Jeff Babstock

Jeff Babstock of St. John’s is being recognized for 50 years of achievements and contributions to soccer within the province with an honorary life membership in the Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Association.
Announcement of the honor was made by provincial soccer president Doug Redmond of St. John’s who cited Babstock as being “a remarkable soccer individual who has excelled in every aspect of our sport. A national caliber player, he developed into an excellent coach, a fine official and a tireless worker in a variety of leadership and administrative positions. He is a perfect role model for young people.”
“Jeff Babstock has contributed continuously to the betterment of soccer within our province,” Redmond continued. “There is no job too big or too small if it is good for soccer and he’ll undertake all of them.”
“We are proud to recognize the value of this individual within our soccer.”
“In addition to soccer, he enjoyed success in rowing, hockey, five-pin bowling and basketball.”
Babstock is the sixth Association honorary life member, joining Angus Barrett of St. John’s, Newman Bartlett of Grand Bank, Gus Etchegary of St. Lawrence, George Innis of Happy Adventure and Ben Lake of Fortune.
He will receive his membership during the Association’s hall of fame banquet Saturday, November 21 at the Battery Hotel in St. John’s.
JEFF BABSTOCK
He began his soccer career at the age of 12 while playing organized soccer for the Salvation Army School System in St. John’s High School Soccer League.
Played junior, intermediate and senior soccer for the Guards Athletic Association for 17 years beginning in the mid sixties. Won two St. John’s and one provincial championship. In addition, he won scoring and top defender awards. Served as Guards soccer convener for 12 years.
Won National and Atlantic Soccer Championships while playing for Memorial University. Named a university all-star. 1970 and 1973.
Named provincial and St. John’s all-star to play against touring professional teams from the UK, Ayre United and Queens Park during 1970’s.
First player from Newfoundland and Labrador to play on Canada’s National Team, represented Canada in the qualifying rounds of the 1972 Olympics and the 1971 Pan American Games.
Member of 1969 Canada Games bronze medal team.
Twice declined offer from Memorial University coach Alan Ross, who was from the UK, the opportunity to go to the UK to try his luck at the professional level in 1971 and 1972.
Began coaching certification in 1969 and by 1974 had earned his National Badge Certification. After re-alignment of the certification program, he is now a National B Certified Coach.
Began coaching career in 1969, coaching Guards Athletic Association’s first and second division teams for 12 years. This experience led to coaching provincial age group teams, Memorial University, 1988 to 1992, ) and 1989 and 1991 Canada Games teams. Named a NLSA Staff Coach in 1988. Presently serves as a Staff Coach in the NTC/RTC Training Program and Provincial Teams Program. He is a Master Course Conductor and is the head assessor for the Provincial B Coaching Course.
Served as NLSA Technical Director from 1990 to 1995. Introduced winter training programs, led efforts at both the provincial and national level to insure that one of the coaches of women’s teams must be a woman.
Convinced NLSA and helped find the financial means for NLSA to hire a full time technical director in 1995 and played a lead role in NLSA acquiring an additional technical staff person, a grass roots coordinator.
Has been a member of the NLSA Technical Committee since 1995, seven years as chairman. Has taken lead role in establishing operating policies for provincial teams programs.
Served as a referee from 1970 to 1987. Established the St. John’s Referee’s Association in 1973 and served as its first referee in chief. Refereed at the senior, Challenge Cup and University Level. Has been in two Challenge Cup finals as referee and assistant referee). Officiated semi-final of CIAU national championship.
Served on many host comities for provincial and national championships and World Cup Qualifying games.
Co-chaired OFY Project to run soccer programs across province in 1970.
Hosted, organized and coached soccer teams for the Avalon Consolidated School Board and Avalon East School District for 30 years.
Played lead role in establishing the NLSA Alumni Fund to provide financial assistance for needy players. Presently serves as chairman of Fund.
Established the Sobey’s Certificate Program to assist player/parents with their fundraising.
Presently serves as Chairman of the NLSA Hall of Fame Committee and director of the St. John’s Soccer Heritage Society.
Chaired Discipline Committee for Challenge Cup for approximately ten years and served on appeal boards when requested for NLSA.
Served on the executive/directorate of the St. John’s Soccer League from 1970 to 1980.
Served on organizing committee for King George Fifth Project. and presently serves on KGV Board of Directors.
Technical Advisor to St. John’s All-Star Committee and Metro Soccer League.
Served on the 1997 Canada Games Mission Staff for soccer.
Named to Memorial University’s Athletic Honour Society.
Inducted into the St. John’s and Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Association’s Halls of Fame. And Inducted into the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame in 1885.
Received Award of Merit from the Canadian Soccer Association for outstanding contribution to the growth of the game of soccer in Canada at the Provincial and National Level in 1997.
Winner of NLSA Executive of Year Award.
Finalist for St. John’s Athlete of Year and Sport NL Executive of the Year.