The Goicoechea/Shepard Award was instituted in 2003 by the Bay United Soccer Club Board of Directors. The award was created in honor of two BUSC players, Jon Andoni Goicoechea and Barry Shepard, who were part of the first and second boys teams within the Club. Both of these young men loved the game of soccer, and they continued to be actively involved with the soccer community in Bay County as referees and coaches even after graduation. It was a tremendous loss when these two died within a year of each other.
To honor their spirit of sportsmanship and love of the game, as well as to commemorate their parents who were founding members of BUSC, the award is presented each year to a player U15 or older who possesses the same qualities as the two young men.