James, Gonda elected; Sweeney, Henderson re-elected to US Club Soccer Regional Board Director seats

CHARLESTON, S.C. (April 4, 2022) – The results of the 2022 US Club Soccer Regional Board Director elections are in, and two incumbents have been re-elected alongside two new members.

• East Region (I): Kevin James, of Vienna Youth Soccer
• Midwest Region (II): Mike Sweeney, of Caps FC
• South Region (III): Mo Gonda, of United Futbol Academy
• West Region (IV): Eddie Henderson, of ISC Gunners FC

Elected by popular vote of competitive member clubs in good standing in each region, these board members will serve three- year terms beginning April 5 and expiring 30 days after the U.S. Soccer Annual General Meeting in 2025. At-Large Directors appointed within the board will be announced soon. Here is the full US Club Soccer Board of Directors:

• Chairperson: Gary Buete
• Immediate Past Chairperson: Vacant
• Regional Board Directors – East Region: Jason Dewhurst, Kevin James
• Regional Board Directors – Midwest Region: Tim Lesiak, Mike Sweeney
• Regional Board Directors – South Region: Hue Menzies, Mo Gonda
• Regional Board Directors – West Region: Benjamin Ziemer, Eddie Henderson
• At-Large Directors: TBD

James is the Vienna Youth Soccer Executive Director and Technical Director after previously serving as Director of Coaching. He has more than 10 years of coaching experience at club, academy and high school levels, and holds a U.S. Soccer ‘A’ Youth License.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of the US Club Soccer Board of Directors,” James said. “Soccer is an incredible game, and without it, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. In a way, soccer can be a metaphor for life. We have to be the best we can be as an individual, team and organization, while competing, collaborating, learning and developing, but most of all respecting one another. I look forward to learning and contributing to continue to make the most of the potential we have.”

Sweeney is a long-time board member of US Club Soccer, and the President and Director of Caps FC. He has nearly 30 years of coaching experience after a decorated 15-year professional playing career, in which had more than 100 caps for the Canadian National Team, including appearances in the 1984 Olympics and 1986 FIFA World Cup.

“It is an honor to have the opportunity to serve as a board member, as the entire organization of US Club Soccer continues to raise the level of professionalism for youth clubs and leagues across the country,” Sweeney said. “The lofty goals, vision and hard work of the organization has raised the bar across the country to such a level that millions of soccer-loving participants benefit from their experience every weekend. It is a pleasure to have served with them all and to help carry on the legacy as we continue moving forward.”

Gonda is the Director of Elite Programs and Girls ECNL Director at United Futbol Academy. She has 30 years of experience coaching at youth and collegiate levels and holds both a U.S. Soccer National ‘A’ License and U.S. Soccer Academy Director License. Gonda also serves as a mentor in the SheChampions Coaching Mentorship Program.

“I am humbled and honored to have been elected to the US Club Soccer’s Board of Directors,” Gonda said. “Soccer allows people to connect with others and create amazing experiences both on and off the field. I look forward to giving back to the game by working with this board, the staff and clubs to continue to create environments for players and coaches to love, enjoy and grow in the sport.”

Henderson has been re-elected to the board, where he’s also served as Vice Chairperson and Executive Committee member. He is the Director of Soccer for ISC Gunners FC, a scout for U.S. Soccer and staff coach within the id2 Program. Henderson has more than 20 years of coaching experience and holds a U.S. Soccer National ‘A’ License.

“I am honored to serve another term on the Board of Directors of US Club Soccer,” Henderson said. “I will be dedicated to continuing the work we have started and to making US Club Soccer the premier organization in youth soccer.”