Kevin “Pops” Perrigo has been a well-known and influential figure in the Syracuse soccer community for many years.  His first involvement in soccer was as a parent when his youngest son began playing in the State Cup in the late 1980’s.  Through the 1990’s, he developed a special interest in becoming more involved in youth soccer not just as a parent with three children in the sport. He then took on the position of President of the Salt City Soccer Club.  Under his leadership, the club, which was primarily a boys’ club, quickly formed teams in every age group for girls.  Subsequently, the club that was known as having the first boys’ travel program in Central New York became known for its girls’ travel program because of the success of its girls’ teams winning State Cup Championships. 

Shortly after becoming the Salt City Soccer Club President, Kevin took the responsibility of the Salt City Soccer Tournament Director.  Once again, he demonstrated his leadership and within 2 years, participation in the tournament increased significantly from previous years.  Kevin’s management and understanding of all types of people and by making it a priority that the tournament is a showcase for its participants contributes to the tournament’s continued success.  Kevin remains involved with the tournament and is the glue that holds the event together year after year. 

In 1998, Kevin was recognized for his efforts and many contributions to youth soccer by being named the 1998 NYSWYSA Volunteer of the Year. Fortunately for the NYSWYSA, Kevin was not willing to stop with just the Salt City Soccer Club in his involvement with youth soccer.  In 1999, he took on the role of the NYSWYSA Syracuse District Commissioner, a position he held until 2005.  In this position, Kevin became more accessible to all of the teams in the Syracuse area and every team knew they could count on Kevin as a solid representative for them.  During his tenure, the number of soccer teams in the area grew to be greater than all other sports combined resulting in many new team coaches and managers. No matter what the hour, Kevin took the time to get to know and work with each of them and guide them through the process of local and travel soccer. 

Kevin’s contributions and involvement with youth soccer was not confined to administrative activities. In 1999, Kevin also began coaching the Salt City Synergy Girls’ U-14 Team.  Once again, he dedicated himself to this new responsibility and since then, he has had unparalleled tremendous success as a Girls’ Travel Team Coach. Kevin’s exemplary record speaks for itself. Every year from 2002 to 2012, he coached sixteen (16) teams that were NYSWYSA State Cup Finalists. Ten (10) of those teams were NYSWYSA State Cup Champions that advanced to the Region 1 Tournament and one other team also advanced to the Region 1 Tournament as a “Wild Card”. The specifics of the teams are presented below: 

In 2013, Kevin plans to continue his coaching career as co-head coach of three teams, the Empire United S.A. Revolution Girls’ U-9, U-10 and U-13 Teams. Beyond his club team coaching responsibilities, he also conducts individual and small group training to help numerous players prepare for school soccer seasons. 

NYSWYSA Rochester District Commissioner and Awards’ Committee Chairman Roger Best said this of Kevin, “I have had the privilege of knowing Kevin since he became the Syracuse District Commissioner.  In that position and as a coach, he always had the best interests of the players in everything he did. One can have nothing but respect and admiration for his dedication and all that he has accomplished to advance the game of soccer in his district.  He is a consummate coach and the State Association is fortunate that he will continue to work with the players.” 

Kevin currently resides in Liverpool with his wife Donna of 43 years who has helped him with soccer behind the scenes. They have five children, Kevin Jr., Keith, Kristin, Kerry and Kelly, three of which have been involved with soccer.  Keith, who played at Paul Smith’s and Oswego State, has been a long time youth soccer coach and is now the Assistant Coach at William Smith.  Kevin Jr., who played at Keuka College, has also been a long time youth soccer coach often working with his Dad. Kristin played travel soccer and although she doesn’t coach, she attends practice/training sessions to guide youth players so they understand what is expected of them.