The Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Hall of Fame Format

The membership of the Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Hall of Fame includes:
2009

• Len Aucoin
• Charlie Chaytor
• Fred Brien
• Jim Hamlyn
• Don Hodder
• Jim Royle
• Darryl Smith

2007

• Leeland Anderson
• Guy Clouter
• George Cooper
• Frank Haskell
• Len Hillier
• Trevor Paine
• Paul Reddy
• Noel “Jake” Stanford

2005

• Aubrey Anstey
• Angus Barrett
• Al Felix
• Norbert “Dick” Power
• John Saunders
• Al Slaney
• Brian Walsh

2004

• James Loder
• Jack Simms

2003

• Bill Breen
• John Breen
• Doug House
• Louis LeGentile
• Jack Lundrigan
• Bill Miller
• Tony Mullett
• Gerry “Farmer” Reddy
• Andy Samuelson

2002

• Keith Farrell
• Ken Hunt
• Eli Lee
• Adrian Miller
• John Russell
• Jean (Lake) Thompson
• Don Turpin

2001

• Tom Bartlett
• Joy Burt
• Clem “Junior” Edwards
• Dick Ivany
• Tom Riley
• Gerry Smith
• Howard Walsh

2000

• Ed Arnott
• Frank Brenton
• Doug Brown
• George “Bow” Collier
• Eddie Joyce
• Leonard Slaney
• Charlie Snook

1999

• Ross Arlett
• Bren Curtis
• Greg Hillier
• Edgar House
• Bob LeMessurier
• Joe Lundrigan
• Boyd Pennell
• Harold “Hal” Walsh
• Larry “Bucky” Warren

1998

• Bernie Bennett
• Hobie Pike
• Jim McNamara
• Terry Mallay
• Herb Slaney
• Max Hollett
• Frank “Red” Fizzard

1997

• Reg Farrell
• Monsignor John Murray
• Bob Slaney
• Bill Grant
• Frank Moore
• Doug Redmond
• Herb Jenkins

1996

• Vince Pickett
• Brian Murphy
• Cyril Quirke
• Newman Bartlett
• George Innes

1994

• Ed Moyst
• Bernard Reddy
• Joe Keating
• Edward Roache
• Pat Hollett
• Aubrey Pike

1992

• Bobby Breen
• Bill Matthews
• Bruce Power
• Ern Foote

1989

• Alfred Breen
• Donald Huxter
• Norm Kelly
• Wils Molloy
• Alan Ross

1987

• Jeff Babstock
• Stanislaw Sackowski
• Andy Joy
• Sam Pretty
• Doug Sweetapple

1985

• George B. Ayre
• Heber Bartlett
• Charlie Bhnisch
• John Canning
• George Collier Sr.
• Herb Coultas
• Harry Ennis
• Bob Kelly
• Joe Gulliver
• James D. Higgins
• William Higgins
• Jack V. Rabbits
• Tom Rose
• Frank Tibbo
• James Vinicombe
• N.J. Vinicombe
• Tom Turpin
• George Welsh

1983

• Ben Lake
• Walter LeMessurier

1981

• Edwin Knight
• Charlie Quick
• Mike Reddy

1980

• Gus Etchegary
• Fred Tessier

LEN AUCOIN
Len Aucoin began his soccer career with the West Side Monarchs of the Corner Brook Senior Soccer League more than 40 years ago. After a successful playing career he saw the need to reorganize, motivate and grow soccer on the west coast. He got involved on the administrative side serving on the Corner Brook executive for more than 20 years including three years as president. During that time he founded and coached a new team in the senior league, winning the league championship after four years of operation. Realizing that youth development was the future, he became the founding President of the Corner Brook West Minor Soccer Association. This minor group remains strong today with growth in numbers every year. In addition to his time with the Corner Brook Association, he served as regional director and Western vice president for six years with the Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Association.

FRED BRIEN
Fred Brien began his soccer career in 1937 as a mid-teen while playing senior soccer with Mount Cashel in the St. John’s League. He quickly earned the respect of other players of the day by demonstrating a skill level and an understanding of the game way beyond his years. In 1945. having returned from the war, his mastery of the ball not missing a beat, he helped lead Mount. Cashel to St. John’s Senior Championships two years running. In 1947 he moved to Holy Cross and played a major role in leading Holy Cross to city championships in 1950, 1951 and 1952. When the first Provincial Championship was held in 1950, he played a key role in Holy Cross winning the first provincial championship. For his role as a player, he was inducted into the St. John’s soccer Hall of Fame.

CHARLIE CHAYTOR
Charlie Chaytor has served the soccer communities of St. John’s and Mount Pearl for more than 30 years as a player, coach, referee and administrator. Although his playing career didn’t produce any championships, it was split between the Guards Junior and Mac United Senior teams in the St. John’s League. Being described as a “no nonsense” person and a person who could get the job done, he played significant roles in organizing the St. John’s Referee’s Association in 1961 where he refereed for five years, and in the formation of the Mount Pearl Soccer Association in 1972. While serving on the executive of the MPSA, he played major roles in organizing Mount Pearl’s first Referee’s Association and organizing the men’s Senior Recreation League.  In addition to his executive duties, he found time to coach and referee within the minor program. For his efforts as a builder he was indicted into the Mount Pearl Soccer and the Mount Pearl Sports Halls of Fame.

JIM HAMLYN
Spanning four decades and growing, Jim Hamlyn has served the soccer community of this province as a player, coach and volunteer. Playing with Feildians in the Provincial Challenge Cup and St. John’s Senior League for 18 years, he won two second and one first division St. John’s Championship. While at university, he won one Atlantic Conference Championship and represented Memorial University at the Nationals. It was however; on the coaching and administrative side that he made his greatest contribution to the game. He began coaching Feildians teams in 1981 and for almost 20 years helped keep the Feildian Association a viable club in St. John’s and Challenge Cup competition. Eager to learn more about the game he earned his Provincial B Coaching Certificate and is now part of the National B Program. For the past seven years he has been a Provincial Team Coach taking teams to Nationals as well as being successful at the provincial level, winning a number of titles. He is a member of the St. John’s Soccer Hall of Fame and is presently the Technical Director for the Mount Pearl Soccer Association.

DON HODDER
Although small in stature, Don Hodder played as big and as tough as any player from 1964 to 1980 while wearing the colours of the Guards Athletic Association. His skill on the ball and ability to score made him a threat whenever he stepped on the field.
Even though he played a physical game, he always played fair and with respect of his opponents. This was evident with his five consecutive Most Gentlemanly and Effective Player Awards. As a perennial all star, he was selected to play against professional teams from Scotland and England. In addition to his Bronze Medal as a member of the province’s 1969 Canada Games Team, he earned two junior and one senior St. John’s championship and one provincial junior championship.

JIM ROYLE
Jim Royle has been involved in the sport of soccer for 40 years as a player, coach and administrator. Although his senior playing career with the Guards and Feildians didn’t produce championships, his play on the field earned the respect of the players in the league. While at Memorial University, his team twice won the Atlantic Championship and twice he represented the Atlantic Region at the National University Championships, winning the Silver Medal on one occasion. On the administrative side, he has served the Feildian Athletic Association as a coach/manager and as the Association’s vice president. His dedicated and tireless efforts have played a major role in keeping the Club a viable entity in the Newfoundland and Labrador soccer scene. His efforts and commitment in the St. John’s League has twice earned him the Charlie Quick Award for outstanding contribution. He has also been inducted into the St. John’s Soccer Hall of Fame.

DARYL SMITH
Daryl Smith established himself as one of the province’s most skillful players while playing youth soccer. When representing the province at the National Under-18 championships, his play was so impressive that National Coaches invited him for a try-out with the National Youth Team. When he eventually moved into the senior ranks, his outstanding technical ability helped lead his Holy Cross team to being named Team of the Decade for the eighties. His time with Holy Cross resulted in 15 St. John’s Senior Titles, eight Provincial Challenge Cup Championships and a Gold, Silver and Bronze Medal at the National Challenge Cup Championships. In addition to Team awards, he was recognized for his individual play. He was named a St. John’s and a Challenge Cup All-Star on five occasions. He received MVP honors four times in the St. John’s Senior League and twice he was named MVP of the Provincial Challenge Cup League. Daryl is a member of the St. John’s Soccer Hall of Fame.and joins his father Gerry Smith in the provincial Hall of Fame.

LEELAND ANDERSON

The extremely impressive soccer career of Leeland Anderson is highlighted by nearly 30 years of coaching boys and girls high school soccer teams. The outstanding manner in which he contributed to the improvement of young players and the stressing of good sportsmanship played major roles in the development of soccer in general and youth players in particular in the Conception Bay North area of the province.

Born in Sandyville in Hermitage Bay, he moved to Harbour Grace when he was 12 and enjoyed personal success for four years in the Harbour Grace minor soccer operation with a provincial championship included. He was invited to the tryout camp for the provincial under-18 team that won the Canadian title in 1974 but lack of transportation prevented him from accepting.

At 18, in 1975 he attended Memorial University and was a member of the varsity team for four years and played with the provincial all-star team that placed fourth at the 1977 Canada Summer Games. He played for Feildians in the St. John’s League for five years and was a member of the League champions in 1977. During the same period, he coached the Harbour Grace entry in provincial “C” competition with two championships to his credit. He was a member of the team when it was inducted into the Harbour Grace Sports Hall of Fame in 2002.

In 1992 he played with the championship CBN team in the CBS League and was selected playoff Most Valuable Player.

His high school coaching contribution started in 1980 as he built on his success with the Harbour Grace “C” team. For more than 28 years he coached the St. Francis High School boys and girls junior and senior teams in provincial competition with his teams winning several sportsmanship awards. As a coach he earned high respect from all those associated with high school soccer.

Winner of the Investors Group Community Sports Administration Award, he restarted the CNB minor soccer organization in 1995, serving it for eight years as it grew from 100 to 400 players. He was co-chair for the 1995 provincial Special Olympics soccer tournament, served on the 1992 host committee for the Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games and was named Carbonear Citizen of the Year for 1993.

GUY CLOUTER

Guy Clouter fashioned a 20-year soccer career that was filled with goals and added an extremely impressive successful and rewarding coaching performance. His play on the pitch and his contributions off the pitch established him as an exceptional soccer player and an exceptional soccer coach.

Born July 11,1936 in Catalina, he put together a playing career that earned him a starting berth on high-level teams in three separate high-level leagues. Owner of great skill and talent, especially as a goal-scoring center-forward, he continuously demonstrated the ability to put the ball in the net. Overall, he added greatly to any team of which he was a member.

He began playing soccer at the age of 14 with the Fortune senior soccer team.  From 1953 to 1956 he played with Canadian Air Force teams in Cold Lake, Alberta and North Bay, Ontario.  He played with the Fortune Apollos from 1957 to 1959 as well as playing in 1950 with MacUnited in the St. John’s League in 1959. He returned to Fortune to play with Apollos in 1960.

Drawing on his excellent knowledge of soccer and seeking to return something to the game he loved, he included extensive worthwhile soccer coaching in his sporting activities from 1959 to 1984.

In 1967 at the age of 31, Guy Clouter retired from playing soccer and began coaching the Fortune junior team with tremendous success. For the first time, Fortune won the Burin Peninsula junior championship. Under his expert coaching the club won in 1967, 1968 and 1969. In addition, Fortune earned the 1967 provincial junior championship with a great deal of talent and teamwork.

Two years later, in 1969, after 18 years of soccer, Guy Clouter made a playing comeback at 33.  He rejoined the Apollos and scored an amazing 17 goals in six games.  Two of these goals came at the incredible speed of less than 30 seconds.  In another game, he scored no less than six goals. It should be no surprise that he won the Burin Peninsula senior goal scoring championship for 1969.

Continuing to give something back to soccer, in 1988 he served as president of the Fortune Soccer Association. He is a member of the Burin Peninsula Soccer Hall of Fame.

GEORGE COOPER

Soccer in Grand Bank, on the Burin Peninsula and throughout the province of Newfoundland and Labrador has benefited because of the great contributions of George Cooper. He ranks with the finest community volunteers within the province and has been very much involved with every aspect of soccer within Grand Bank and on the Burin Peninsula for more than 40 years.

A Grand Bank soccer player from 1958 to 1985, he coached all levels of male and female soccer teams from 1970 to 2000 with exceptional success. This success includes gold medal teams in three successive Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games, 1980, 1984 and 1988,  a bronze medal at the 2000 Games, an Atlantic Under-18 female title, a national appearance and, very importantly, many seasons of coaching within the Grand Bank summer program.

For 20 years he served on the Burin Peninsula Soccer Association as an executive member, including chair, and for seven years was the Burin Peninsula Director for the provincial soccer association.

Many, many people have benefited greatly because of his exceptional soccer knowledge and because of the great concern he has demonstrated with an apparent willingness to devote his time and expertise to soccer. He has certainly been a fine servant of the sport, especially on the Burin Peninsula, often working with his wife Judy.

Elected to Grand Bank Council for 15 years, George Cooper was deputy mayor and contributed greatly to an endless number of very worthwhile projects and events outside of soccer.

He was named winner of the provincial Pitcher Plant Award for 2002 in recognition of his exceptional service to recreation and has received many, many other well deserved individual awards. He is a member of the Burin Peninsula Soccer Hall of Fame.

George Cooper is simply a caring individual who has been very willing to provide a wide range of volunteer contributions to make things better. He has been a fine neighbor and a willing servant, especially within the soccer community.

FRANK HASKELL

Frank Haskell had a soccer career that ranks with the very best ever put together within Newfoundland and Labrador. It contains extremely impressive personal and team successes.

His career is highlighted by his exceptional accomplishments at the national level where he was a member of a gold medal team and two silver medal teams while earning a tryout for Canada’s national club and continuously demonstrating his ability to score goals.

He ranks among the best strikers to ever play in Newfoundland and Labrador soccer with a natural ability to score goals and, just as importantly, to set up teammates to score goals. His shooting and passing were always extremely accurate in addition to being hard and strong as he was one of the most feared attackers during his playing era.

Possessing great speed, with or without the ball, he was also very quick and had a keen sense of offensive soccer which he always demonstrated. Very coachable, he contributed greatly to any team of which he was a member earning the respect of his teammates and opponents.

He broke into St. Lawrence minor soccer in 1968 when he was ten and started his all-star career when he was 12. He was a member of four provincial youth champions, winning the scoring title three times and being selected Most Valuable Player twice. One scoring title came in Stephenville when he had 14 goals in five games as a peewee.

His school career was so successful that the St. Lawrence team of which he was a member was tagged “a one-player team” and he was the player.

He broke into the St. Lawrence senior lineup in 1974 and was a member of seven teams that won Burin Peninsula, provincial and Atlantic championships in a row. He continued to demonstrate his great scoring ability with four goals during an overtime session against Quebec in the 1975 national championships and nine goals against Marystown during a Burin Peninsula game in 1976.

He was a valuable member of the provincial youth team that won the Canadian championship in 1974 and played a major role in the national silver medal showings of St. Lawerence in 1975 and 1977. It was also in 1977 that his presence was very important for the provincial all-star club that finished fourth in the extremely competitive Canada Summer Games soccer competition in St. John’s.

His playing was so impressive during the 1970’s that he was invited to a national team tryout in 1978.

As a member of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary he was stationed in Corner Brook where he organized and played with a masters team that lost the provincial title by one goal to St. Lawrence.

He is a member of the Burin Peninsula and the St. Lawrence soccer halls of fame.

LEN HILLIER

Len Hillier was a standout soccer player, coach and referee during a career that overflowed with many achievements and many contributions. From player to coach to referee, he enjoyed many successes and made many contributions during a very beneficial soccer career.

His early soccer activity began in his native Grand Bank where he displayed a great ability to score goals. It continued when he moved to Conception Bay South in the early 1970’s and was very apparent as he earned more than his share of scoring title in a variety of leagues.

While his time in CBS soccer was extremely rewarding, he played a major role in the 1977 St. John’s championship won by the Fieldians. In addition to this first division play, he was selected to all-star teams that played pro clubs Ayr United and Toronto Blizzard. In 1975 he was a member of the St. John’s Selects who defeated Nova Scotia for the Atlantic championship. His ability to score goals was his trademark during this period.

Demonstrating his great ability throughout youth and school soccer in Grand Bank, he scored in his first first division game with the GeeBees as an example of what was ahead. He was the Most Valuable Player twice with a scoring title as a member of a CBS team. In 1982 he set a scoring record and was MVP in CBS and led CBS clubs to provincial championships in 1974 and 1979.

His coaching contribution covered 25 years  in the CBS minor soccer organization and CBS teams won numerous championships under his coaching. With provincial “A” titles in 1984 and 1986, the CBS female team he coached won seven consecutive titles.

He moved into serious officiating in 1986 and quickly moved to the top level of refereeing. For nearly 20 years, he was one of the province’s top officials calling games at every level of competition up to Challenge Cup. During this period he earned the respect of players, coaches, managers, fans and most importantly other officials for the excellent manner in which he performed with a whistle on the pitch.

A fine hockey player who rowed in the Royal St. John’s Regatta, the Placentia Regatta and the Harbour Grace Regatta, he was inducted into the Conception Bay South Sports Hall of Fame in 2000.

TREVOR PAINE

(Inducted in 2007)

For more than 20 years Trevor Paine made extremely beneficial contributions to soccer within Newfoundland and Labrador, especially youth soccer and within Labrador; particularly to soccer in the Lake Melville area. His work and expertise have been important and valuable in the growth and expansion that provincial soccer enjoyed during his time as a member of the provincial executive.

Paine arrived in Happy Valley-Goose Bay in 1980 with the British Royal Air Force, and married and settled down in 1982. He was elected president of the Happy Valley-Goose Bay Minor Soccer Association in 1986, providing the leadership and foresight that resulted in the Shriners Indoor Soccer program attracting 700 players in 2005. Coupled with excellent outdoor facilities, qualified coaches, working volunteers and a high caliber of competition, the overall operation ranks highly with any other and Paine’s leadership played a major role in it all happening.

A great deal of the credit for the excellent state of soccer in Happy Valley-Goose Bay belongs to Paine. He is the catalyst that has attracted others who work in a very co-operative manner to make the complete operation function smoothly and expand successfully.

During 15 years as Labrador East Director for the provincial association and as its technical director starting in 2001, his planning and work have been responsible for the introduction of rewarding programs that have opened provincial youth all-star teams to qualified players from every area of the province. Providing hands-on leadership and working with other dedicated and qualified individuals, his contributions have been exceptional.

While the outstanding Happy Valley-Goose Bay minor soccer operation is a major aspect of his achievements, he has contributed much to the Lab Cup annual tournament and many other Labrador projects.

But his work includes much more than Labrador. He has been responsible for many successes at the provincial, national and even international levels of soccer. He is simply a qualified soccer leader with a willingness to work long and hard to ensure that many people benefit from his efforts.

Paine serves on a large number of committees within sport, including the board of directors of Sport Newfoundland and Labrador, and owns a record of accomplishment within the Labrador community.

He is only the second Labradorian to be elected to the soccer hall of fame, joining Stan Sackowski of Labrador City.

Paine was nominated by Cecilia Wade of Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

NOEL (JAKE) STANFORD

The willingness of  Noel “Jake” Stanford to devote his time, efforts and expertise to the betterment of an extremely large number of young people during a 23-year period makes him an excellent addition to the soccer hall of fame. A top level younger athlete during  his playing days, he continues to enjoys participation at the “masters” levels. This allows him to add to his reputation as a good sport who has earned the respect of teammates and opponents during a 30-year playing career.

From his start in the St. John’s Minor system though his St. Pat’s and Brother Rice school competition, he enjoyed great success. He was a member of three St. John’s and three provincial school champions with one MVP selection to his credit. He continued his excellent play during five St. John’s and one provincial championship season with three MVP selections and two scoring titles.

In 1981 he started a 22-year career in St. John’s First Division soccer with the crusaders and Holy Cross. He continued to earn MVP and top scorer honors while winning eight St. John’s championships and one provincial title. He was a member of the 1985 provincial Canada Games club and was a top performer for Memorial University’s varsity team from 1981 to 1984. In addition, he captained an Under-18 team that won the Atlantic championship in 1982.

His coaching contributions, during more than 23 years, have involved every level of boys and girls youth soccer and the 2007 Holy Cross Challenge cup team. Selected as provincial coach of the year for 2006, he has twice led clubs to national fifth place finishes. Most importantly, he contributed continuously to the improvement and betterment of life for literally thousands and thousands of young people, especially those who have been involved with youth soccer teams that he has coached.

He devoted a great deal of time and a great deal of effort to obtaining the knowledge and expertise that is required of an individual who is responsible for coaching young athletes at the local, provincial and national levels of competition.

His determination to provide only the best coaching for those in his charge required him to attend numerous clinics and instructional seminars until he qualified as a national “B” certified coach.

It should be stressed that he earned a reputation within youth soccer circles for sportsmanship and character building in addition to excellent technical and team athletic skills. Those who play on teams coached by him know the true meaning of sports and competition.

While he has coached soccer teams who have gained impressive success at all levels of competition, the manner in which these teams compete has been just as impressive.

BRIAN WALSH

(Inducted in 2005)

Soccer within Newfoundland and Labrador, especially officiating, has benefited greatly from the outstanding work and dedication of Brian Walsh. In all aspects of soccer officiating, and in other important soccer positions, he has contributed in an extremely impressive fashion that has been of great value to the sport. His soccer career covers 35 years and continues in a valuable manner.

After a playing career that lasted from 1970 to 1978, he moved into the officiating area of soccer and, through hard work and determination, became one of the finest officials to ever call a game within Newfoundland and Labrador. Combining a great amount of soccer knowledge, an unbiased approach and a keen sense of humor, he officiated more than his share of “big” games during the 1980’s and 1990’s.

Brian Walsh was nominated for his National Referees Badge in 1988 and achieved his provincial instructor’s badge in 1991. The Canadian Soccer Association added his National Assessor’s certification as his overall officiating value was recognized at all levels of the sport.

In 1994 he became Director of Officials for the province and devoted seven successful years to improving and expanding the number of qualified officials at every level of soccer. The excellent showing of local officials at national championships is a tribute to his work. Brian Walsh’s officiating reputation, on and off the pitch, is of the very highest level.

Serving in a wide range of administration positions, with local and provincial soccer organizations and with many important soccer committees, he has played major roles in a variety of successful projects and events. It is clear that he has contributed a great deal.

His determination has also been very evident in a coaching career designed to encourage and improve players below the “A” caliber. In 2001 he put a nondescript group of intermediate players together and the St. John’s United has emerged as the 2005 provincial intermediate “A” champions. The team is yet another tribute to Brian Walsh’s soccer contributions.

Keith Farrell

Keith Farrell achieved one championship and two silver medals at the national level during his impressive 15-year senior soccer career. A talented and dedicated sweeper with a great love of the game, he played an integral role in Memorial University’s great 1970 Canadian Intercollegiate soccer championship and contributed much to the silver-medal St. Laurentians in 1975 and 1977.

He started his great career in 1966 when he earned a berth on the Laurentians at the age of 18 and continued at an extremely high level until 1982. His leadership at all levels of competition was outstanding as he was selected for Most Valuable Player, Sportsmanship and Ability and Top Defensive Player individual awards while being an important member of exceptional  teams.

Keith Farrell began playing junior soccer in 1966 and moved to the senior St. Lawrence club in 1967. He was a member of the Laurentians who won ten consecutive provincial championships and captured national silver medals in 1975 and 1977. The team was Atlantic champion four times and won the Eastern Challenge Cup in 1976.

Captain of the Laurentian club that was provincial “team of the decade” for the 1970’s, he played a major role in the 14 consecutive Burin Peninsula titles that the team won from 1967 to 1982.

His university soccer included two Atlantic titles and an 11-game winning streak in 1968 and’69. He moved into Masters soccer in 1983 and led St. Lawrence to ten straight provincial championships. Among his personal records is one for scoring the first goal, at the 1975 championships,  for Newfoundland and Labrador in national Challenge Cup play.

Keith Farrell is a member of the St. Lawrence Soccer Hall of Fame.

Ken Hunt

For an amazing 32 years young soccer players in Deer Lake have benefited from the expertise, concern, devotion and sacrifices of Ken Hunt. On an annual basis, he has coached and organized soccer at Elwood Regional High School and has been involved in each and every aspect of the teams. His involvement has been the most important aspect in Deer Lake soccer since 1972 and was the foundation upon which soccer in the community, and the surrounding area, was established.

His willingness to devote the time and effort necessary has been the main factor in the various success the Elwood  teams have enjoyed and has been an important aspect in the soccer careers of hundreds and hundreds of players  His coaching has continued until 2001-2002, his final year of teaching. After coaching Memorial University soccer teams in 1970 and 1971, he took over the Elwood High soccer program in 1972.

While his coaching has been mainly directed towards students of Elwood Regional High, it has been a great asset to soccer in the whole Western Newfoundland area. The Deer Lake junior club that reached the provincial finals and the Deer Lake team that was extremely competitive in provincial second division play are included in Ken Hunt’s contributions. Many of the players who composed these teams were graduates of his high school clubs.

In 1976 it was Ken Hunt who organized a soccer program in Deer Lake and he served as senior league president, filling the leadership position until 1981. He was coach for the league all-stars who competed in tournaments in many areas of the province. He played, coached and refereed at the local level and many of the players who made up the Deer Lake club that competed successfully in the Corner Brook League were graduates from his programs.

Eli Lee

Great accuracy, exceptional speed and amazing power were the trademarks that Eli Lee possessed on the goal-scoring shots that highlighted his nine-year senior soccer career. The talented GeeBee from Grand Bank earned a lasting reputation for being able to score from seemingly long distances and kick very hard shots from any angle or position. He was, and still is, credited with owning a blazing shot that provided continuing problems for opposing goalkeepers.

A winger with speed and excellent ball control abilities, Eli Lee played a major role in the success that Grand Bank enjoyed from 1954 to 1962. In fact, he led the GeeBees to very well earned Burin Peninsula senior soccer championships in 1954, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1960 and 1962. Facing extremely tough opposition on the Peninsula, Lee was the main weapon for a club that was very competitive every season and claimed six championships.

Eli Lee carried his fine soccer skills into provincial senior championship play for Grand Bank and , as it was in Burin Peninsula competition, played a major role in the three Newfoundland and Labrador titles earned by the GeeBees in 1958, 1960 and 1962. He was especially effective in the 1960 rush to the gold, scoring two goals in each of back-to-back games, including two against a powerful St. Pat’s team in the championship encounter. His 1960 performance, which included 12 goals in seven games, earned him the Most Valuable Player award as Grand Bank took the title over a hosting Corner Brook entry.

One of a large group of top-level soccer players who came out of Grand Bank in the 1950’s and 1960’s, Eli Lee made a lasting impression on soccer within a relative short career. Moving to Toronto in 1963, he switched his talents and interest to music and enjoyed success for nearly 40 years as a singer and entertainer.

Adrian Miller

Adrian Miller owns an exceptionally successful career as a builder within a wide range of soccer activities during a 40-year career. He filled an extremely large number of executive and organizing positions in a manner that added great much to their individual success and thus contributed greatly to the expansion and betterment of soccer in every area of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Working with dedication and determination in a quiet but extremely effective manner, Adrian Miller  was a beneficial contributor to soccer at the team, local and provincial levels while fulfilling important responsibilities connected with national and international events that were held within the province.

He was associated with many of the very successful international tours and national championships that earned provincial soccer a very high reputation at every level of soccer. His involvement greatly assisted the tours of Ayre United, Northern Ireland Selects, Queen Park Rangers, the World Cup games in 1972 and 1985, the 1990 Petro Challenge Cup Tournament, the 1987 FIFA U-16 World Tournament, national and Atlantic challenge Cup competitions in St. John’s and St. Lawrence.

Adrian Miller served in every position on the St. John’s Soccer executive and  contributed much as provincial vice-president for several years. He is credited with playing a major role in the early pee wee and bantam trips for competition in Montreal.   Adrian Miller is a member of the St. John’s Soccer Hall of Fame and the Bell Island Sports Hall of Fame.

In addition to soccer, he was involved in track and field and hockey as an athlete-builder while making many contributions as a builder to lacrosse and rowing.

John Russell

John Russell was an outstanding soccer player who excelled in St. John’s and Burin Peninsula soccer in addition to establishing himself among the top provincial performers during his 13-year senior playing career. A very versatile athlete who performed at the all-star level as a striker, midfielder and back, he demonstrated great skill and talent and certainly a willingness to make the sacrifices that are necessary to earn a reputation as one of the very best. He was one of the very best.

His soccer career started at Curtis Academy in St. John’s and continued in the City league with Guards and Holy Cross. He moved into the Grand Bank GeeBee lineup when his family moved there in 1958 and played on their provincial and Burin Peninsula championship teams in 1958, 1960 and 1962. His constant high level of play and his refusal to back down were very important ingredients of these championship teams and every other team for which he played.

As a striker John Russell earned a reputation as a very dangerous opponent, as a mid-fielder he expanded his reputation as a consistant playmaker and as a back he was regarded as extremely effective in a defensive role. Overall, his soccer knowledge combined with extra effective ball control and passing skills to produce rewarding results. He played during an era when competition was tough and Burin Peninsula teams were overflowing with great players and yet he was good enough to more than hold his own with all of them.

He was good enough to be an added player for the 1972 St. Lawrence team that won the Atlantic title and selected to an all-star team that faced Scotland’s Ayre United team when it toured the province. Following his career as a player, John Russell served on the Grand Bank Soccer Association executive and coached for several years.

John Russell is a member of the Burin Peninsula Soccer Hall of Fame.

Jean (Lake) Thompson

Growing up in a soccer atmosphere and loving the sport in a manner similar to her father Ben, Jean (Lake) Thompson has contributed an amazing amount to soccer, especially soccer officiating. Her 23-year career as a soccer official is overflowing with “first” because she is a unique individual who accomplished much as “the first female.” It should be noted, and noted well, that she is a very fine official who happens to be a female. She has earned her great reputation as an individual with gender having nothing to do with it.

Jean (Lake) Thompson has worked hard and contributed much. Her attitude and approach to soccer has been of an extremely high level and she has earned the respect of fans, players, coaches, other executive members and, very importantly, of every soccer official with whom she has come in contact. As an assessor, as a scheduler, as an individual who has devoted endless time and effort to soccer officiating, she has been extremely efficient and extremely effective.

She was the first female to fill the chief assessor role at a national championship and her overall contributions have earned her other important awards. She has been recognized for her contributions to St. John’s and provincial soccer with the Eleanor Bennett Award, the Andy Joy Award and the Ross Arlett Award. In addition to her officiating, she has successfully filled an extremely large number of executive  positions within a wide range of soccer events and organizations. The manner in which she took care of these responsibilities is equal to her great success within officiating.

She is a member of the St. John’s Soccer Hall of Fame.

Don Turpin

During the past 54-years Don Turpin has become a soccer legend, especially within Burin Peninsula soccer. The St. Lawrence native has provided spirited coverage of all aspects of  soccer as a journalist and a broadcaster. Because of his great love of the game and his amazing fulfillment of his responsibilities, soccer in general and on the Burin Peninsula in particular, is much better today. He is simply an outstanding soccer personality with a reputation for accuracy, fairness and great expertise.

His short soccer playing career ended in 1950 because of a leg injury but that was also the time when his inspirational soccer support career started and it has consistently continued for the betterment of soccer and thousands of those involved with it. On a year-to-year basis Don Turpin has been a major factor in soccer improvement and expansion. He has devoted many hours and a great deal of effort to making players and teams better known and to affording them the credit which they deserve.

Don Turpin’s  objective and fair  reaction and comments to a variety of situations have earned him great respect as an unbiased and entertaining reporter. He has  reported, in newspaper and on radio, the facts as they are while providing an excellent opportunity for an extremely large number  of soccer people to present their opinions and sentiments.

In addition to his expertise as a reporter, Don Turpin has filled a very large number of executive positions on soccer organizations and his work within the PR aspect of the sport has set a high level of success. While soccer is and has been his great love, he has contributed in many ways to the betterment of the extended community in which he lives and has provided impressive newspaper and radio coverage to many, many worthwhile events and happenings, especially on the Burin Peninsula.

He is a member of the Burin Peninsula Soccer Hall of Fame and the St. Lawrence Soccer Hall of Fame.

Tom Bartlett

Thomas “Tom” Bartlett began his extremely productive, very successful and worthwhile soccer career as a student on his native Bell Island. As a player, coach and administrator his achievements and contributions are very impressive and demonstrate his devotion to the sport in which he excelled.

Soccer programs on Bell Island and in Stephenville have especially benefited from Bartlett’s activity and in general soccer within Newfoundland and Labrador is better because of his involvement.

His move into senior soccer occurred in 1968 when he played for Bell Island in the Avalon Soccer League. His performances on the pitch were important aspects of the Island team winning three championships and he was the League’s top scorer in 1970. The Island club advanced into provincial play in two of the seasons.

For three seasons, 1970 to 1973, he was a member of the Bell Island Soccer Association executive and filled the president’s role for 1973.

From 1972 to 1974, Bartlett played for Bell Island in the St. John’s Second Division category. He was his team’s Most Valuable Player for the 1972 season and was playing-coach for two seasons. The team won the League title in 1974.

After accepting a teaching position in Stephenville, he played in the Stephenville  Senior League in 1975 and 1976. He served on the Stephenville League executive for two years.

His tremendous contribution to Stephenville school soccer began in 1973 when he assumed the coaching position with the St. Stephen’s High School squad. Under his guidance, the team earned an impressive record of achievement.

The club won the provincial championship in 1986, 1988, 1992 and 1994 and finished second in 1987 and 1993. It lost in the provincial finals three times. While he coached the team, Bartlett was a major participant in the often difficult and always necessary arrangements for traveling to the various tournaments.

It was in 1987 that Bartlett became associated with Stephenville Minor Soccer, much to the benefit of the organization. He served as an executive member from 1987 to 1998 and was president in 1994 and 1995.

As manager of the Stephenville Under-17 all-star boys squad he played a major role in their provincial championship performance. He was vitally instrumental, along with the parents of players, in generating the $30,000 that was necessary to allow the team to travel to Winnipeg for the national championships.

In 1994, Bartlett was manager of the Stephenville under-19 boys team that emerged as provincial champions and represented the province at the national championships in Halifax.

He was site convenor for the 1995 Atlantic Elite Challenge in Stephenville. The female and male Canada Games teams from all Atlantic Provinces participated in this outstanding competition. Bartlett contributed greatly to its success.

Thomas Bartlett owns a record of exceptional achievements and contributions within soccer since his school days. While his ability as a player and coach was outstanding on the pitch, his dedication and work coupled with his valuable influence off the playing surface were extremely valuable to all those who were fortunate enough to have played on teams with which he was associated.

He has provided great knowledge and exemplary example to literally thousands of young soccer people and to their parents.

Joy Burt

Joy Burt’s soccer career lasted 14 years and included exceptional success as a player coupled with outstanding contributions as a builder. These two aspects of her career combine to make her a top level individual within provincial soccer.

In 1972 she played a major role in the establishment of the province’s first female soccer league, the Corner Brook Ladies Soccer League. This aspect of her career continued as she was appointed provincial female chair by the provincial soccer association in 1976 and she filled this position for two years with a level of success that contributed greatly to the firm foundation upon which female soccer is based today.

Burt was an important person involved in bringing female soccer within Newfoundland and Labrador to the high profile to which it is entitled and which it occupies.

Her playing career also started in 1972 within the Corner Brook Ladies League and continued with well-earned rewards until the early 1980’s.

She was a striker who could score goals on a frequent basis, something opposing teams and players quickly discovered.

Burt was quick as well as fast, could trap and dribble a soccer ball with exceptional skill and possessed a passing talent that often put her teammates in scoring situations or denied opposing players a dangerous attack on goal. She was simply a very good, very skilled soccer player.

In addition to her on-pitch playing ability, Burt provided important leadership on the field and off the field. She led by example and was an extremely smart player who could quickly adjust to offence from defence.  She handled the ball with great speed and great shooting accuracy.

Within local and provincial soccer Burt was an individual award winner, earning several Corner Brook scoring titles and more than her share of Most Valuable Player trophies, both in the regular schedule and during the playoffs.

When provincial female soccer championships were introduced in 1976, Burt was Corner Brook’s leader and most dangerous player. Opposing coaches and players displayed great respect and great caution when facing  Burt.

She was the best Corner Brook player and, more often than not, the best player in a particular game against teams from St. John’s.

Her exceptional ability at the local and provincial levels of competition had her selected by the provincial soccer association as its “best female soccer player within Newfoundland and Labrador for the 1970’s”. It should be noted that in earning this prestigious designation, Burt faced great competition from a very elite group of female athletes who played soccer.

While attending Memorial University in St. John’s, Burt earned a position on the 1984 University Varsity squad and was a stand out performer in Atlantic University play.

She was voted provincial female athlete of the year four times and St. John’s Female Athlete of the Year for 1986.

In addition to her great soccer career, Burt was an international caliber powerlifter and represented Canada in several world championships.

CLEM ”JUNIOR” EDWARDS

Clem “Junior” Edwards amassed a soccer career that is superb within the athletic history of Newfoundland and Labrador.

As a player, he ranks equally with stars like Harry Ennis, Wils Molloy, Joe Gulliver and Norm Kelly and, as a coach he ranks equally with coaches like Jack Simms, Andy Samuelson, Jack Lundrigan, George Welsh and Harold Walsh.

He was simply that good and owns an amazing record of more than 50 championship soccer teams as a player or coach.

Edwards’ achievements and contributions within soccer are equal to that of anybody in the history of the sport in Newfoundland and Labrador. As a player and a coach, Edwards has been an outstanding personality who performed with pride and efficiency on the pitch and with a dedication to coaching that makes him an excellent role model.

His early ability was such that he earned a spot on the powerful 1968 St. Lawrence Laurentians at the age of 15 and, while winning five important individual awards, played a valuable role in the ten provincial titles that St. Lawrence won during the 1970’s to be selected as the provincial team of the decade.

On six occasions he played in national Challenge Cup competition with two silver medals to his credit as well as an Eastern Canadian championship.

Selected to the 1970 provincial all-stars for national championships, he was captain of the 1973 Canada Summer Games club and earned MVP designation with the provincial minor team that played at Expo 67.

He was selected for a tryout for the 1974 Canadian National team, training and playing with the club in Bermuda.

Since completing his senior playing career, mid-fielder Edwards has been a member of ten St. Lawrence teams that have won provincial masters championships.

During an exceptional minor soccer career, Edwards stood out in local, provincial and national competition. He was very coachable and gained important knowledge that he has passed on to literally thousands of young players.

Blessed with natural talent, his dedication to the game and his determination to always do his best under all and any circumstances came together in a manner that has him regarded among the finest soccer players ever produced by Newfoundland and Labrador.

A team leader, a skilled individual and a person who displayed great pride in his community and his sport, Edwards has been a credit as a player and a coach. He is the type of individual who would instill pride in any team with which he played or which he coached.

His most successful coaching has been with the St. Lawrence Laurentians senior team but his expertise has been of great benefit to local, Burin Peninsula and provincial teams at every level of soccer.

His coaching was extremely important in the eight provincial senior championships that the Laurentians won under his coaching during the 1990’s and the latest Challenge Cup title in 2002.

Edwards actually started coaching at the local St. Lawrence minor level in 1969 at the age of 16 and it was in 1980 that he began a 22-year provincial coaching contribution that has been extremely important for local and provincial soccer. His coaching approach has been of the same high caliber as his playing approach, and soccer is much better because of this.

It should be noted that when he wasn’t coaching at the senior level, he provided very competent direction for age-group teams with equal success. An extremely large number of players are simply better because of Edwards’ coaching.

His 39-year involvement with soccer has been of great benefit to the sport.

He is a member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Hall of Fame, the Burin Peninsula Soccer Hall of Fame and the St. Lawrence Soccer Hall of Fame.

The selection Committee of the Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Hall of Fame feels very, very strongly that Clem “Junior” Edwards deserves election to and induction into the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame.

The personal athletic record of Clem “Junior” Edwards:

NATIONAL

Selected for tryout National men’s soccer team and played with National team in international tournament in Bermuda

Played on ten St. Lawrence teams in National Challenge Cup competition

Coached eight St. Lawrence teams in National Challenge Cup Competition

Was a member of two St. Lawrence teams that won National Challenge Cup silver medals

Coached St. Lawrence teams that won 2002 National Challenge Cup silver medal

Captain of 1973 Newfoundland and Labrador Canada Summer Games team in Burnaby, B.C.

Member of Newfoundland and Labrador All-star team that played in 1970 National Challenge Cup competition

Member of Newfoundland and Labrador bantam All-star team that entered Expo ’67 tournament at Montreal and selected as Most Valuable Player of the competition

Member of St. Lawrence team that won the Eastern Canadian championship

PROVINCIAL

Member of St. Lawrence teams that won ten provincial Challenge Cup titles

Coached eight St. Lawrence teams that won provincial Challenge Cup titles

Selected as provincial Challenge Cup Most Valuable Player five times

Member of ten St. Lawrence teams that won provincial Masters titles

Voted provincial Coach of the Year for 2002 by Sport Newfoundland and Labrador

Voted Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Association Coach of the year for 1996, 1997, 2001 and 2002

Member of 1970’s Team of the Decade for Sport Newfoundland and Labrador

Member of two provincial high school championship teams

Coached three provincial high school championship teams

Assistant coach of 2004 provincial under-14 boys all-stars

Member of provincial peewee champions and voted Most Valuable player

Inducted into the Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Hall of Fame in 2001

LOCAL

Started organized soccer career at 12 years of age and still playing after 39 years

Won first championship when St. Lawrence defeated Lawn and he was selected as the MVP

Became a member of the St. Lawrence senior team when he was 15

Member of 15 St. Lawrence teams that won Burin Peninsula championship

Selected Athlete of the Year for St. Lawrence Regional High School for 1971

Inducted into the St. Lawrence Soccer Hall of Fame in 1996

Inducted into the Burin Peninsula Soccer Hall of Fame in 1998

Coached 2004 Burin Peninsula boys team for Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games

Coached 2004 St. Lawrence under-14 boys team

Served as chair of St. Lawrence Soccer Association

Served as chair of St. Lawrence Minor Soccer Parents Association

Dick Ivany

For more than 20 years Harry “Dick” Ivany was the foundation upon which all levels of soccer within Botwood were operated. From the late 1950’s to the early 1980’s, every soccer event and activity within the community had Ivany providing the leadership and lots of the time and effort, allowing Botwood residents to participate.

Every aspect of Botwood soccer was supported  by Ivany who had a great feeling for the people with whom he lived and the many and varied beneficial things that came from being involved in soccer.

While he played a little soccer himself and was respected for an all out effort in every game, it was as a soccer builder that Ivany gained the most respect. It would be fair to say that literally thousands of people were able to enjoy soccer because Ivany was a caring individual who demonstrated his love for the sport in a very meaningful manner.

As a player he displayed a passion for the game which, along with his determination and strength, made him a fan favorite. His on-pitch performances were important aspects of drawing fans.

From its earliest history Botwood has been a port-of-call for many, many ships and a very large number of these ships included soccer players and teams within their crew. Exhibition games against these visiting crews coupled with provincial competition against Gander and Corner Brook were well attended.

Ivany was in the middle of the activity, extending his soccer passion to the organization and promotion of sport. He was coach, referee, administrator and promoter and no aspect was too small or too big for his attention. He literally took care of everything where soccer and Botwood were concerned.

His efforts didn’t stop at Botwood and he arranged for many players from Peterview, a town close to Botwood, to have the opportunity to participate on an on-going basis.

While he wasn’t a wealthy individual, Ivany often contributed financially to soccer projects and provided a great deal of necessary transportation for teams and players in his own vehicles. Because of his drive and reputation he was often able to overcome money and transportation problems that would have handicapped the Botwood soccer program, especially hosting or traveling to minor championship tournaments.

Overall, many young boys and men from the Botwood area would not have had the opportunity to play the game, compete against others, experience the thrill of skillful soccer and work with others to achieve a goal without Ivany’s vast contributions.

Today, nearly ten years after his 1993 death, Ivany is well remembered by Botwood residents. They respond to his name with respect and a feeling of well being.

An indication of the respect and affection Ivany earned within Botwood is demonstrated by the fact that the town’s area is named in his memory.

He is remembered with respect by soccer people in many other communities around the province and his memory is filled with gratitude for his long and unselfish work for soccer, especially in Botwood but generally at the provincial level.

Tom Riley

While he excelled as an elite player, Tom Riley of Garnish made important contributions to various levels of soccer as a coach who provided fine leadership for a variety of young players. Extremely knowledgeable and equally dedicated, Riley’s career has been an inspiration for many others.

Growing up in Garnish it was natural and expected that he would play soccer and he quickly demonstrated exceptional ability and responded well to coaching and local competition.

A smooth, quick performer who used his height to his advantage, fullback Riley had a fine understanding of the game at a young age and utilized this understanding to perform extremely well as a field general. Combining exceptional ball control and a rewarding passing talent, he was an important factor in every game in which he played.

In addition, he was able to adjust his play to the level at which he competed and displayed impressive determination and a will to win. Riley was a definite asset to every team with which he played.

Riley’s soccer career exploded when he earned a berth on Memorial University’s varsity club in the early 1970’s. He was an important member of the MUN club that won the 1973 Atlantic University championship and advanced into the national university semi-finals.

He contributed greatly from 1974 to 1976 as MUN played in the AUAA finals each season and his play resulted in his selection as an AUAA all-star. In 1975, Riley was named winner of the Richard Perry Award for outstanding contributions to varsity athletics at MUN.

His play in AUAA competition was of such a high standard that Riley was selected to Canada’s National Team for a ten-day International Cup tournament in Cuba during January, 1975. He was a member of a provincial all-star squad that toured Scotland and England the same year.

During the 1977 Canada Summer Games, Riley was a valuable member of the provincial team that placed fourth.

In provincial Challenge Cup play Riley was the leader as Burin Eagles won the 1990 and 1991 titles, after making the finals in 1989. Playing with Grand Bank, he was a 1974 Challenge Cup finalist. In addition he played several seasons of second division ball for Garnish.

Besides playing with Burin, Riley coached the team for seven seasons and has headed Burin Peninsula under-17 and under-19 female teams. Recently he has acted as an instructor for the Burin Peninsula Training Center.

He trained the Burin Peninsula players who were members of the 1981 Canada Summer Games team.

As a coach, he contributed greatly to many Garnish teams and called the shots for Prince of Wales High School in the St. John’s school league for three years.

Gerry Smith

During a 25-year career that went from high school to senior provincial competition, including a 17-year officiating period and several organizing and executive years, Gerry Smith had an important and powerful impact on local and provincial soccer that influenced many of the aspects of the game, especially at the St. John’s level.

A powerful and dependable fullback who often controlled his team’s defensive zone, Smith possessed a solid kick, exceptional passing skills and a quickness combined with speed that was unusual for a big man. Simply, Smith was an extremely solid and effective member of any team with which he played.

In addition to having an excellent general knowledge of the game, he learned the rules and regulations early in his playing career and utilized an indepth overall view of action in both zones to provide very beneficial on-field leadership. He was especially effective defensively but had the ability to generate the start of continuous offence by his team.

Smith’s soccer career started in 1945 as a member of the Bishop Field high school team and included two St. John’s championships up to 1949. In 1948, he was a valuable member of the Feildian club that won the St. John’s “B” title in a division that was in fact a junior-aged operation.

In 1952 Smith joined the Guards senior club and initiated an 11-year period of top calibre competition that overflowed with success.

This Guards squad was involved in an annual battle for the St. John’s and provincial championships, often facing an elite Holy Cross eleven that racked up seven straight St. John’s titles.

Once selected as St. John’s top fullback, Smith earned a reputation as a tough defender who gave no quarter and expected no quarter. He was one of the strengths upon which the Guards built a very respected soccer club.

Guards broke into the championship circle in 1957, winning the St. John’s and provincial soccer championships. With Smith playing a major role, the Guards repeated both championship efforts in 1958 and again in 1959. These title performances gave Smith the best possible results during the three-year period, six of six possible championships.

It should be noted that during the same three years Smith was coach or manager of the Guards junior team that won three St. John’s titles thereby making it nine out of a possible nine.

During this period Smith filled the important and often demanding position of soccer chairman for the very active Guards Athletic Association and he did it so well that he was re-appointed continuously.

While enjoying much success as a player, Smith first became involved in soccer officiating in 1953 when he called a very large number of St. John’s high school and “B” games. Recognized at once as a very knowledgeable and unbiased referee he would continue to officiate important games at all levels for 17 seasons.

In 1960 Smith organized the St. John’s Soccer Officials Association and for the next 11 years provided high level officiating for provincial and St. John’s senior games while always available to fill in at the high school and junior levels.

His officiating ability was such that he was called upon to call the most important games at every level of soccer and he fulfilled his duties in a manner that added to the respect he earned as an official.

Simply, Smith was an excellent official who always did a fine job.

Howard Walsh

Howard Walsh enjoyed exceptional success during his playing career and for  20 years has contributed to the sport, especially on the Burin Peninsula and in Marystown, as a coach and chaperone while promoting the game in a wide range of activities.

A very skilled and very talented mid-fielder, Walsh continually displayed exceptional ball control despite pressure from opposing players and was thus able to lead his club on offense while providing great backup defensively. He had a great ability to “read” the action and adapt play to suit the particular situation.

His soccer ability was such that he was able to perform at the top of his game with an unusual number of different teams. He was an outstanding soccer player who added to the talent on any team for which he played.

The highlight of his career came in 1974 Canadian under-18 championships when as captain he played a major role in the Newfoundland and Labrador all-star squad claiming the national title, one of only three Canadian championships earned by the province. He was inducted into the Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Honor Roll of Teams for this great accomplishment.

Mid-fielder Walsh played minor soccer in his native Marystown and contributed greatly to the provincial titles won by the Burin Peninsula All-stars in 1972, ’73 and ’74.

During the same period he was twice voted Marystown’s athlete of the year and, despite his age was MVP on the Marystown first division club.

As a member of Memorial University’s varsity team he earned all-star selection in Atlantic University competition, was awarded three soccer scholarships and inducted into the MUN Athletic Honor Society.

His ability was such that he twice played for the Newfoundland and Labrador team in Canada Summer Games and was selected to Canada’s National Junior Team, playing a series of games against Bermuda. Canada Games training resulted in Walsh playing during a tour of Scotland and Ireland in 1977.

After receiving a tryout for the Canadian National men’s team, he was one of the first athletes from the province to receive National Carded Status.

After starting his provincial Challenge Cup with Marystown, Walsh performed for the St. Lawrence Laurentians in 1977 and 1978, winning the provincial title each season. He was a valuable member of the Laurentian squad that won a silver medal at the 1977 nationals.

While playing second division ball with the Burin Peninsula All-stars in 1982, he was added to the championship St. John’s club and was one of the better players at the National Premier’s Cup playoffs in Alberta.

He has been the physical education teacher at Marystown Central High School for more than 20 years and during this period has filled continuous coaching positions with the same success and respect that he earned as a player. Many soccer players from the School are better because of his devotion to soccer and his willingness to coach.

Herb Slaney

Herb was born at St. Lawrence In 1932. After playing a lot of meadow soccer, where he learned most of his individual skills, Herb progressed to the Burin School System Soccer League. After completing High School In St. Lawrence, he went to St. Bon’s where he competed in the St. John’s Intercollegiate Soccer League.

Herb started playing for the St. Lawrence Laurentians at the age of flfteen(15) in the Burin Peninsula League. From 1940-1962, the St. Lawrence Laurentians won nine (9) Burin Peninsula Championships, with Herb winning a number of scoring titles. During his fourteen (14) years of playing , the St. Lawrence Laurentlans won three (3) All-Nfld Championships (1951, 1952, & 1955). In the 1955 Provincial playdowns, Herb won the “Most Valuable Player” award.

Soccer people on the Burin Peninsula often compare players from one town to another. In the 1950′s Herb Slaney was to St. Lawrence as Tommy Rose was to Grand Bank. Herb was an Inspirational player to all young boys who aspired to become a member of the St. Lawrence Laurentians.

The older residents of St. Lawrence often refer to Herb Slaney as the “Player of the 50′s Decade”. He is presently retired but still maintains an active interest in the game through attendance and expert analysis to the younger people who are always eager to learn from a former Laurentian hero.

During his athletic playing days, Herb also participated in the sports of hockey and basketball excelling at those as he did at soccer

Herb Slaney was inducted into the St. Lawrence Soccer Hall of Fame in 1980 and the Burin Peninsula Hall of Fame in 1993

Reg Farrell

Reg was born at Burin hospital in 1945 but his hometown was St Lawrence. After learning to kick a soccer ball in Farrell’s meadow, he went on to play his first organized game in the mid 1950′s with the Lions and Tigers, a local league sponsored by the St. Lawrence Lions Club and coached by Clem Slaney. In 1959 and 1960, he played Junior with St. Lawrence and Intercollegate with St. Bons of St. Johns. As a boy of 14, he got his first taste of Senior soccer in 1957. He played with the St. Lawrence Laurertians as a center-forward until 1968. He later played with Feildians of St. John’s in 1969 and 1970. After retiring from Senior soccer, Reg went on to play 2nd and 3rd Division and then from 1981 – 1990 at the Masters Level in the St. John’s League.

Reg won many awards in his career including scoring titles in Burin Peninsula Junior in 1959 and 1960; in St. Johns Intercollegiate in 1960; in Burin Peninsula Senior in 1959, 1960, 1961, 1965, 1964, 1965, and 1966. He won Most Valuable Player Awards in Burin Peninsula Senior in 1960; in the Come Home Year All-Star Tournament in 1967; and the St. John’s 2nd Division in 1977, he was named Coach of the Year in the St. John’s League in 1977. In 1960, Reg was a member of the Burin Peninsula Junior Champions and the Provincial Junior Champions. As a member of the Laurentians, Reg played on Burin Peninsula Championship teams in 1959, 1965, 1966, 1967, and 1968; on Newfoundland Provincial Championship teams in 1966, 1967, and 1968; on Atlantic Championship teams in 1967,1968. In 1969, while playing with Feildians, his team won the St Johns, Provincial and Atlantic Championships. He was also a member of a number of 2nd and 3rd Division and Masters Championship teams in the St. John’s League. From 1970 to 1974 Reg was Director of Coaching for the Newfoundland Soccer Association.

Reg credits coaches Jack Lundrigan, Alonzo Walsh, Bill Slaney and Jeff Hurst as the most influential in his development as a player. His parents, Aubrey and Sue, along with uncles Howard and Cecil were the great character builders in his life passing on to him the trait of always striving to achieve to the best of his ability.

Reg played the grand old game of Soccer for a number of reasons such as pure enjoyment, competition, a passionate love of the game, pride of making the community team, physical development, discipline, challenge of winning, social interaction, and the most important reason of all life-long friendships.

The most memorable moments in Reg’s career were: his first Senior game in Burin in 1957; beating ASSP in 1960 (the first time in a number of years); first Challenge Cup competition against Nova Scotia and later in the sweltering heat in Toronto; the scoring of a number of championship goals, and listening to the “hot stove league” that took place all over St. Lawrence after a game

Reg was inducted into the St. Lawrence Soccer Hall of Fame in 1982 and the Burin Peninsula Soccer Association Hall of Fame in 1995

ROBERT (BOB) SLANEY

Bob was born at St. Lawrence in 1943. He, like many Laurentians, grew up kicking a soccer ball in any meadow or flat piece of land that was available. Bob started his career as a left halfback in high school. In 1960 he played in goal for the Junior Laurentians and played a mayor role in the winning of the first Newfoundland Soccer Association’s provincial junior championship.

When Mike Quirke called it quits in goal in 1963 Bob seized the opportunity to play for the Senior Laurentians. By this time his reflexes were as quick as a cat and he was fearless, often diving at the boot of unsuspecting forwards to take a shot away from them. Bob missed the 1965 All-Newfoundland Championship at Ayre Athletic Grounds because of a broken collar bone. Losing that Senior final was hard to take for Bob so he returned in 1966 and was successful in helping the Laurentians to a Provincial title over Holy Cross.

Bob’s best year was 1967 when the Laurentians defeated the London Lions and thus represented Newfoundland in the province’s first ever Canadian Challenge Cup competition. The first game was against the Sydney Ramblers for the Atlantic title. Bob and his Laurentians toyed with the Nova Scotians and defeated them 9 – 1. From there the Laurentians went on to Toronto to play for the Eastern Canadian title. Bob played brilliantly as his team lost by a very narrow score of 3 – 2 to Toronto Balymena.

After missing the 1968 season because of summer school in Moncton, where he trained as a Vocational School welding instructor, Bob was back between the pipes until he retired in 1974. Upon his retirement, Bob had played on seven Newfoundland and Atlantic championship teams and eight Burin Peninsula championship teams. He also received awards such as top goalie and most valuable player.

While many players shy away from the game after retirement, Bob got very heavily involved. He was manager of the Laurentians for a couple of years, coached them one year, and served as President of the St. Lawrence Soccer Association for 10 years. He succeeded Fred Tessier as President of the Burin Peninsula Soccer Association and served the next five years in that capacity until he moved to St. John’s for work. Upon his return he served several more years as President. He also held the position of Southern Vice-President for the Newfoundland Soccer Association for a number of years and has even held the position of Registrar for the provincial body.

Bob enjoyed his playing days with the likes of Frank Tobin, Cyril Quirke, Reg Farrell, Norm Kelly and Wils Molloy. He cherished his association with such fine gentlemen at the executive level such as Fred Tessier, Gus Etchegary, Ben Lake, Joe Keating, John McGrath and George Innis.

Bob was elected to the St. Lawrence Soccer Hall of Fame in 1983, the Burin Peninsula Soccer Hall of Fame in 1991 and the Newfoundland Soccer Hall of Fame in 1997.

BRIAN MURPHY

(Inducted in 1996)

As an athlete and as a builder Brian Murphy had an outstanding soccer career and this career has him elected to the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame. In addition to Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Hall of Fame, he is also a member of the St. John’s Soccer Hall of Fame.

Within the province, he was voted the top sports executive in 2005, and the top coach in 1988.

His soccer career overflows with success as a player, as a coach and as an executive. His versatility is shown by his selection as an all-star goalie, an all-star defender and an all-star striker. He stood out for Memorial University Varsity clubs and Holy Cross teams.

Brian Murphy was a member of two of the three Newfoundland and Labrador teams that have won Canadian soccer championships: the 1974 MUN club as player and the 1988 Holy Cross team as coach. He was also a member of the provincial squad that won a bronze medal at the 1977 Canada Summer Games.

In all he has earned more than 25 awards and has been awarded membership in Memorial University’s Athletic Honor Society. His leadership has been extremely prominent within soccer and he played a major role in obtaining the excellent new soccer facility in St. John’s.

In basketball, he was a perennial all-star guard winning Most Valuable Player and other awards. His contributions to every basketball team with which he played were extremely valuable and this value was demonstrated by his selection in a Telegram poll as one of the best ten basketball players all-time within the province. As a coach and organizer he has returned much to the sport.

Great soccer and basketball accomplishments and contributions had Brian Murphy inducted into the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame on October 16, 1999.

Cyril Quirke

Cyril was born at St. Lawrence in 1942. In the tradition of learning the game in St. Lawrence, the back meadows became his everyday soccer field. When competitive soccer started in the l95O’s with the Lions and Tigers, Cyril naturally progressed to that level. The competitors he played with on those Lions Club sponsored teams became the same team mates he played with for the Senior Laurentians. He moved up to become a member of the 1959 Burin Peninsula Junior Championship team and the 1960 All-Newfoundland Provincial Junior Championship team. Cyril’s style of play was so similar to his big brother Peter’s that everyone knew that when Peter retired from the game Cyril would be his replacement. For the next twelve years the combination of Cyril Quirke and Frank Tobin struck fear in the hearts, minds,and bodies of opponents

Cyril played on a number of championship teams during his career which included Burin Peninsula titles in 1961, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, Provincial titles in 1966, 1967, 1968, an Atlantic Provinces title in 1967. Cyril won a number of individual awards including Most Outstanding Fullback and Most Dedicated Player. Cyril’s career culminated in 1970 with his selection to the Newfoundland Provincial All-Star team that represented this province in Challenge Cup play in Winnipeg, Manitoba

In the sport of soccer, there are many demanding positions but in the era of Cyril’s play the WM formation or the 5-3-2 system saw Cyril as one of the only two full-backs who was quite often left at the mercy of the likes of Tommy Rose, Eli Lee, and Bow Collier In the majority of the cases, Cyril was certainly equal to the task.

Cyril was probably the first full-back to try the Bobby Orr style of going up the field on an offensive rush. This both amazed and confused opponents which quite often resultd in Cyril scoring a goal or assisting on one. This didn’t bother Cyril because he knew Tobin was holding the fort back on defence.

Cyril also coached the St Lawrence Laurentians to the All-Newfoundland and Atlantic Championships in 1971.

There is little argument over the fact that Cyril was one of the most talented full backs to ever lace on a pair of boots but it is truly undisputed that he was one of the best sure-footed players to ever kick a soccer ball.

Cyril was inducted into the St. Lawrence Soccer Hall of Fame in 1982 and the Burin Peninsula Soccer Hall of Fame in 1995.

ED MOYST

(Inducted in 1994)

Edward (Ed) Moyst began his love affair with the sport of soccer when he played as junior and senior player with the Feildian Soccer Club between 1958 and 1971.  During his 13 years as a player he won several junior and senior St. John’s and provincial championships as well as one Atlantic Challenge Cup Championship. During his playing career he won a number of individual awards for his skill with the Feildians and in the St. John’s Senior League.

In the late 60s, Ed helped organize a soccer league for the Mount Pearl Kinsmen Club along with Charlie Chaytor.  For this work and devotion he was named Kinsman of the Year for 1972.  That same year he became one of the founding members of the Mount Pearl Soccer Association and in 1973 was elected its first Chairman.

He has been on the executive of the Club ever since acting as Chairman twice, Director twice, Vice Chairman once and then as Administrator.  Ed played a key role in starting a soccer program for girls.  Girls soccer proved to be very popular and with Ed’s help the girl’s league has grown to rival the success of the boy’s.  The long and dedicated service of Ed Moyst has resulted in notable growth for the soccer program in Mount Pearl.

In addition to his duties as an organizer and administrator for the Soccer Association, Ed holds a level three technical coaching certificate and a class two certificate as an official. He has worked as an official at soccer games for more than 30 years and was Technical Chairman for Soccer at the 1988 Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games.

Ed Moyst’s contributions to the sport of Soccer have not gone unnoticed.  He was elected to the St. John’s Soccer Hall of Fame as a player in 1984 and to the Mount Pearl Soccer Hall of Fame in 1996.

Aubrey Pike

As a young boy growing up in St. Lawrence, Aubrey was kind of unique. Most boys would play soccer only on their own neighbourhood meadow. Not Aubrey, he was a roamer and it was not a strange thing to see him playing in the dock, on Giovannini’s meadow, the Hog, River Head, and Allo’s meadow.

When the Lion’s Club organized Minor Soccer in St. Lawrence, Aubrey was front and center. His team was never short of players because Aubrey would be all over the Harbour that day reminding his teammates of their game that evening. He was primed to become a Senior Laurentian when work commitments took him to Labrador. Enroute, Aubrey played briefly with Holy Cross.

In Labrador, he never lost site of his ambition to become a Laurentian. He organized a senior’s league in Labrador City and with a few more players from St. Lawrence and the Burin Peninsula he called his team the Labrador City Laurentians. Aubrey spent the next forty odd years developing soccer in Labrador, which culminated in their entry into the Newfoundland, and Labrador Soccer Association. His efforts in the grand old game did not go un-noticed by his peers, who elected him into the Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Association Hall of Fame.

The love of his St. Lawrence Laurentians was forever on his mind. He would always leave a number of holidays in order to, not only attend the Provincial Challenge Cup, but also the National tournament. The players were so accustomed to his presence and support at these tournaments that I’m sure they gave an extra effort especially for him. You would never find him at any one area of the field. Just like his early days at St. Lawrence, he roamed every inch of the pitch having a yarn with anyone who was also supporting his Laurentians.

In Labrador City, he was known as “Mr. Soccer”. In St. Lawrence, he was our “Super Supporter”. He will be sadly missed by both towns but will never be forgotten for the contribution he made to keeping the game of soccer alive and well in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Norm Kelly

In every sport there is always one player who seems to stand out above the rest during a particular decade. Norm Kelly started his soccer carrier in 1955 and soon showed people his abilities. There is no question to the people of St. Lawrence, the Burin Peninsula and the rest of Newfoundland and Labrador that he was the most outstanding soccer player of the 1960′s.

Norm was a member of the very first Newfoundland team to participate in the Challenge Cup in 1966. It was during this tournament that the Laurentians beat the Sydney Ramblers of Nova Scotia. The greatest experience of his carrier was in 1967 when he traveled to Toronto for his first game outside of the province. Despite a 3-2 loss to the Toronto Ballymen, Kelly scored one of the teams goals and played with extreme determination.

During his illustrious carrier, Norm Kelly was a member of a team which won the Burin Peninsula Soccer Championship a total of six times. While playing for the Laurentians, Norm was voted most valuable player 4 times and was the acting captain from 1963-1968.

Norm Kelly was also a valuable member of the All Newfoundland Championship teams from 1965- 1968 and was voted M.V.P in 1966 and 1968.

In 1966, while still an active athlete, Norm Kelly assumed the role of vice president of the Burin Peninsula Soccer association. His dedication to the survival and promotion of the sport was surpassed only by his desire to play.

When Norm retired from playing Soccer he committed his time to the enhancement of the sport. Serving as both the assistant coach and coach, Norm dedicated 4 years to the sport. In 1982 he was finally inducted into the St. Lawrence Hall of Fame for his accomplishments.

As an Athlete, Norm took part in other sports in the town. In 1964 he was voted the Intertown league M.V.P and was also the winner of the scoring title for that year.

Representing Newflour curling club, Norm Kelly was a member of the 1975 and 1976 championship teams in the Intertown League. This team in turn played in the British Consul Zone play downs in St. Johns. In his spare time he also coached curling and promoted it throughout the town.

AND THAT IS WHY HE IS IN!!

Norm was inducted into the St. Lawrence Soccer Hall of Fame in 1982 and the Burin Peninsula Soccer Hall of Fame in 1989 and Sport Newfoundland Hall of Fame in 2003.

Wils Molloy

Playing a major role in the winning of a remarkable 37 soccer championships it was no surprise that Wils Molloy was elected to the St. Lawrence Hall Of Fame, the Burin Peninsula Hall Of Fame, the Newfoundland Soccer Hall of Fame and the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame. All of these inductions took place in 1989.

The St. Lawrence native showed enough skill and ability to play for the prestigious senior Laurentians at the age of 18 and was good enough to gain a berth on Canada’s Olympic team for a 1972 qualifying round game against Mexico. His record includes five Eastern Canadian, nine provincial first division, 19 Burin Peninsula first division and four provincial masters championship teams. Wils Molloy was an important factor in all 37 titles, playing with and against the finest soccer players of his time.

Blessed with great talent, he was selected for numerous Burin Peninsula and provincial all-star clubs for exhibitions against British and other visiting teams and he earned many individual awards. He earned a reputation as a great goal scorer and as a player who combined sportsmanship with his exceptional ability. He was always a credit to his sport, his community, his province and especially to himself.

He participated in five National Finals and was respected and regarded by opponents as the most outstanding player in Newfoundland. His name has not only become a household soccer name in Newfoundland, but all across Canada. All soccer centres know and admire the talent of Wils Molloy. His prolific scoring ability and leadership was only eclipsed by his fantastic sportsmanship, because in victory or defeat, Wils Molloy was always the quiet gentleman. Wils Molloy is a living legend in Newfoundland soccer. In minor soccer circles, Wils is the “Wayne Gretzky Image” they all have.

He is considered by many to be the best soccer player this province has produced, a fact which would be hard to argue. In addition to his soccer accomplishments, he excelled in basketball, curling, ice hockey, softball and floor hockey. But it was for the manner in which he played exceptional soccer that Wils Molloy was inducted into the various Halls Of Fame.

ALAN ROSS

(Inducted in 1989)

From his arrival in Newfoundland in 1970 to join Memorial University’s Faculty of Physical Education, Alan Ross exerted great influence on soccer at the local and provincial levels and even at the national level during more than 20 seasons. This is especially true in the coaching field where he has enjoyed exceptional success,

He moved to Newfoundland from his native Liverpool after achieving many successes with all levels of soccer and cricket as a player and as a coach. He brought a truly professional approach to soccer coaching and this allowed him to develop an extremely large number of elite teams and players and to influence local coaches in a highly beneficial manner.

In the 17 seasons that he coached Memorial University’s men’s varsity team, his teams’ achievements include one Canadian Intercollegiate title in 1970, two national runner-up finishes and three Atlantic Intercollegiate championships. His coaching was a major factor in MUN achieving a high level reputation within Canadian intercollegiate soccer.

He holds a long list of other soccer accomplishments and contributions at the local, provincial and national levels. In 1974 his coaching and leadership were vital to the Newfoundland and Labrador youth all-star club that won the Canadian championship.

BEN LAKE

(Inducted in 1983)

Ben Lake owns an amazing record of service and contributions to soccer during the past 50 years. Born in Fortune, he grew up in a soccer atmosphere and provided exceptional leadership for the sport in a wide range of positions and at every level from high school to international. Soccer is better because of Lake’s involvement.

After coaching successfully at the school, junior and senior levels, he was elected provincial soccer president in 1971 and held the top spot for six years. During these six years soccer improved and expanded greatly because of Lake’s expertise, determination and outstanding leadership ability.

His extensive list of soccer activities includes the 1977 Canada Games, permanent minor and senior soccer sponsorship, training and other aspects of the under-18 club that won the Canadian title, officiating and playing in trips to the British Isles and involvement in visits by Aye United and Queens Park.

Lake played a major role in organizing female soccer and was a big part of two World Cup games and the 1987 World Youth Soccer Championships, both which were played in St. John’s. In 1977 he was elected director of the Canadian Soccer Association and later served as its vice-president.

Since 1973, an extremely large number of organizations, from British Columbia to Newfoundland and Labrador have honored Lake’s soccer contributions. He was the first provincial sports executive of the year in 1975.

Lake is a member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame as well as the Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Hall of Fame, the St. John’s Soccer Hall of Fame and the Burin Peninsula Soccer Hall of Fame.

GUS ETCHEGARY

(Inducted in 1980)

For more than 45 years, soccer has played a major role in the life of Gus Etchegary and since he was born in St. Lawrence, that situation is not surprising. During the same period of time Etchegary has made extremely important contributions to soccer within Newfoundland and Labrador. Because of his involvement soccer within the province is in a much better position than it would be without his support.

From 1945 to 1958, Etchegary was an all-star caliber fullback with Burin and St. Lawrence teams. The high level of leadership that he always displayed on the pitch continued when he moved into executive and leadership positions for the administration of soccer.

From 1959, when he was elected president of the Burin Peninsula Athletic Association, Etchegary constantly demonstrated determined and sensible leadership in every aspect of the sport. His ability to promote soccer while obtaining the best from those with whom he was associated was a foundation upon which the sport prospered, improved and expanded.

The five years, from 1964 to 1968, that he served as St. John’s soccer president were crucial ones as the sport went through critical changes in the City and Etchegary’s common-sense approach was very important in the ultimate success and survival of St. John’s soccer.

As provincial president from 1966 to 1971 and as a Canadian Soccer Association vice-president from 1970 to 1973, he made very important contributions to every level of soccer with which he was associated.

After his official service within soccer, Etchegary continued to provide very important support for a wide range of soccer projects.

He has been inducted into the Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Fame, the Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Hall of Fame and the Burin Peninsula, St. Lawrence and St. John’s soccer halls of fame.

Gus Etchegary is one of five individuals who have been awarded honorary life membership in the Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Association.