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Siddhant Lazar

Phil Anschutz, Don Wilbur, Tony Sanneh, and JT Dorsey honored with prestigious U.S. Soccer awards

Four figures were recognized for their contributions to U.S. soccer, while Jim Hamilton and Kathy Zolad were given honorary life memberships

  • Philip Anschutz receives Werner Fricker Builder Award
  • Don Wilbur recipient of the inaugural Fernando G. Alvarez Referee Champion Award
  • Tony Sanneh, JT Dorsey, Jim Hamilton and Kathy Zolad were also honored.
  • Tony Sanneh...Getty Images Sport

    WHAT HAPPENED

    U.S. Soccer announced the recipients of its annual awards, recognizing four individuals who have made significant contributions to the sport in the United States.

    Philip Anschutz, Don Wilbur, Tony Sanneh, and JT Dorsey were honored for their diverse roles in advancing soccer at various levels, from professional leagues to grassroots development.

    Beyond the quartet, both Jim Hamilton and Kathy Zolad were given honorary U.S. Soccer life memberships via a vote from the National Council. The awards were presented to each honoree during the U.S. Soccer’s Annual General Meeting.

    “I want to congratulate Philip Anschutz, Don Wilbur, Tony Sanneh, JT Dorsey, Jim Hamilton and Kathy Zolad on their honors,” said U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson. “Each of them has made enormous contributions to the sport of soccer. Their unwavering support has made our game stronger and should inspire us all to continue giving back. We are grateful for all they have done and continue to do in service to soccer.”

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  • DETAILS OF THE AWARDS

    Philip Anschutz: Werner Fricker Builder Award

    Don Wilbur: Inaugural Fernando G. Alvarez Referee Champion Award

    Tony Sanneh: Third annual Carla Overbeck Leadership Award

    JT Dorsey: Third annual Kim Crabbe Game Changers Award

    Jim Hamilton: U.S. Soccer honorary life membership

    Kathy Zolad: U.S. Soccer honorary life membership

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Anschutz was a major part of the MLS and a co-founder of the league. He was involved in the ownership of six different Major League Soccer team and is often credited for being a financial savior during it’s early years.

    For his contributions with the MLS and U.S. Soccer on the whole, Anschutz was honored with the National Soccer Hall of Fame’s Medal of Honor.

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    WHAT’S NEXT?

    As U.S. Soccer continues to build momentum ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the efforts of individuals like Anschutz, Wilbur, Sanneh, and Dorsey will be crucial in maintaining the sport's upward trajectory in the country.

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