The annual Steve Steele Boxing Day charity soccer match took place on Monday, December 26, with the weather turning just in time for the match to be played at Timberlane Park.
“It was a great day, and we raised a record amount this year,” said Steve Robertson, the game’s organizer. “Through entry fees, door prize tickets and the concession, we raised $1,760 that will be split between the Powell River Action Food Bank and the Salvation Army.
“We also raised $1,100 in the 50/50 draw, which will financially support Brooks [Secondary School] students attending an exchange program in Germany. Jordan Marciniak won the 50/50 draw. The community was so generous, and we’re happy to support these three great causes.”
In an entertaining match cheered on by a large crowd, Powell River Villa took the field against Stevie’s Steelers, a team of community soccer players gathered for this yearly event. Villa won the game 4-1. Steelers’ keeper Rick Bombardir was awarded the Steelers’ Most Valuable Player, and Joel Harry was selected as Villa’s MVP.
“We were also able to honour two people who have had a big impact on soccer in Powell River,” said Robertson. “Mike Verdiel, who coached Stevie’s Steelers for us this year, is a longtime volunteer, coach and player, including playing on the inaugural Villa team in 1973. We also honoured the late Bea Ferguson, who organized the May Tournament that saw hundreds of youth soccer players come to Powell River between 1968 and 1993.”
Johnny Morrissey, who was instrumental in developing women’s soccer in Powell River, was also honoured at the game but was unable to attend, and will be honoured in person next year.
This year’s game also made history, with Valerie Harding taking the field as the Steelers’ captain and first woman to play in the Boxing Day match.
“All three people recognized this year were strong supporters of women’s soccer in Powell River,” said Dave McMaster, who played for the Steelers. “Therefore, we thought it would be appropriate to have someone on the field representing women’s soccer.
“Val has been a dedicated player in the local drop-in league. She was selected for her skills, fun personality, tenacity and love for the game, and we were honoured to have her captain the Steelers this year.”
Robertson extended his thanks to the many soccer fans who came out to the game and made it a resounding success.
“An event like this doesn’t happen without a lot of people’s time and effort,” he said. “Thanks to the volunteers, the sponsors and the players. I want to send special thanks out to Ian Richmond, who led the players and officials onto the field with his bagpipes, Hannah Schweitzer for singing the national anthem, and Bob Bogoslowski for refereeing the game. It was a great day, and we’re looking forward to next year.”
