Dave was a long time resident of Escondido, he served many years on the NCYSA board in many different capacities, he was instrumental in the development of all our soccer programs as well as the Mayors Cup tournament.

He enjoyed being part of helping the youth in Escondido that he continued coaching long after his own children had grown. Dave devoted over twenty years of his life to the young soccer players of Escondido. He had a wonderful relationship with all the kids, many of whom he sponsored out of his own pocket as the need arose. He truly realized the value and purity of athletic competition in youth sports. He took great pride as well in the opportunity to coach alongside his son Josh. Josh can now be seen roaming the fields at Ryan Park and other locations as a top referee.

In 1966 Dave and his wife Linda were recognized by California Youth Soccer Association (CYSA) for their many years of volunteerism dedicated to the young soccer players in their community. They were awarded the CYSA Lifetime Honorees Award for their outstanding contributions to youth soccer in our district.

Regrettably on October 28th 1999 Dave succumbed to cancer, and we all lost one of the “founding fathers” of youth soccer in Escondido. His name and legacy will live on forever, most of all the young soccer players that play in Escondido today will never know who Dave Shelton was, but as they grace the fields of Ryan Park, Dave will be looking down with pride, seeing what was always his pride and joy, “kids playing soccer”.

He was a great man, and it was a pleasure to have shared so many years with him, there was not a day while we were at Kit Carson Park that we did not see Dave.