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Sunil Gulati Elected as New U.S. Soccer President
LAS VEGAS, Nev. (March 11, 2006) — U.S. Soccer’s membership elected long-time U.S. Soccer executive Sunil Gulati as President of the U.S. Soccer Federation by unanimous consent on Saturday at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas. Gulati succeeds Dr. S. Robert Contiguglia, stepping down after two successful four-year terms. Gulati, who ran unopposed in the election, has served as U.S. Soccer’s Vice president since 2000. With almost 30 years of experience at all levels of soccer in the United States, Gulati has helped the sport rise to new heights across four decades of hands on involvement. At the highly successful FIFA World Cup USA 1994, Gulati served as Executive Vice President and Chief International Officer and was a member of the original U.S. World Cup bid committee in the 1980s that helped bring the event to the United States for the first time. He also served on the Board of Directors of FIFA Women's World Cup USA 1999 and 2003 and is currently serving on several FIFA committees. |
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| Peter Pinori (right) nominated Sal Rapaglia (left) for the 2006 Werner Fricker Award. |
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Acknowledging a Builder of the Game
LAS VEGAS, Nev. (March 11, 2006) – Eastern New York State Amateur Soccer Association President Salvatore Rapaglia received the 2006 Werner Fricker Builder Award on March 12 at the U.S. Soccer Federation’s Annual General Meeting in Las Vegas, Nev. Rapaglia was recognized for his pursuit to foster the growth of soccer in the United States, particularly in Eastern New York. After becoming Recording Secretary of the Italian-American Soccer League, Rapaglia moved up the ranks until he became league president in 1975, at a time when the league boasted 40 teams and a youth program. In 1979, he stepped down as president of the IASL and became president of ENYSASA, a position he still holds. Under his guidance, the ENYSASA developed Offerman Park – a plot of land used for waste and abandoned cars and appliances – and turned it into a 10-field soccer complex known as Verrazano Park (photos) that includes one lighted field. |
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