Milton Soccer is pleased to announce its Soccer Coaches of the Year. Through a survey of parents and fellow coaches we asked who best represents the ideals of Milton Soccer by motivating and inspiring their players, putting sportsmanship first and teaching the game while keeping it fun. We are pleased to announce our winners for the K-2 program: Rob Bergeron (Girls) and Derek Gordon (Boys); Champions League: Jess Heaton (Girls) and Brian Higgins (Boys); and Milton Travel: Julio Hernando (Girls) and Jim Butler (Boys). Congratulations coaches!!
- Girls K-2 Coach of the Year - Rob Bergeron – Rob has coached for 6 seasons, most recently with the 1st grade AC Milton and 3rd grade travel Select. One of his team parents noted, “Coach Bergeron deserves to be Coach of the Year because of his commitment to introducing the 1st grade girls to the values of team work and cooperation while maintaining a fun and stress-free environment. He is special because of his patience and calm but disciplined approach.…Coach Bergeron strengthened the team bond through his emphasis on maintaining a positive attitude, supporting your teammates and coaching to each girl's skill level. Many of the girls made great strides in skill development and everyone regardless of skill level felt that they were an important part of the team…Coach Bergeron is the best!”
- Boys K-2 Coach of the Year - Derek Gordon – Derek currently coaches the 2nd grade AC Milton and the 4th grade travel Milton FC and and has coached for 9 seasons. An appreciative parent noted: “Derek's enthusiasm for the game has made my child a soccer fanatic. He inspires my son to try his best and feel good about himself. Derek leads by example and has been a wonderful role model for our team of boys. Derek's commitment to the TEAM, really made us all a team-- kids and parents too.”
- Girls Champions League Coach of the Year - Jess Heaton – Jess has been a coach in Milton for 9 seasons and currently coaches the 3rd grade Borussia Dortmund and 5th grade travel Breakers. One happy parent let us know, “Jessica is such a great coach and example to my daughter. She cares about the team and the girls. She made things so fun and provided solid soccer instruction. She truly brings out the best in my daughter.”
- Boys Champions League Coach of the Year - Brian Higgins – Brian has been coaching for 3 seasons, most recently with the 3rd grade Celtic and the 4th grade Paris Saint Germain. One parent exclaimed, “Brian Higgins was a great coach. Got kids motivated and kept them excited about playing through the season of Champions …He moved them around to different positions for the sake of their development …. was a loud and positive reinforcing coach to every kid on the team. Great experience and glad we lucked out having Brian as my son’s coach.”
- Girls Travel Coach of the Year - Julio Hernando – Julio is one of Milton’s most tenured soccer coaches; with 19 seasons under his belt he currently coaches the 7th grade travel Stars. One of his parents commented, “Julio is a great teacher of the game. The girls all learn proper technique, proper positioning and how to work as a team during practice and then perform during games. Julio is always positive and always encourages the girls to perform their best.”
- Boys Travel Coach of the Year - Jim Butler – Jim is also a long tenured Milton Coach of 16 seasons – he currently coaches the 8th grade Milton Rattlers. One parent enthusiastically shared with us: “what I admire about Jim the most is his ability to read the situation with regards to each child and meet them where they are at. He has some incredibly talented players and others who are there to have fun. He has the ability to make the game and team competitive and fun. Without a doubt, this team is my son's favorite team he has ever played on. Much of that is due to Coach Butler!”