boys and Girls teams in their program, coaching teams from U12 to U19.  Mark also coaches a recreation team in the Town of Conklin Youth Recreation League and has served as a volunteer assistant boys varsity coach for the Susquehanna Valley High School team.

Mark's objectives are to insure that every one of his players still plays soccer with the same joy as an eight year old, but with an ever increasing understanding of the flow of the game and with technical skill consistent with their ability.  Every player on the team has a critical role to play in the team's success and each player must come to the realization that his/her role is no greater nor lesser than the next player.

Mark has restored respect and discipline while promoting a healthy balance of fun and camaraderie to the U16-U19 boys age groups.  His coaching style makes players respond to him and respect him.  He is unassuming and unselfish, fostering a "Team First" attitude.

As a result of Mark's constant reassuring coaching style, his players are willing to go the extra mile in games and practices. Come game day, Mark is able to allow the players to play, make mistakes, and learn.  All without yelling form the sidelines.  He builds unity and strength between his players, making everyone feel like an integral part of a team.  He encourages his players to demand more of their game and life, not fearing failure or success.

Mark has attended all local clinics and has helped the club organize clinics for entry level coaches.  He has recently become a referee and has stated that it was one the most informative courses he has taken to date.  Always looking to improve on his coaching skill, Mark can been seen at club practices and games talking to players and fellow coaches.

Mark's teams are known in the area for the competitive and team sportsmanship attitude.  From the U9 girls to the U19 boys teams, opponents knew that his teams would never quit and play hard to the last minute, win or lose.  Mark, his wife and daughter all have referee licenses.  They volunteer their time to referee local community youth games, helping young coaches and players better understand the game.