Orlando, Fla. - (May 8, 2007) – The Orlando Sharks, an expansion entry to the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) that will commence its inaugural season this fall at the Amway Arena, have announced the winners of the team’s first Elite 11 Pro Prospects awards. The awards were created to recognize the top talented high school soccer players in Central Florida.
The primary criteria used in evaluating selections included demonstrated athletic physical talent, proven knowledge of the game and an intangible essence of future success; in short, a mixture of ingredients that inspire the judges to recognize an individual as having the right combination of skills, understanding and drive to be the best.
Nomination forms were sent to high school coaches in the tri-county area in April. Members of the Sharks organization reviewed the nominations and selected the finalists. Local college coaches were also consulted, although did not formally participate in the program and were not involved in the final selection process.
The award winners are being recognized at a banquet courtesy of the Buena Vista Corporation (BVC) on Wednesday, May 9 at City Events in Orlando. A distinguished panel of presenters, including Bryan Cunningham (UCF Men’s Soccer Coach), Amanda Cromwell (UCF Women’s Soccer Coach), Keith Buckley (Rollins College Men’s Soccer Coach) and Tony Amato (Rollins College Women’s Soccer Coach) will deliver the awards following a keynote speech from Dutch soccer legend, Wim Suurbier. The winners will also be introduced at a home Sharks game later this fall at the Amway Arena.
