KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Sept. 24, 2018) – United Soccer Coaches, along with the association’s High School Coaches Advocacy Group, announced that Terry Banfield, former Littleton High School soccer coach, was named a recipient of the second annual High School Coach of Significance Award for 2018. The 31 coaches selected in this second class of Coach of Significance Award winners represent 30 states and the District of Columbia.

Banfield coached at LHS for 23 years and retired after last season, and continues at LHS teaching physical education. "Countless students have benefited from Terry Banfield's coaching expertise over the years,” said Littleton Public Schools Athletic Director Clay Abla. “Terry not only helped students become better athletes, but he helped them strive to become better people. He is extremely deserving of the recognition and honor. He has made a positive and lasting difference in the lives of students."

The High School Coach of Significance Award acknowledges high school coaches that go above and beyond by using their coaching position to teach life lessons and provide opportunities to develop outstanding young men and women.

“The selection of our High School Coach of Significance recipients represents the true heart and soul of the calling of a character-first coach,” said Rusty Oglesby, United Soccer Coaches High School Advocacy Chair. “The Advocacy Council recognizes that through these amazing coaches our unity as a coaching group and leadership organization will continue to thrive. Many congrats to these outstanding coaches for being role models both on and off the field!”

Winners of the High School Coach of Significance Award are nominated by a United Soccer Coaches member through an online form that includes at least one letter of reference. Completed forms are reviewed by the selection committee comprised of national, regional, and state representation.