Soccer Schedule gives out awards, NELASA well represented!

By Carlos Amado
March 2, 2010

NELASA 2010

On Sunday, February 21, 2010, Soccer Schedule held their second annual awards presentation banquet at Boston Beer Works in Boston, MA, and seven NELASA members were recognized for their outstanding contribution this past season.  “I was present for the award ceremonies and as the president of this league, I could not have been more proud to be associated with NELASA,” said Carlos Amado, the President of NELASA.   

Mario “Betinho” Santos, NELASA’s outgoing president, was awarded the Larry Frisoli President’s Award.  Soccer schedule chose to name this award in honor of Larry who lost his life and is no longer with us. Larry, a state amateur soccer president for a long time, was highly respected in the soccer community and set the bar for what’s expected as a president around the state of Massachusetts.

Betinho’s work in the soccer community goes way back when he was the leader of Fidjos Terra, one of the most prominent Capeverdean teams in the U.S.  Betinho’s dream of seeing NELASA under the leadership of Capeverdeans came to realization two years ago when he was elected president and orchestrated the move of NELASA headquarters from New Bedford to the City of Champions, Brockton.  In the past two years under Betinho’s leadership, NELASA has risen to new heights.  He has set the bar for excellence and NELASA is recognized as one of the best amateur leagues in New England.  According to Soccer Schedule’s Rachel Woo, they have bigger plans for Betinho. “There are state and national positions that I am confident, if persuaded, will take soccer to new heights.”

In addition to Betinho, six other NELASA members were also recognized. Nicolau “Ducha” Araujo was given the Special Recognition Award.  Ducha, who’s a trainer for Emigrantes Das Ilhas, was recognized for outstanding service to the game of soccer.  Rachel Woo described him as “an all around good guy” and stated that we could use more people like him in the business.  Ducha has been involved in NELASA soccer for a long time and it is nice to see his positive contributions being acknowledged. 

Soccer scheduled also recognized player of the year in each of the leagues they assign referees.  Rachel stated that the players selected represent the core and values of their teams. “They are also the leaders of their respective leagues.  During a game, it should take you less than two minutes to distinguish these players.  They are above the rest.”  In its inaugural season, the NELASA Women’s Soccer League recipient was the leading goal scorer, Ineida de Pina of Kriolas FC. The NELASA Men’s player of the year went to Ernesto F. Lopes of Dinamo Da Brava. Ernesto was described as an exceptional player and a leader on his team.  Rachel Woo jokingly said, “I swear he has eyes in the back of his head” referring to Ernesto.  

Nilton “Pirochu" De Pina of Strela Negra received the New England Champions League Most Valuable Player. “Pirochu stood above his counterparts from Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.  His ability to strike the ball from dead ball situations was impressive,” said Woo.  

Mr. Jack Andrade was awarded with the Above and Beyond Community Service Award.  Andrade was recognized for his involvement in community service in over three decades. “Mr. Andrade has fulfilled the capacity of mentor, teacher, coach and an all around good friend.  He is a hero among us. Andrade was specially recognized for his volunteer efforts, cooperation, dedication and enthusiasm of soccer in Massachusetts,” said Woo.  

Joe Mendes was awarded referee of the year. Joe was described as “a workhorse quietly doing his thing without fanfare.” According to Rachel Woo, no game is too small.  No distance too far.  In addition to running around all over the state, he was able to meet all the requirements for an upgrade to a state referee.  Joe has served as the president and most recently as the secretary of NELASA. Joe has been involved with the league for a long time. Joe’s experience and leadership will be sorely missed this year.  He has contributed tremendously to the game of soccer and NELASA in particular and we’re glad to say he’s one of ours.  NELASA, the Capeverdean community and the above mentioned individuals in particular are to be congratulated.