You can't talk about Jamaica Plain Youth Soccer without mentioning Dean Conway. For years, he served on the JPYS Board of Directors and as Technical Director, leading efforts to re-design and implement our programs, educate our volunteer coaches, and work with young players on the field to develop their skills and nurture their love of the beautiful game of soccer.

Dean was more than just a volunteer to JPYS. He was the driving force behind our adoption of a development-oriented, age-appropriate approach to youth soccer, including the creation of the JP Academy in 2010, which was innovative and forward-thinking for its time. Dean was incredibly thoughtful and kind, the definition of a gentleman, and a dear friend to many. Sadly, he passed away on March 9, 2025.

Dean Conway's influence extended far beyond Jamaica Plain. His distinguished career in soccer includes:

• Beginning work with Mass Youth Soccer in 1992

• Serving as Head State Coach and Director of Coaching from 1997 to 2002

• Working on the staff of both the New England Revolution and the Boston Breakers

• Authoring "Soccer Calling: A Handbook for Youth Soccer Coaches," published in 2005

• Receiving US Youth Soccer's prestigious Fleck Award for Excellence in Youth Coaching Education in 2006, a national recognition for educating coaches with "integrity, honor, humor, and humility"

The JPYS Way

Dean's coaching philosophy and approach to youth soccer development became known as the "JPYS Way." This approach emphasizes:

• Age-appropriate skill development

• Creating a positive learning environment for all players

• Building technical skills alongside a love for the game

• Ensuring soccer is accessible to all children in our community

• Mentoring volunteer coaches to continue this philosophy

The Dean's List Award

To honor Dean's remarkable legacy in our community, both on and off the soccer field, JPYS has created The Dean's List Award, presented each year to one of our volunteer coaches who continues the tradition of excellence in coaching and commitment to community that Dean helped to build and embodied in everything he did.

Award Process

• All JPYS coaches and members of the broader JPYS community are invited each Spring to nominate candidates for the award

• The nominating deadline is May 31

• The Dean's List Committee will review the nominations and determine the recipient

• A donation is made to the Dean Conway Coach Education Grants Fund in the recipient’s name

• Recipients are featured on the JPYS website, carrying forward Dean's legacy for years to come