Orlando City Youth Soccer (OCYS) coach Laura Halfpenny was recently named 2014 Girls' Competitive Coach of the Year by the Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA).

The Coach of the Year Award is a prestigious recognition that highlights coaches who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to coach youth soccer players. The award exemplifies great sportsmanship, superior instruction, and is distributed to those who have made a positive impact through coaching.

"I'm genuinely surprised and humbled to receive this award," said Halfpenny. "I've always tried to coach in a way where soccer can be used as the vehicle to play, have fun and build character and resiliency."

Halfpenny has been coaching since 2001 when she began as the Head Coach of Mount Ida College. Currently, Halfpenny is a member of the ODP Region 1 coaching staff, the Florida ODP Staff and is a Coach Educator for the National Soccer Coaches of America (NSCAA).

"Whenever a coach receives this award, it says a lot about the individual and the club. We are extremely proud of Laura and our girls’ program," said OCYS Executive Director Stephen Rammel.

For more information on OCYS, visit OrlandoCityYouth.org.