The United Soccer Coaches Foundation, Inc. is pleased to announce the establishment of the Kevin Sims Fund. The Foundation along with colleagues, friends, and former players honor coaches, like Kevin, and organizations with named funds to recognize their contributions in advancing the game of soccer. These endowed funds facilitate direct financial support, through scholarships and grants, that provide coaching education programs and experiences — “coaches helping coaches”.
“Pass it forward”. With a keen eye, weighing risks and rewards wisely, soccer players are encouraged to prioritize passing the ball forward. For Kevin Sims, this phrase, “pass it forward”, serves as a meaningful metaphor for living and giving. He believes that life provides opportunities to pass it forward — to do something good for someone who cannot repay you, and trust that they will do the same for others. Sims is guided by his religious roots and embraces the scripture: “From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded”. Kevin says the he has been “blessed to have been coached and taught by so many wonderful people committed to passing it forward”.
The Kevin Sims Fund will provide financial support to under- resourced communities and advocacy groups. The Fund will give preference to people and institutions serving the Special Olympics community. The beautiful game is made brighter and enriched as people from every walk of life are included.
Kevin grew up in a coach’s home in Atlanta, witnessing his father and mother “pass it forward” in soccer, school, church, and community in numerous ways. Actions spoke volumes. Sims took an early interest in teaching and coaching while participating successfully in soccer, swimming, and football. Tutoring school friends and swimming lessons in the neighborhood came first.
Coaching soccer started as a junior in high school and has been continuous since 1974. He played collegiate soccer at the University of Virginia.
The joy of being involved in the beautiful game continued into Kevin’s adult life. His unwavering commitment to soccer is exemplified by: 47 years as a high school coach; 20 years as a club coach; 5 years as the Charlotte FC Special Olympics Unified coach; 3 years as a college coach at Oregon Tech, in southern Oregon; 10 years as a state and regional Olympic Development Program (ODP) coach; and 3 years as the Virginia State Girls ODP Director. Kevin’s contributions to the game also included:
- serving on coaching education staffs in Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina and Oregon
- serving as a soccer camp director for numerous years
- being a founding member of the Basin United Soccer Club in Oregon
- serving as a clinician at the state, regional, and national levels; and serving as the state coordinator for North Carolina Special Olympics Unified Soccer.
After joining the United Soccer Coaches in 1981, Kevin served on a wide variety of committees and was a member of the Board of Directors for 20 years. He served as President of the association in 2020. Kevin was recognized four times as a High School Regional Coach of the Year and received a Presidential Letter of Commendation in 2015.
Kevin’s coaching has focused on uncompromising sportsmanship to honor the spirit of the game. For decades, his teams have engaged in a chant that summarizes his philosophy of coaching: “Have Fun! Play Smart! Play Together! Work Hard! Get Better!” It’s all about “passing it forward”.
As a coach, friend of soccer or potential donor, we encourage you to support the United Soccer Coaches Foundation, Inc. and our commitment to “coaches helping coaches”. Information about making a donation to the Foundation; starting an endowed fund; or establishing a Legacy gift can be found at: https://www.unitedsoccerfoundation.org or by contacting Sara Mason, Foundation Development Officer, at smason@unitedsoccercoaches.org