November 5th, 2023
BC Soccers 2023 Award Winners
The tradition of recognizing and celebrating the most outstanding soccer enthusiasts across British Columbia is upheld by the Award Winners of Soccer Excellence. This program acknowledges and applauds the feats of soccer players, coaches, referees, admin, and volunteers from British Columbia who have left a lasting mark on the sport. The following individuals are being honoured for their outstanding achievements as this year's distinguished recipients of BC Soccer awards.
Award of Merrit
Jason Small
For over 35 years, Jason continued to lead by example on and off the field with integrity as both a player and as a coach. As a coach, he led a generation of younger players through the VMSL Premier Division and Over 35 Premier Division to great success. His dedication and reliability are exemplary to everyone around him.
Player of the Year
Carlo Basso
For years now, the Coquitlam Metro Ford Soccer Club - Wolves team has relied on Carlos as their main man up front in the Vancouver Metro Soccer League Premier Division. This two-time VMSL Golden Boot winner and the 2022-23 MPV of the league, this exciting prospect is currently coaching the SFU Women’s Team in Seattle, Congratulations to Carlos Basso on winning Player of the Year!
Coach of the Year
John Antulov
Through this rich experience on the pitch, it developed into an excellent coach that he is today. Currently, the head coach of Thompson Rivers University Men’s Soccer Team, John has been involved with the program since 2007, having achieved multiple titles, including the 2022 USports Men’s National Championships. Congratulations to John for being the 2023 Coach of the Year!
Administrator of the Year
Georgia Mack
This unsung star commits her time throughout the week, along with her two part-time assistants, ensuring the smooth day-to-day operation. Georgia is a driving force that makes soccer in the valley possible, meticulously attending to every detail with enthusiasm and passion. Congratulations to this year's Admin of the Year, Georgia!
Community Service of the Year
Brian Royer-Collard
As a trailblazer in women's soccer, referee development, club leadership, and the organization of philanthropic soccer events, Brian's remarkable commitment to BC Soccer spans nearly six decades. Congratulations to this year's Community Service of the Year, Brian!
Werner Winsemann – Referee of The Year
Kevin Uppal
We have the privilege of acknowledging a dedicated individual who has made a significant impact on the Vancouver Metro Soccer League over the past decade. Congratulations to Kevin, 2023 Werner Winsemann – Referee of The Year!
Women of Distinction
Andrea Lamoureux
As a coach and a Board Member of Bulkley Valley Soccer Society over the years, Andrea has played an important role in the growth of the club’s female development teams in the last few years. Join us in celebrating Andrea Lamoureux for winning the 2023 BC Soccer Women of Distinction Award!
Special Recognition
Manny Periera
With an impressive resume, Manny has contributed his dedication and passion for the ‘Beautiful Game’ within the Vancouver Island Soccer League for nearly 50 years! Let’s welcome Manny Pereira to the stage for the 2023 Special Recognition Award!
Special Recognition Award
Ruth Burr
Ruth brings her enthusiasm as a hands-on volunteer and brings their drive to their local community through her love of sports. Throughout the last five years as a club resident, she brought in a community-first approach when leading her club. Congratulations to Ruth Burr on the 2023 Special Recognition Award!
Presidents Award
Leah Germain
Leah got involved in the organizational side of soccer when her children started playing. It didn’t take long for her to hit the ground running from day one, she was able to get the district fully operational - from brand creation, community opportunities through scholarships and handling the district’s general day-to-day operational duties. Congratulations to this year's President Award recipient, Leah Germain!
Life Membership Award
Ed Kennedy
Ed is a 14-year stalwart of BC Soccer, having exceptional leadership as Vice President of Finance and tireless committee work have left an indelible mark on the sport in BC. Beyond the boardroom, his 48-year journey included coaching, managing and many successes! We proudly recognize Ed as this year's Life Membership awardee.
Life Membership Award
Don Moslin
Don's resume is impressive, with over 47 years of dedication to soccer, they have transformed the sport in our province. Dons' impact on the BC Soccer landscape is immeasurable, as evidenced by his extensive service on numerous committees and seven years as a Provincial Team Coach. We are honoured to bestow the Life Membership award to Don!
A.C. Sanford Award
Kjeld Brodsgaard
Kjeld is a past BC Soccer President and has been a valued member of the soccer community throughout British Columbia for the last few decades. For all that, they have been inducted into the Victoria Sports Hall of Fame on more than one occasion. Congratulations to this year's A.C. Sanford Award winners, Kjeld!
BC Soccer Association
Established in 1904, BC Soccer is the largest provincial sports organization (PSO) in BC and the third largest soccer-specific PSO in Canada with over 150,000 participants, consisting of registered players, coaches, referees, administrators and soccer leaders. As a professional not-for-profit society and a member of Canada Soccer, BC Soccer is committed to providing the widest opportunities for existing and potential participants, as well as provide support in the most effective and appropriate way for current players, parents, volunteers, member clubs, leagues, and districts.
Safe Sport Statement
BC Soccer believes that everyone involved in soccer has the right to participate in safe and inclusive environments free of abuse, harassment, discrimination, and to enjoy the sport at whatever level or capacity they participate in. The welfare of everyone involved in soccer is the foremost consideration and in particular, the protection of children in the sport is the responsibility of everyone involved.