Whirlpool Home Appliances and Tide, proud sponsors of US Youth Soccer, announced the winners of the first-ever Soccer Family of the Year search. The two companies poured through thousands of entries from across the nation and selected the Schmitt family (parents Karl and Kelly and children Elizabeth, 13, and Alex, 11) of Fort Mitchell, Ky., as the grand prize winner. The family was deemed the Soccer Family of the Year based on their dedication to sportsmanship, leadership, community and creativity of entry.

The Schmitt's will receive a $20,000 scholarship paid into a Upromise account, as well as a complete suite of the latest Whirlpool appliances, a year's supply of Liquid Tide HE and a trip for the entire family to the Major League Soccer finals in Los Angeles.

"When we found out we had won, I was completely speechless; we were all so excited. We're amazed we won because we're not that different from other families who juggle a lot because of the love for the game," said mom, Kelly Schmitt. "Being involved in soccer allows us to spend some quality time together as a family; we are so grateful for this experience."

What makes the Schmitts such a stand-out soccer family is their exceptional dedication to and love for the sport. Elizabeth and Alex have played the game practically since they learned how to walk and are both league linesmen. Kelly is the parent administrator for two teams and is the volunteer director of public relations for the youth soccer club. Karl is a coach where he established 'Fun Fridays' -- a practice that encourages teambuilding and fun. In addition, Karl is the volunteer president of the youth soccer club. Even the dog, Cinnamon, gets involved as the 'number one ball chewer upper.' The family also took a mission trip to Belize, where they brought soccer uniforms and balls to children in under-served communities.

In addition to the grand prize winner, Whirlpool and Tide selected four first-prize winners: the Lemmon family of Lawrence, Kan., the Cissell family of Liberty, Mo., the Badger family of Holladay, Utah, and the Rappolt family of Daly City, Calif. These families will receive a Whirlpool Duet washer and dryer and a year's supply of Liquid Tide HE. There are also 99 second-prize winners that will receive Tide Soccer Gift Packs.

"Whirlpool and Tide created the Soccer Family of the Year search to recognize the balancing act that so many families must manage in order to play soccer," said John Alexander, vice president of Whirlpool brand. "We salute the winning families of this search and commend them on their amazing commitment to the sport."

Both Whirlpool Corporation and Tide are Upromise contributing companies.

The Whirlpool appliances included in the grand prize package were designed and engineered to help save Soccer Families time, space and energy:

Duet Washer and Dryer: A stylish front-loader that can hold up to 16 pairs of jeans in various sizes or 22 bath towels -- so just imagine how many soccer uniforms. The Duet washer meets Energy Star qualifications through 2007.

Polara Refrigerated Range: The world's first electric range with refrigeration capabilities allows you to prepare meals when it is convenient -- in the morning before work or at night before going to bed. Just program the Polara range to keep your dish cool, then automatically switch to baking mode so dinner is ready when your family walks in the door. Did soccer practice run late? No problem, the Polara system will automatically switch to a warming mode if you are not home by the time dinner is done. Running really late? The Polara refrigerated range will automatically switch back to refrigeration mode after one (1) hour to chill your meal for up to 24 hours and keep it fresh.

g2microven Speedcook Appliance: Combines the speed of a microwave with the bake, broil, brown, roast and grilling results of an oven. This means a healthy, home-cooked hot meal in half the time on busy days.

Conquest Refrigerator with Satina Finish: Imagine the look of stainless steel without the hassle of wiping off fingerprints. In addition, this new surface holds magnets, unlike stainless steel appliances -- a key for moms wanting to display kids' artwork or post family messages. The Conquest refrigerator also has the exclusive In-Door-Ice ice dispensing system that creates 24% more freezer space than 22 cu. ft. Whirlpool refrigerators with conventional ice makers.

Tall Tub Dishwasher: Forget pre-rinsing and wash more dishes than ever before. The Whirlpool tall tub dishwashers deliver flexibility, performance and capacity while meeting Energy Star guidelines. And wait until you see how easily those tall sport bottles fit inside.

www.whirlpool.com