Thomas Gardiner: Tom Gardiner combined tremendous soccer skill with tremendous strength as a dominant youth player in the 1970's. He was a force on powerful RHAM High School and Connecticut state teams during this time, winning the state championship in 1977 He was All-State and All-New England in '77 and '78. Gardiner joined the U.S. Youth National Team in 1979 and traveled the world representing his country on the field, including play in the 1981 Youth World Cup in Australia. He continued his career at Southern Connecticut State University where he made one Final Four before becoming a professional soccer player after signing with the Philadelphia Fever of the MISL in 1981. A torn MCL in 1981 and ankle surgery in 1982 effectively ended Gardiner's competitive career and cut short a bright future in professional soccer.

Arthur S. Hennig: Art Hennig is being recognized 30 years of commitment and service to soccer in the Connecticut. He has been a dedicated coach, referee, and administrator during this time. Hennig co-founded Avon Soccer Club in 1977 and has served as its president since 1979. He has served on the state and regional Olympic Develop Program staff and has been a Vice President of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association since 1998. Hennig has involved himself in various soccer projects and events during his tenure, including Senior Soccer Bowls, 1995 International Special Olympics, International Games, Region 1 and CJSA Conventions. In 2006 he was named Avon Citizen of The Year.

Mickey Kydes: Mickey Kydes was a quick, skillful player for Norwalk High School from 1978 - 1981 who became a two-time All-American at Long Island University. He was a member of the U.S. National Team for the 1987 Pan American Games and won a gold medal at the Olympic Festival the same year. He was a first round draft pick in the 1986 Major Indoor Soccer League draft and the 1986 American Professional Soccer League draft. Kydes played for various professional teams, earning two USISL All Starnods member of Connecticut Wolves and New York Fever (1992-1995) and even played for the New York/New Jersey Metrostars of MLS (1996).

Kevin Maher: Kevin Maher was a standout player for Guilford High School and Yale University before embarking on a professional indoor soccer career. He won three consecutive state championship with Guilford from 1976 to 1978 and was named All-American in 1978. Maher was a two-time All-America at Yale University and is their second leading goal scorer and points leader all-time (33 goals, 44 assists). In his senior season, he finished 4th in voting for the MAC Hermann Trophy, given annually to the nation's top soccer player. In addition, he played for the United Stated Under-23 National Team in 1983 and 1984, including the 1983 Pan American Games in Caracus, Venezuela. Maher joined the Pittsburgh Spirit of the Major Indoor Soccer League and earned Rookie of the Year honors in the 1983-1984 season.

Michael Pitruzzello, Sr. : Mike Pitruzzello has been a dedicated soccer coach and administrator who has immersed himself in the game over the past three decades. Since 1980, he coached the Cromwell High School boys soccer team to 342 wins, two Class S state championships, and seven league titles. He was the National High School Athletic Association Boys Soccer Coach of the Year in 1999 and Connecticut Soccer Coaches Association Coach of the Year in 1995. Mike also was recognized as the National Soccer Coaches Region 1 Soccer Coach of the Year (2002) and became a national finalist. As an administrator, he was the president of the Connecticut Soccer Coaches Association (1993-2004).

Marion Joseph Stoj, M. D.: Marion Stoj (pronounced "Stoy") has been a familiar face on the soccer fields in Connecticut since 1966. Marion captained Wesleyan University to an ECAC title in 1973 and earned leadership, academic, and athletic awards from 1970 to 1973. He led the team in scoring in 1971 and 1973 and was also named to All-New England and All-America teams both years. Marion was invited to tryout for the U.S. Olympic soccer team in 1972 and was drafter by the L.A. Aztecs of NASL in 1974. Stoj played for numerous Connecticut soccer clubs since 1966, including New Britain Falcons, Hartford Polish, Manchester, World Class, and Pulaski. He has been played in numerous senior leagues and soccer clubs in the state and continues to play in over 40 leagues today.

Roberto J. Taylor: Roberto Taylor played for the Guatemala Junior National Team in 1966 and club teams Tipografia Nacional and Cementos Novello (1967-1969) before relocating to New Haven, Connecticut in 1970. He attended South Central Community College (1971-1972) before transferring to the University of New Haven in 1972. Taylor was an outstanding midfielder who scored 25 goals and added 8 assists during his 26 games for New Haven, earning All-New England recognition both years. Roberto joined the Connecticut Yankees of the American Soccer League and became the 1975 Rookie of the Year, a league All-Star and earned the team's MVP. That same year he finished second in the ASL in scoring with 14 tallies and four assists from the midfield. Taylor played for the Hartford Bicentennials of the North American Soccer League in 1976. Unfortunately, injuries from an automobile accident in 1977 limited his ability to continue playing competitive soccer. In 1984, he was inducted into the Hew Haven Hall of Fame.

Lyle Yorks: Lyle Yorks was one of the most decorated youth soccer players in Connecticut history. As a 4-year starter at E.O. Smith High School in Storrs, Connecticut, Lyle helped lead the Panthers to 2 Class LL titles and was twice named to Parade Magazine and NSCAA All-America teams. Yorks was named the Gatorade National Player of the Year in 1987. Lyle played for the United States Under-16 and Under-20 Youth National Teams and professionally with DC United (MLS, 1998), New York Fever (1995), Naestved FC (1993-1994) and Milwaukee Wave (1992). He was a four-year starter for the University of Virginia and captured two NCAA titles (1989 & 1991). Yorks captained the 1991 championship team and earned All-ACC honors that year.