Sounders Academy honored with plenty of awards at end-of-year banquet

It’s been a pretty great week for Sounders Academy.

While the players were recognized for their phenomenal seasons on the pitch, the Academy received the Community Award for the second consecutive year in recognition of all the outstanding service they contributed to region.

• READ: U-16/U-17s win national championship 

The Academy staff feels that, as representatives of Sounders FC, it’s critical for every player in the youth system to give back to their local communities.

“We won the Community Award last year, so to win it again is really good and we’re really proud of that,” said Nicholls. “I think the award is just and indicator of a collective effort of everyone in the Academy program. So it’s an award for the staff, the players, the parents and the local clubs.”

Finally, Sounders U-17 Head Coach Chris Little was named Western Conference Coach of the Year. Little, who also serves as the Director of Coaching, led the young Sounders to a record-setting season as they won their division with a 27-3-3 record and a +81 goal differential.

“I’m appreciative to be part of such a good team,” said Little. “Everybody plays a big role, and we view it as we’re one big coaching team. That’s our scouts, our coaches, our medical staff, [Academy Administrator] Lauren Babcock, [Sounders Academy Head of Education and Welfare] Diane Carney, and everybody who has put in a lot of hard work for this group.”

Added Nicholls: “It’s no surprise that Chris won. He’s done a wonderful job, not only with the U-17s, but with the club in his role as Director of Coaching. You only have to watch his team play to understand his impact in terms of style, discipline, team spirit and togetherness.”