Ottawa, Ontario \u0096 The Canadian Soccer Association staged its Annual General Meeting during this past weekend in Calgary, Alberta. A number of major decisions were made, including the formal approval of a record $9.1 million budget, reflecting the decisions taken by its membership last November when unanimous approval was given to the \u0093Blueprint for Success\u0094.
Player registration fees now total more than $3 million in return for significant increased programming in all areas of the Association’s portfolio, including Coaching and Referee Development Programs as well as National Training Centre activities in five locales across Canada. In addition, ten different National Teams will be playing close to one hundred international matches in 2001while the communications program has been substantially improved and enhanced.
The Membership approved an initiative to create a mandatory CSA National Volunteer Screening Program in order to better serve and protect the lives of hundreds of thousands of young children now playing organized soccer in every community across Canada. A committee, consisting of members of the Board of Directors, was struck to further investigate and develop the concepts and to report back to the Board later this year with its findings.
A number of elections were held with four different members of the Executive Committee re-elected to new two-year terms as Officers of the Association. Included were Andy Sharpe – Vice President, Adrian Newman – Director; Finance, Sylvie Beliveau – Director; Female Soccer and Clive Wilkinson – Director; Technical.
The Membership were briefed as to the latest developments on the overall technical programs of the Association by Technical Director/National Team Coach Holger Osieck. The Membership extended its best wishes for success to the National Team in the upcoming FIFA Confederation’s Cup in Japan later this month as well as for the Copa America in Colombia in July. Similarly, after speeches by National team players Liz Smith from Edmonton with the National Women’s Team as well as Adam Braz of the Men’s U-20 Team, congratulatory messages were extended to both teams in their upcoming activities, particularly with regards to next month’s FIFA World U-20 Championships in Argentina.
At its closing banquet, a number of awards were presented, capped by the previously announced Aubrey Sanford Meritorious Service Award given to former National team Captain Randy Samuel. The President’s Award, given to the individual who has contributed significantly in the past year to the overall development of Canadian Soccer as chosen by the Chair, was given to Gerry Gentile of Ontario for his outstanding efforts in leading the initiative to launching The Canadian United Soccer League. His tireless work in tackling this challenging task was praised by the President who wished him continued success in his ongoing work.
Other awards included the Ray Morgan Award, recognizing outstanding achievements by a Canadian referee at the national/international levels, was presented to now retired FIFA Referee Willie Laidlaw of Winnipeg for his decade of top performances on the international playing field.
A number of Awards of Merit were bestowed recognizing the service of those who have contributed to the growth of the sport at the provincial and national levels. Recipients included Esther Dupperon of Regina, Dr. Geoff Haigh, Jack Taylor and Fred Kern all of Calgary. Members of the CSA Executive Committee will present the Awards of Merit to recipients listed below at a special function to be held within each of the respective Provincial Associations.
British Columbia
\u200bDr. Ed Johnson
\u200bJim Spencer
\u200bKen Fowler
\u200bJim Lamond
Alberta
\u200bRoger Stringer
Ontario
\u200bTom Doyle
Quebec
\u200bNick Filippone
New Brunswick
\u200bTom Pollock
\u0093I am extremely happy with the outcome of the sessions,\u0094 stated CSA President Jim Fleming. \u0093We are making substantial progress with 2001 set to be a record year of activity for the Association, highlighted by our participation in The FIFA Confederations and U-20 Championships as well as Copa America. In addition, detailed planning is now underway for the hosting of the FIFA U-19 Women’s Championship set for Canada next year.\u0094
The Association’s next Annual General Meeting will be held June 15, 2002 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
To view award recipients, please see our web-site at the following URL address:
\u200bhttps://canadasoccer.com/eng/AGM/2001agm.asp