Rochester, NY – On November 17, 2007, Robert (Bob) M. Johnson was awarded Boys Coach of the Year – 2007 by New York State West Youth Soccer Association (NYSWYSA) for his outstanding achievement and unwavering commitment to coaching and developing youth soccer players.

Bob has coached Webster Soccer Association (WSA) teams since 1992. He has volunteered with all three of his sons’ teams, including nine years with David (now playing amateur soccer in Baltimore) and Eric (current BU17 team), and two years with Kevin (current BU15 team).

Since 2000 he has also worked as a Program Assistant with the Webster Thomas High School Boys’ Soccer program, supporting all four levels (modified, freshman, junior varsity, and varsity). 

Bob led two WSA teams to successful seasons in 2007, including the Division 1 champion BU16-Green (as assistant coach), and the Division 3 champion BU 14-Gold (as head coach). He organized and took two WSA BU16 teams to Germany for a soccer trip in 1999 and 2007.

Bob holds a USSF “D” License. He continues to play soccer with Still Sporting in the Rochester District League Over-40 Division, leading the team to an 11-0-1 record and a division title in 2007. 

While coaching, Bob encourages his players to always do their personal best, build their skills, watch soccer (other WSA teams, high school teams, Rhinos, World Cup, etc.), and participate in various soccer opportunities. He constantly gives players input and encouragement that fosters development opportunities and good self esteem. He promotes good sportsmanship, responsibility, accountability, and the love of the game to all the players he coaches. He is a positive soccer role model. Bob and his wife Paula reside in Webster with their four children.

The New York State West Youth Soccer Association (NYSWYSA) is the parent organization for over two hundred affiliated clubs and leagues in Western New York State. NYSWYSA is affiliated with US Youth Soccer, the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), and the Federation de International Football Association (FIFA). NYSWYSA includes all New York State counties to the west and on Interstate Route 81. This area is broken up into districts (Binghamton, Buffalo, Rochester, Southern Tier, Syracuse, and the Twin Tiers) which are managed by separate commissioners. For further information, view www.nyswysa.org.