RICHMOND, VA – (Monday, July 25, 2016) – The Richmond Kickers and the Spence family were pleased to honor Sawyer Gaffney with the 2016 Avery Spence Youth Community Service Award during halftime at the Kickers pro game versus Toronto FC II Saturday night. Established to honor Kickers youth player, Avery Spence who was tragically killed in an automobile accident on May 1, 2011, the Avery Spence Youth Community Service Award was presented to Gaffney by the Spence family based on criteria including exemplary volunteer involvement, commitment, leadership and athletic and academic achievements.
A member of the Richmond Kickers travel program since age 12, Gaffney was a member of the U14 Pre Academy team, U16 Richmond Kickers Academy Team, and most recently the U18 Richmond United Academy team, playing in several showcases throughout the country. Gaffney signed with the USL Pro Team for the 2016 year, making one appearance versus the Charlotte Independence.
Ihor Dotsenko, coach of Richmond United praised Gaffney’s character both on and off the soccer field, “his commitment to excellence is exemplary.” Dotsenko said, “Sawyer sets example for others through his relentless work ethic, his humble demeanor and his determination to overcome obstacles while pursuing his goals. His character is full of positive qualities that I have no doubt will serve him well in the years to come.”
As a four-year starter of the Collegiate School varsity soccer team, Gaffney served as team captain for three years.
“Sawyer is one of the most focused young men with whom I have worked,” said Collegiate coach Charlie Blair. “Great attitude, great work ethic, and a great leader. He is a stellar example of what Collegiate and organizations like the Kickers aspire to help develop.”
Named All-Prep 2013-2015 and All-State 2014 and 2015, Gaffney was voted team MVP in 2014 and 2015, helping lead the team to two VISAA State Semi-finals in 2013 and 2014. He capped off his stellar career being named All-Prep, All-State, All-Mid Atlantic, All-Metro, and Academic All-American his senior year. Gaffney was also awarded the A.L. Jacobs Sportsmanship Award, the highest award given to a male athlete at Collegiate.
As a student, Gaffney excelled in the classroom, graduating with a 4.2 GPA. He was a Lexus of Richmond Pursuit of Perfection Leadership Award Scholarship Program Recipient, John Montgomery Belk Scholarship Nominee, Bryan Scholarship Nominee, AP Scholar with Honor Award Winner, and three time Richmond Times-Dispatch/Sports Backers Scholar Athlete Nominee. Gaffney served as the French Honor Society President, was a member of the Model UN and Model Congress, as well as a member of the Chess, Computer Science, and Engineering Clubs.
As a buddy for RVAccess, Gaffney has volunteered countless hours to provide soccer opportunities to athletes with special needs. He was instrumental in starting an RVAccess club at Collegiate. Serving as the inaugural president, he ensured the buddy program would continue after he graduated. Gaffney’s passion for a healthy lifestyle and environment led him to an internship at Broadfork Organic Farm. He also volunteered with Special Olympics, RAMPS, and Surf Riders Clean Beach. Continuing his soccer career at Davidson College this fall, he is the son of Vicki and Jeff Gaffney.
About the Avery Spence Youth Community Service Award
Richmond Kickers President, Board of Directors Rob Ukrop presented the inaugural Avery Spence Youth Community Service award to the Spence family on July 8, 2011, to honor the memory of Kickers youth player Avery Spence and her commitment to the Richmond community. A longstanding member of the Richmond Kickers youth club, she started with the Kickers rec program when she was nine years old, progressing with arguably the best girls team in the Kickers Girls Elite program over seven seasons. A committed volunteer, Avery donated countless hours throughout the Richmond community, was in the academic top ten in her class at Manchester High School and was heading to Virginia Tech in the fall to pursue a career in dentistry. Avery had a love for life, sharing her time and talent with kids of all ages. Past award recipients include former Kickers players Ashley Riefner (University of Richmond), Blayne Fink (Virginia Tech), Peter Coiley (Virginia Tech) and Blake Cashin (VMI).
