Portland Timbers Representative and Founder of Yamhill Carlton Soccer Club recognized at 2015 MLS All-Star Game
Soccer News: Major League Soccer (MLS) named Portland Timbers representative and Yamhill Carlton Soccer Club (Oregon) program director Karen Wright the 2015 MLS WORKS Community MVP. Wright received the honor Wednesday night at halftime of MLS’ 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the 2015 AT&T MLS All-Star Game in Commerce City, Colorado, at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
“A giant thank you to MLS, the Timbers and the supporters of Yamhill Carlton,” said Wright. “YCSC and our supporters, near and far, have no fear of hard work and are passionate about making a difference. Together they truly exemplify the word community and I am proud of what we have accomplished.”
All 20 MLS clubs nominated one Community MVP for the award, and Wright competed against representatives from 19 other clubs in public voting for the honor. The award recognizes leaders in the community who utilize soccer to help make a positive impact. MLS and Wells Fargo presented Wright with a $10,000 check for YCSC for winning the award.
Wright founded YCSC in 2010 and, since its inception, the club has grown from 14 local players to close to 300 currently registered YCSC/Oregon Youth Soccer Association (OYSA) club members as well as 20 registered coaches. In 2014, over 4,000 hours were logged by more than 100 committed soccer volunteers for numerous charitable programs and events.
Wright received the 2014 Volunteer of the Year award from OYSA and has logged more than 1,000 volunteer hours to date in 2015. In addition, Wright has secured approximately $20,000 annually in in-kind services and donations. Her efforts ensure that all YCSC programs are free and accessible to all youth regardless of ability, ethnicity, finances or address.
Photo Courtesy of MLS
