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In Memory of Michael Pilla

Mike Pilla’s 30-year association with youth soccer started in 1979 when he began coaching his son Christopher’s U-8 team, the Citrus Heights Gold Runners.  In 1980, he was elected Manager of the Citrus Heights Soccer Club and became a referee for the first time.  Mike continued to coach both recreational and select soccer teams with Sunrise Youth Soccer Club until 1986 when he joined the San Juan Soccer Club at the competitive level.  During his tenure as head coach of the San Juan Blue Thunder, he saw his team advance to a third-place finish in the California Youth Soccer Association (CYSA) State Cup competition.  In 1991, Mike returned to coaching Select soccer for the Sunrise club over the next three seasons.  He advanced to the United States Soccer Federation National D Coaching License level during his coaching career.

As a member of the American River Youth Soccer League Board of Directors, he held various board positions including Secretary and Coach Coordinator. 

Many of you remember Mike as a soccer referee.  He held his referee certification for 29 years and was certified to officiate both outdoor and indoor matches.   He earned his National referee badge through the United States Indoor Soccer Association and officiated some of the highest level indoor games in Northern California.  As a CYSA Referee Instructor, he taught entry level referee courses throughout our area and certified thousands of referees.

Over the years, he selflessly volunteered his time to our Club as a mentor to new referees, conducting remedial referee instruction, and officiating many of our Select matches.  Because of his service to the Club and youth soccer, he is the only person to have been awarded the title: Orangevale Youth Soccer Club Board Member Emeritus.  Though Mike is no longer with us, the impact he made on the game will continue to be felt for many years to come.  In many ways, we are all able to enjoy youth soccer today thanks to his involvement.

Therefore, the Orangevale Youth Soccer Club has dedicated the 2009-2010 Youth Soccer Season to the memory of Michael Anthony Pilla.