2025 BC Soccer Award Winners
The BC Soccer Awards shine a spotlight on the individuals and organizations whose passion, dedication, and leadership have elevated the game across British Columbia. Their commitment to growing and promoting soccer inspire us all. BC Soccer is proud to announce the 2025 BC Soccer Award Winners.
AC Sanford Award: Rob Brown
BC Soccer Life Member Rob Brown, a FIFA Referee from 1992 to 1994, served as Chair of the Fraser Valley Soccer League and was BC Soccer VP Adult and a Director for 15 years between 1985 and 2019. As an administrator, Rob was Referee Scheduler, Registrar, Discipline Chair and President of the Fraser Valley Soccer League.
Award of Merit: Joan Pearcey
Joan has been involved in soccer since 1997 when she started with the Surdel Girls Soccer Club as club registrar and remained with them until 2001. She became SDGSA Girls District Registrar in 1999 and was part of the SDGSA merger with SFDA when she became responsible for boys and girls registration within Surrey, Delta and White Rock. She has remained with SFDA until July 31st. 2025.
Award of Merit: Werner Heine
Werner Heine exemplifies the ‘spirit of the game’ through his steadfast commitment and dedication to advancing soccer initiatives in 100 Mile House. His ambition led him to providing youth and children with a proper playing facility, moving them off the dirt fields of local schools. Through relentless efforts, Werner secured sponsorships and established partnerships that culminated in the creation of a dedicated soccer park in 2010. Beyond his work as a coach and president of the board, Werner initiated an impactful refereeing program. He inspired both players and community members to engage in officiating and successfully established a mentorship program to support new referees. His contributions have left a lasting legacy within our soccer community.
Award of Merit: Vince Greco
Vince has been the face and facilitator of the VISL for over 26 years, as a volunteer and most recently as the Executive Director. He has raised the bar year after year for the league, and he has contributed to the VISL being known as one of the premier leagues across Canada. His commitment to everyone in his community is second to none.
Award of Merit: Grant Olson
After a playing career that spanned nearly 50 years, Grant then coached Girls Youth Soccer at Bays United for 16 years due to the interest of his 3 daughters. As if playing and coaching wasn’t enough, Grant has been a title sponsor for the VISL for 10 years; supporting financially with hosting year end banquets, as well as special events, such as 3 BC Soccer Provincial Cup Draws. He has helped the entire Vancouver Island Community, and that is what makes him so special.
Administrator of the year: Sue Baxter
Sue Baxter has been instrumental in supporting new club members at SFDA with clarity, patience, and precision. She created a simple yet effective system that makes it easy for new administrators to follow processes and stay organized. Her responsiveness and willingness to guide others through complex procedures have made a lasting impact on the growth of club’s in the district.
Coach of the year: Farivar Torabi
Farivar has brought over 100 players to the FVSL over the last 3 years and developed such an excellent development stream of young talent. This season he has accomplished an unheard of level of accomplishment: U19 Division Winners, U19 Cup Winners, Premier division Winners, Pakenham Cup runner up and entered the 2025 BCSA Provincial Cup as the FVSL #1 seed in the 'A' Cup. He has shown such a high level of standards with his relationships with opponents and match officials and has become one of our most popular team coaches in the league.
Exceptional Leadership: Ryan Beer
There is exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to the long-term development of the players and the commitment to their coaches and the game of soccer throughout the Prince George area. Their vision includes a clearly articulated, age-appropriate development pathway for players and a comprehensive support system for coaches, ensuring consistency, quality, and long-term success throughout the club. This holistic approach has not only elevated the standard of play but has also made our club a leader in safe, inclusive, and player-focused soccer programming, leading to creating future opportunities such as hosting the 2027 Provincial B ‘Cup Championships.
Life Membership: Terry Felix
Terry Felix has made profound contributions to soccer in British Columbia, as a trailblazer, role model, and advocate. In 1983, he became the first Indigenous professional soccer player in North America, representing both the Vancouver Whitecaps and the Canadian Men’s National Team. Beyond his on-field achievements, Terry’s lifelong dedication to the game continues to shape the British Columbia soccer landscape. He has been a mentor and advisor to Indigenous youth through sport-for-development programs like Hope and Health and Nautsa’mawt FC, where he shares his story and lived experience to uplift and empower the next generation. His quiet leadership and commitment to representation have helped Indigenous youth see themselves in the sport, fostering inclusion, belonging, and belief.
Terry’s legacy is not only one of athletic excellence but of service, humility, and visionary impact. His contributions have created a ripple effect – opening doors, shifting narratives, and building a more equitable future for soccer in British Columbia and beyond.
Life Membership: Gayle Statton
Gayle Statton has lived and flourished in BC all her life. A multi-sport varsity athlete with a huge love of sport. Gayle was on the BC Soccer Board of Directors since 2018 and President since 2020. Gayle was also the Chair of the inaugural Member Council for Canada Soccer – an inclusive Canada Soccer Membership Council striving for good strategic communications. Statton has 30+ years contributing to progressive and positive change at the grassroots levels in BC advancing to the Provincial and now the National levels of leadership.
Player of the year: Victory Shumbusho
Over the last few seasons’ Victory has shown great dedication to the Fraser Valley Soccer League as a top striker winning golden boot 2 years in a row as well as the Premier League, League Cup and Pakenham Cup trophies. He has also been an ever present on the league ALL STAR team for 3 years, culminating in the recent win over the Vancouver FC CPL team, led by his industrious efforts throughout.
Special Recognition: Krista Profili-Fontes
Krista has shown over the past 10 years her dedication to making sure soccer happens in her community. From organizing the teams and coaches, mini-world cup-style jamboree events, painting fields, coaching and now as a referee. Krista is a firm believer that soccer should be offered to all and she does her best to limit financial barriers. She works tirelessly to find volunteers for all events she plans and is successful large part to her demeanour.
Special Recognition: Steven Newman
A game official that a referee scheduler and players can count on. Steve currently referees for Juan De Fuca (Youth), The VISL (Adult men) and the LIWSA (Adult women). Players at all levels respect him and what he brings to the pitch. He recognizes players, teams, clubs and organizations and what they need to succeed. He provides this opportunity and has done so with no slow down whatsoever. Other than when he hears the links calling. The LIWSA has a match report system where the referee’s performance is rated after a match and Steve often scores a ten which simply does not happen too often these days.
Special Recognition: Neil Sedgwick
As Technical Director, Neil’s dedication to player development—from the earliest grassroots levels through to university athletes—is truly unmatched. He has consistently demonstrated that every player matters, fostering an environment where individual growth is supported and celebrated. Beyond PGYSA, Neil actively collaborates with the neighbouring clubs and districts to bring increased opportunities for all players, coaches, and referees alike. His efforts have helped build strong regional connections and an inclusive, thriving soccer community. Through his leadership, PGYSA has become a recognized leader in youth soccer across Northern British Columbia, guided by principles of safe sport, inclusivity, and excellence.
Referee of the year: Sidney Compston
For more than 15 years, Sid has refereed, coached, mentored and taught from grassroots programs and has even been an accessor. For numerous years he was the RDO for the Kootenays. He has also been the Referee Coordinator in his local club as well as organizing referees to help officiate numerous tournaments in and around the Kootenays. He is well respected by players, coaches and parents alike. His love for the game not only shows in every interaction he has with those he interacts with but is also very infectious. It is not uncommon for Sid to be in his hometown of Trail during the week and on the weekend, you can find him teaching and mentoring other officials as far away as Golden, Fernie or somewhere in between.
Woman of Distinction: Kim Bull
Kim has been coaching in BC for over 20 years. She has coached at various levels, including grassroots, provincial programs, collegiate level, and with the Whitecaps.
Kim's passion for the game is unbelievable and inspiring how she wants players of all abilities to love the game and reach their highest potential. Kim is also a advocate for Safe Sport at BFC and started the Club's Athlete Council which has players within the Club help in being part of the direction the Club is going. Female Fridays has also been a big success at BFC where young female players come together to connect with older female players for mentorship. Kim has so much passion for improving coach and players that she is someone BC Soccer should really consider for this "women of distinction" award.
President Award: Vancouver Rise FC
The Vancouver Rise are one of the six founding teams in the Northern Super League, Canada’s professional women’s soccer league. As the first and only professional women’s soccer league in Canada, the NSL is here to create a legacy. One that is rooted in access, equity, and excellence. One that invites every player, fan, and community to shape the future of the game. One that is something the next generation can believe in.
To purchase tickets for the 2025 Hall of Fame induction show at the BC Soccer Awards Banquet, click here.
For more information on the BC Soccer Annual General Meeting, including the Awards Banquet, click here.
