MLS WORKS Community MVP Contest Presented by Wells Fargo

Major League Soccer and Wells Fargo are looking for individuals who use soccer to make a difference in their community. If you are considered a role model or have a friend or neighbor that uses soccer as a tool to make an impact, nominate them today.

Previous Winners: 

2014: Bill Yoachim

After recovering from a childhood trauma, William (Bill) Yoachim was inspired to co-found Hope and Health, a soccer based organization that encourages and inspires kids to overcome adversity, in partnership with Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Bill stepped into key leadership roles to be a change agent with indigenous Canadian children known as First Nations. After seeing the struggles of the children in his community, he co-created Hope and Health to provide support and inspiration for kids to live a healthier and more active lifestyle. He is also the Executive Director of a rapidly evolving Aboriginal child welfare agency and is a volunteer Board member for Vancouver Island University. Bill is a dedicated soccer coach and a role model to countless children.

2013: Bobby Samra

Immediately after high school, Bobby Samra began coaching soccer because he wanted to make a difference. Bobby just completed his 25th year of coaching and in that time he has offered young people refuge from the struggles of everyday life and a place where they are valued and respected. because he has made such an impact  on his players, two have now joined him on the sidelines. Vice Principal and soccer coach at a local high school, Bobby has tackled issues of acceptance head on with soccer. When he first started coaching at the high school, there was no female soccer program, therefore Bobby allowed young women to try out for the men’s team. He developed a strong team culture and ensured that his female athletes were treated with respect as soccer players. Most recently, Bobby organized and chaired a partnership between the Central City Soccer Club and the Surrey School District that offers hundreds of young people the opportunity to play and learn about the sport he loves.