PORTLAND, Ore.
- In recognition of his exemplary efforts in making a difference off the playing field this season, Portland Timbers midfielder Brian Winters today was named the Timbers Community Player of the Year for the 2005 season.
Winters, a constant in the community in his five seasons with the USL First Division team, most exemplified the goals of the Timbers Community Outreach Program this season, making a positive impact on community values by lending his time and energy to a number of causes and activities throughout the year.
"When you're playing in front of the community that supports you, you have a responsibility to give back,” Winters said. “Whether it's conducting clinics, visiting kids or making appearances, it's very important to stay involved with the fans."
This season, Winters, who has played with the Timbers since their inaugural 2001 United Soccer Leagues season, took part in the Timbers camps and clinics program, led team appearances to and individually volunteered at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, made visits to area schools and Boys and Girls Clubs, and took part in several other activities in the community, including a celebrity bowling fundraiser for abused children.
“As Portland’s team, the Timbers organization prides itself on its extensive community involvement,” said John Cunningham, president of the Timbers. “Brian Winters has been there front-and-center leading those efforts for five years, so this honor is well-deserved.”
A Tacoma, Wash., native who played under legendary coach Clive Charles at the University of Portland, Winters appeared in 26 of the Timbers’ 28 regular-season matches in 2005, amassing 2,060 minutes. For his five-year career with the Timbers, Winters has compiled a team-record 11,138 minutes on the pitch.
