Summer Citrus Soccer Star Award Established

PHILADELPHIA, June 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- South African summer citrus growers of the Western Cape Citrus Producers Forum (WCCPF) have established the Summer Citrus Soccer Star Award. It honors eight youth soccer players from across the United States. The WCCPF is a longtime supporter of US Youth Soccer.

Winners will be selected for their display of courage, imagination, commitment, unbeatable determination and success in adverse situations both on and off the playing field.

"By establishing a citrus export program to the United States in 1999 our growers demonstrated those same characteristics," said Suhanra Conradie, CEO of the WCCPF. "We recognize these same traits in the youth soccer players with their character, vitality and pursuit of excellence on and off the soccer field. This award will highlight their achievements."

The contest is open to all players ages 8-18 enrolled in US Youth Soccer programs. Those currently enrolled in college are excluded. Each winner can receive a prize valued up to $250.

Entrants may self-nominate, or may be nominated by a coach, fellow player, friend or parent. The nomination process includes answering a series of questions demonstrating how the nominee displays courage, imagination, commitment, unbeatable determination and success.

One boy and one girl will be selected from each of the four US Youth Soccer regions. Award winners will be announced at the Player Luncheon July 24, 2012, at the US Youth Soccer National Championships in Rock Hill, SC.

"South African Summer Citrus growers have provided amazing support and opportunities to US Youth Soccer," said John Sutter, president of US Youth Soccer. "The Soccer Star Award promotes and recognizes those characteristics and values that our organization has long upheld for our athletes. We are grateful for another opportunity to honor those who demonstrate the very best in character and sportsmanship."

The contest is open for entries June 1, 2012, through midnight July 13, 2012. Eligible entrants and parents or legal guardians should visit www.summercitrus.com/soccer-star/ for official rules and online registration information or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SummerCitrus. For more information, call 610-688-3164.

US Youth Soccer is the largest youth sports organization in the country with more than 3 million registered players.

About the United States Youth Soccer Association (US Youth Soccer) – US Youth Soccer - "The Game for ALL Kids!®" is the largest youth sports organization in the country and largest member of the United States Soccer Federation, the governing body of soccer in the United States. US Youth Soccer registers more than 3 million players annually, ages 5 to 19, and over 900,000 administrators, coaches and volunteers in 55 member State Associations. US Youth Soccer programs provide a fun, safe and healthy environment for players at every level of the game. For more information, visit www.USYouthSoccer.org.

About WCCPF

The Western Cape Citrus Producers Forum is a consortium of 350 South African growers eligible to export summer citrus to the United States. WCCPF facilitates logistical, marketing and sales support coordination of their products. Its mission is to maintain and expand its role as the preferred supplier, and to grow and ship the best summer citrus in the world to the U.S. marketplace. The WCCPF meets and exceeds USDA and USFDA protocols by rigorously adhering to its self-imposed Seal-of-Approval Guidelines, guaranteeing its citrus consistently provides superior quality that is easy to peel, seedless, nutritious and safe. For more information, visit www.summercitrus.com or find South African Summer Citrus at www.facebook.com/summercitrus.

SOURCE Western Cape Citrus Producers Forum