Toronto FC welcomed The Soccer Hall of Fame’s 2009 induction class today before its Major League Soccer match at BMO Field. The four players, three builders, Pioneer Award winner and members of the 2009 Team of Distinction were all celebrated before the opening kickoff between Toronto FC and MLS opponent Los Angeles Galaxy.
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\u200bThe Soccer Hall of Fame’s class will be formally recognized this evening at the 2009 Induction Banquet at the The Club Link Country Club in Woodbridge, ON. Neil Ellett, John Limniatis, Joan McEachern and Mike Stojanovic will be inducted as players while Colin Jose (historian), Bob Sawtell (referee) and Derek Wisdom (administrator) will be inducted as builders.
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\u200bPioneer Award winner Ted Slade is represented by his son while the 2009 Team of Distinction – Canada’s 1986 FIFA World Cup\u0099 team – is represented by Les Wilson, Kevin Muldoon, Joe Parolini, Dr. Ed Johnson, Bob Lenarduzzi, James Lowery, George Pakos, Randy Ragan, and Mike Sweeney.
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\u200bThis year marks The Soccer Hall of Fame’s 10th induction ceremony. Twenty-two inductees (11 players and 11 builders) were celebrated at the Inaugural Banquet in 2000; with today’s group, there are 68 players and 44 builders inducted to The Soccer Hall of Fame. There are also three Pioneer Award winners and seven Teams of Distinction.
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\u200bTo be considered for selection, a Canadian player must have played with distinction for Canada and/or in a national senior or professional league in Canada or abroad. At least five years must pass since the player’s retirement before he or she can be inducted.
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\u200bFor builders, the Canadian nomination must have work with distinction over an extended period at the appropriate national, international or provincial level. Builders include administrators, coaches, medical staff, referees, and members of the media.