A number of teams and individuals from BC have recently been recognized nationally for their success and dedication to soccer.
The CSA Soccer Hall of Fame’s 2012 inductees included Vic West FC, New Westminster’s Carlo Corrazin,
Vancouver’s Andrea Neil and Mark Watson as well as Pioneer John Richardson, while Surrey United Women’s team were recently named Sport BC’s Team of the year for 2011.
Oldest Team – Vic West FC
This team was founded in 1896 and is one of the oldest teams in BC. They have been one of the most successful teams in BC winning various Provincial Championships but their greatest achievement was winning the men’s national club championship four times in 1976, 1979, 1982 and 1984.
Vic West FC becomes the third team inducted into the Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame in the category of Organization of Distinction.
Golden Boot Award – Carlo Corrazin/Mark Watson
Two members of the victorious Canadian men’s national team at the 2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup were inducted into the Players category.
Carlo Corrazin, winner of the Golden Boot for that tournament and scorer in the final game and teammate Mark Watson, the third most capped Canadian men’s national player ever with 84 were recognized after hugely successful careers both in North America and Europe.
Players Category – Andrea Neil
Former Canadian Women’s National team and Vancouver Whitecaps FC women’s team captain Andrea Neil will also be inducted into the Players Category.
The Vancouver born star won 132 caps for her country and in November 2011 become the first female soccer player to be inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame at an induction dinner and ceremony in Calgary, Alberta.
Pioneer Award – John Richardson
The CSA Soccer Hall of Fame also recognized John Richardson in the Pioneer Award category. Originally from Washington, England,
Richardson was a leading soccer administrator and at the time of his death in 1950 was secretary of the BC Soccer Commission a position he had held since its inception in 1933.
The Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame Inductions will be June 2-3, 2012 in Toronto as part of the celebrations and the 100th Anniversary of the Canadian Soccer Association.
Charlie Cuzzetto, President of BC Soccer said, “The soccer community of BC is proud to see all of these individuals and teams recognized for their tremendous efforts both on and off the field.
They have been and still are an inspiration to many players, coaches, administrators and volunteers across BC and we congratulate them on their success”.
Sport BC Team of the Year –The Surrey United Women’s
This team won the Vancouver Metro Women’s League title, the MWSL League Cup, the BC Soccer Provincial Cup and then the Canadian National Championship in October 2011 in Quebec.
Presidents Award – Metro Women’s Soccer League President Laurie Robertson
Laurie was honored at the recent Sport BC’s 18th annual Presidents’ Awards.
These awards are to promote and celebrate the spirit of volunteerism by giving member organizations an opportunity to acknowledge and thank an individual who has demonstrated outstanding dedication and commitment to their organization.
Laurie was recognized by BC Soccer as the President’s volunteer of the year for her efforts to promote and develop Women’s Soccer in BC.
Congratulations on these awards from Sportswave!!
