Good Sports Get Rewarded: Orono Boys Exemplify Sportsmanship

The fall U10 Orono Thunder boys Gold team recently received the Outstanding Ambassadors of Teams Honoring Sportsmanship (OATHS) award from the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association.

The award recognizes players, coaches and fans for their dedication to good sportsmanship. Only one boys’ and one girls’ soccer team at each division level in the state of Minnesota receive the award.

“Receiving the OATHS award is an extremely high honor, so we couldn’t be more proud of them,” said Team Manager Dianna Hunt. “An award like this doesn’t just get handed to a team, it is earned.”

The OATHS education program is for boys and girls traveling soccer teams for the Under 9 to Under 19 divisions. It encourages players to play within the rules and spirit of the game. Coaches are also expected to treat players and referees well, and fans are encouraged to create a positive environment for everyone involved.

An evaluation form is included on every game report, which is completed by the referee at the end of each game. Responses are tabulated and evaluated to determine the winners. Award recipients receive recognition pins and certificates of achievement.

Michael C. of Orono was a member of the fall U10 team. He said he feels proud that his team won the award.

"Sportsmanship means being nice to the other players,” he said.

He added that he feels his team worked well together and said he’s happy to have received the award.

The fall U10 boys Gold team was coached by Dave Ericson and Richard DiPrima.

The Minnesota Youth Soccer Association, which promotes the game of soccer for all youth in Minnesota, has approximately 75,000 players from the ages of six to 19.

Their mission is to promote the importance of education, self-esteem, diversity and teamwork in a safe, fun environment, allowing players to develop to their fullest potential in soccer and in life.

Click here more information about the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association.