WASHINGTON, DC, June 14, 2026 - DC Soccer Club proudly honored its 2025–2026 Annual Award recipients on June 12 at Hook Hall during the club's Annual General Meeting and World Cup Watch Party for the United States vs. Paraguay match. The annual awards recognize coaches, volunteers, and referees whose leadership, service, and dedication have made a lasting impact on players, families, and the broader club community throughout the year.

More than 180 DC Soccer Club family members, coaches, volunteers, staff, and supporters attended the sold-out event, which served as both the club's annual fundraiser and a celebration of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Attendees gathered to socialize, celebrate the accomplishments of the club's award recipients, and cheer on the USA. The event also generated significant support for DC Soccer Club's scholarship and development initiatives through ticket sales, the club's online auction, raffle activities, and a special silent auction held during the evening.

2025–2026 Award Recipients

• Len Oliver/DC Soccer Club Recreational Coach of the Year — Allan Gordus
• Kelly and Sloane Murray/DC Soccer Club All-Girls' Recreation Coach of the Year — Seth Murray
• DC Soccer Club Boys’ Travel Coach of the Year — Khash Asgari
• DC Soccer Club Girls’ Travel Coach of the Year — Abdoul Diakite
• DC Soccer Club Young Travel Coach of the Year — John Kelfala
• John A. Koskinen/DC Soccer Club Recreational Volunteer of the Year — Martha Coe
• DC Soccer Club Adult Referee of the Year — Pape Samba Niang
• DC Soccer Club Youth Referee of the Year — Dmitri Goebes
• Zainab Schwartz/DC Soccer Club Travel Volunteer of the Year — Greg Padgett

Allan Gordus
Len Oliver/DC Soccer Club Volunteer Coach of the Year

Presented to a volunteer coach who demonstrates outstanding leadership, service, and commitment to the club's recreational program.

"Allan Gordus embodies everything the Len Oliver/DC Soccer Club Recreation Coach of the Year Award represents: leadership, service, dedication, and a lifelong commitment to youth soccer and community,” said Jane Dawber, DCSC Director of Recreation. "Perhaps most remarkable is Allan's long-term impact on the players he has coached. From Pre-K beginners to now coaching many of those same players as 10th graders, Allan has been a constant presence in their soccer journey and lives."

Seth Murray
Kelly and Sloane Murray/DC Soccer Club All-Girls' Volunteer Coach of the Year

Presented annually to a volunteer coach who has made significant contributions to advancing girls' soccer within the club's recreational program.

"Seth Murray's dedication, leadership, and passion for player development embody the spirit of the Kelly and Sloane Murray/DC Soccer All-Girls' Recreational Coach of the Year Award. His patience, encouragement, and attention to every player's growth have helped create an environment where girls feel supported, challenged, and proud of their accomplishments," said Jane Dawber, DCSC Director of Recreation.

Khash Asgari
DC Soccer Club Boys’ Travel Coach of the Year 

Presented annually to a travel program coach who demonstrates exceptional leadership, service, and commitment to player development.

"Khash has been an exemplary coach in how he has committed to the club's training methodology, improved the organization of the team during games, and created a positive competitive culture within both of his teams,” said Matt Arrington, DCSC Director of Soccer. "He has also set a standard in communication and leadership with his players and families."

Abdoul Diakite
DC Soccer Club Girls’ Travel Coach of the Year

Presented annually to a travel coach who demonstrates exceptional leadership, service, and commitment to player development.

"Abdoul has set the bar as a head coach and age group director for the 2025-26 season. His ability to galvanize the players and coaches around him through effective communication and collaboration has shown how a head coach can not only help his own teams, but those around him as well," said Matt Arrington, DCSC Director of Soccer.

John Kelfala
DC Soccer Club Young Travel Coach of the Year

Established in 2026, this award recognizes a young coach who demonstrates exceptional promise as an emerging leader in coaching and player development.

"In his first year with the club, taking over a new age group to travel soccer, John was exceptional in putting development first for our U8 boys,” said Matt Arrington, DCSC Director of Soccer. "His focus on developing technical skills, teaching the basics of the game, and creating a positive learning environment for the players and families set the standard for our youngest age groups."

Martha Coe
John A. Koskinen/DC Soccer Club Recreational Volunteer of the Year

Presented annually to a recreational volunteer whose leadership and service have significantly contributed to the development of players, coaches, referees, and the club community.

"Martha Coe's leadership, dedication, and commitment to service embody the very spirit of the John A. Koskinen/DC Soccer Club Volunteer of the Year Award," said Jane Dawber, DCSC Director of Recreation. "Her impact reaches far beyond logistics and scheduling. Martha's dedication has helped strengthen the sense of community that makes DC Soccer Club so special."

Pape Samba Niang
DC Soccer Club Adult Referee of the Year

Presented annually to an adult referee who demonstrates outstanding performance, integrity, and service to the game.

"Since May 2025, Pape has worked 87 soccer games for the Club. He has been a quick learner; he understands the game and solves problems on the field before they become headaches off the field. The Club is deeply appreciative of Pape's hard work as a referee," said Eric Hoy, DCSC Director of Referees.

Dmitri Goebes
DC Soccer Club Youth Referee of the Year

Presented annually to a youth referee who demonstrates outstanding performance, integrity, and service to the game.

"Since the fall 2023 season, Dmitri has officiated 130 games and, at age 16, has begun officiating high-school matches. Dmitri has been an excellent ambassador for our Club, bringing some of his friends and teammates into the refereeing world," said Eric Hoy, DCSC Director of Referees.

Greg Padgett
Zainab Schwartz/DC Soccer Club Travel Volunteer of the Year

Presented annually to a volunteer who exemplifies leadership, service, and dedication to supporting players, coaches, and families within the travel program.

"Greg has made an outstanding impact this year through his leadership, reliability, and commitment to the club, making him a truly deserving recipient.” said Kelly Wilson, DCSC Director of Operations and Travel Administrator. "Beyond managing the day-to-day responsibilities of his teams, Greg represents the club with integrity, consistency, and a willingness to serve wherever needed. His dedication and dependability have made a lasting difference this year.” 

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ABOUT DC SOCCER CLUB
DC Soccer Club is the largest independent youth soccer organization in Washington, D.C., serving more than 7,500 players each year. Our mission is to develop character and strengthen community by providing accessible, high-quality soccer experiences for youth of all backgrounds and abilities. Guided by our core values of Intention, Inclusion, Collaboration, and Community, we create opportunities that foster growth both on and off the field.

We champion inclusion by ensuring every child has a place to learn, play, and belong—supported by one of the city’s most comprehensive soccer programs and the leading provider of girls’ participation in DC. Each season, we invest in significant financial assistance, coach and referee education, and sustainable programming that unite players, families, coaches and volunteers in a shared love of the game.