From Small Town Champion to National Hero
In the world of youth sports, where dedication and community spirit often make the difference, Addie Edwards stands out as a shining example of leadership, integrity and service. A tireless advocate for the game of soccer, Addie currently serves as the President and Travel Coordinator of Arcade Storm Soccer Club.
For nine years, Addie has coached teams within the Buffalo Western New York Junior Soccer League (BWNYJSL) in addition to her responsibilities with Arcade Storm Soccer Club. Despite being a small community club, her teams have consistently defied the odds. Such situations include U16 and U19 travel teams she coached, which finished second and first overall in the BWNYJSL, respectively.
“One of the most rewarding things about coaching our youth is having an active role in their development and a front row seat to the progression of these young athletes,” Addie reflected. “I am fortunate enough to get to coach these kids starting at the U10-U12 level and see them all the way through U19 travel, and have the opportunity to coach them at the varsity level through high school. I love seeing these transformations, not only in their game play but in their life skills as well. Instilling values of teamwork, sportsmanship and resilience that extend beyond the soccer field, and having these kids transfer them into their everyday life, is the greatest feeling.”
Addie’s contributions to her community go far beyond the play on the field. One event in particular occurred during warm-ups for a game this past May, when an assistant referee alerted her about an emergency regarding the head referee. Addie’s quick thinking and life-saving skills proved to be crucial at that moment. With CPR training and an AED at her disposal, she immediately sprang into action.
Finding the referee unresponsive, Addie performed CPR and delivered two shocks with the AED, successfully restoring his pulse before paramedics arrived. By the time the head referee reached the hospital, he was conscious and stable, thanks in large part to Addie’s heroic efforts. The referee has since made a full recovery and has repeatedly expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Addie for saving his life.
This act of heroism, combined with her unwavering dedication to youth soccer, earned Addie the 2024 New York State West Youth Soccer Association Volunteer of the Year Award. But the acknowledgement has not stopped there. After hearing about her story, US Youth Soccer recognized Addie’s exceptional service and moral leadership by naming her its National Volunteer of the Year, a prestigious honor that will be celebrated at the USYS Awards Luncheon during the United Coaches Convention in Chicago on Thursday.
“Grateful does not begin to express the magnitude of emotion and gratitude I have for US Youth Soccer, New York State West Youth Soccer Association, Buffalo Western New York Youth Soccer League and my very own small town Arcade Storm Soccer Club, as well as Pioneer Central School District,” Addie stated. “I am honored to be a part of these organizations and its shared love for the youth and also the sport of soccer.”
Through leadership, selflessness and commitment to her community, Addie Edwards has shown that one person can make a profound difference. Whether on the field, in her club’s operations or during a critical emergency, her actions inspire us all to rise to the occasion and make an impact wherever we can.
