Jeffrey R. Sommer Elected Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer President
Plymouth Meeting, July 24, 2019 – In a special meeting of the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Board of Directors that convened on July 24, Jeff Sommer was elected President following the vacancy of Michael Finnegan who resigned from the position earlier this month.
“I’m elated to be selected by the board,” remarked Sommer following his acceptance of the Presidency. “I hope to repay the confidence they’ve shown in me and I look forward to helping meet the needs of the membership and grow the game of soccer in Eastern Pennsylvania for this generation and the next.”
Prior to his election of President, Sommer served as the Vice President for Recreation, a role he held since 2018. Sommer also previously held positions on the board including Corporate Secretary and District Commissioner, and has co-authored various amendments to the constitution and bylaws including the recently revised arbitration rules.
“Jeff has been an integral part of our board during my tenure,” said Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer CEO Chris Branscome. “He has a deep commitment to the sport and provides sound guidance and advice on today’s matters while always keeping an eye on the future.”
Sommer has been a key figure in the soccer community for many years and has a deep passion to grow the game. He previously held roles on the Board of Directors for the Southern Chester County Soccer Association from 1996-2013, including a term as its President from 2001-2005. Sommer, who holds a US Soccer C License, is an active coach and has worked with recreational and travel teams since 1995. In 2010, he was chosen as the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Travel Coach of the Year when his SCCSA team won the Eastern Pennsylvania Presidents Cup and represented the state on the regional level of the competition. Sommer has been an active US Soccer referee since 2000 and refereed high school games as a PIAA official from 2010-2017.
Professionally, Sommer has been elected to a ten-year term as a Judge in the Court of Common Pleas for the 15th Judicial District – Chester County. He was a partner at the West Chester law firm of Buckley, Brion, McGuire & Sommer for over twenty years before ascending to the bench. A successful trial lawyer and solicitor for municipal and county agencies, Sommer was admitted to practice before the Unites States Supreme Court along with other state and federal jurisdictions.
Sommer has been an active member of the community with numerous civic and social organizations and has been a board member for the West Chester Chamber of Commerce, YMCA of Central Chester County, and was formerly President of the West Chester Rotary Club.
A native of Abington, Pa. where he grew up loving the the beautiful game, Sommer now resides in West Chester with his wife Lisa and three sons.
###