Bisogno-Coutts named Stinger of the Year by AYSC

November 25, 2015 · 0 Comments

By Jake Courtepatte

The Aurora Youth Soccer Club presented the 2015 Club Awards to an elite group of individuals at the Aurora Seniors’ Centre on Thursday night.

Among those receiving honours was Anna Bisogno-Coutts, named the 2015 Stinger of the Year for her countless hours of volunteering with the girl’s programs.

A resident of Aurora since 1998, Bisogno-Coutts has been coaching with AYSC for the past decade. She acted as coach of the under-10 girls squad last season, as well as assisting with the under-11 team.

In the fall of 2014, she was selected as one of eight mentees for the Ontario Soccer Association Female Mentorship program, an extensive nine-month course to help coaches excel in, and develop, their leadership skills.

This led to her passing her Pre-B coaching license, and she hopes to earn her Provincial B license next spring.

She has no intentions of slowing down: next season, she looks forward to coaching the under-12 and under-15 Stingers.

“I love soccer and I love coaching youth,” she said. “It’s so rewarding to know I can help players improve while making sure they still have fun.”

Bisogno-Coutts also believes that coaching extends beyond the field, and stresses the importance of a well-rounded athlete. She involves her teams in the Holiday Heroes program during the Christmas season, as well as other charity events to help raise funds for families in need.

“I feel it’s important that our team works together to give back to the community, be grateful for what we have…every year you will find me walking with our players at the float in the Aurora Santa Claus Parade, proudly representing the AYSC.”

When she was presented with her award by VP Paul Cunningham on Thursday, she said she was “very touched and humbled.”

She shared her award with her family, whose support she said allows her to do what she does. Her husband Dave, and three daughters Virginia, Isabella, and Madalena have been behind her when she was on the field six days a week last year and away for five weekends for conferences.

Other notable reward recipients included long-term club volunteer Roy Cohen earning the President’s Award, Soumaya Bouak earning the OPDL Girls Player of the Year, and Aryan Ironspour taking home the OPDL Boys Player of the Year.

For a full list of reward recipients, visit www.aysc.ca.