U.S. Soccer Mourns the Passing of Long-Time State Soccer Administrator Bill Bosgraaf
Former Member of the U.S. Soccer Board of Directors Spent More than 50 Years in Service to the Game
CHICAGO (Dec. 6, 2023) – U.S. Soccer is mourning the passing of Bill Bosgraaf, a long-time adult soccer administrator who spent more than 50 years in service to the game in the United States at the local, state and national levels.
A member of U.S. Soccer’s Board of Directors for five years as an Adult Council representative, Bosgraaf earned the title of “Mr. Utah Soccer” for the immense impact he had on the game in the state, most notably serving as president of the Utah Soccer Association since 1986.
“On behalf of U.S. Soccer, we mourn Bill’s passing but celebrate his life and immeasurable contributions to the game we all love,” said U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone. “Bill made an immense impact on soccer in Utah and was a champion for adult soccer across our nation, serving the game in an array of roles including as a member of the U.S. Soccer Board of Directors. He leaves behind a legacy as a true builder of the sport in our country and we are thankful for all he did.”
Prior to overseeing the state association, Bosgraaf served as club president of Pan World FC from 1973-1990, overseeing a club whose men’s and women’s team were dominant forces for decades in the state of Utah. He also served as commissioner of the Utah High School Soccer Association form 1970-1982, during which time he helped pave the way for soccer to become a sanctioned high school sport. Along with his state administrative duties, Bosgraaf earned his grade 5 referee badge in 1982 and officiated local matches for many years.
On the national level, Bosgraaf was heavily involved in the United States Adult Soccer Association and served in many capacities, including vice president, regional director, and select program chairman.
Having served on numerous U.S. Soccer committees, Bosgraaf was a member of the U.S. Soccer Board of Directors from 2005-2007 and 2011-2014, and was voted a Life Member of the Federation in 2022. He was also a Hall of Fame inductee of the USASA, Utah Soccer and WPSL.
Hailing from Groningen, Netherlands, Bosgraaf emigrated to the United States with his family at the age of 15 in 1964. After settling in Utah, he attended South High School in Salt Lake City where he was a three-time All-State selection from 1966-1968, and also excelled in math and German.
Bosgraaf was 74 years at his passing and is survived by his four children and 17 grandchildren.