The annual Steve Steele Charity Shield Boxing Day soccer game will take place on Monday, December 26, depending on weather and field conditions.
“We are hoping to play,” said Steve Robertson, the event’s organizer, on Friday, December 23. “We will make the decision on Boxing Day morning; we have to make sure the field is in decent shape.”
In addition to supporting local charities, the crowd will honour three of the region’s soccer pioneers.
“This year, we’re pleased to honour the late Bea Ferguson, Johnny Morrissey and Mike Verdiel at the game,” explained Robertson, during a previous interview. “Johnny will coach Stevie’s Steelers, made up of senior men’s soccer alumni, and Mike will coach the Powell River Villa Alumni team. We know with these two coaching, people will be treated to a great and entertaining game.”
Ferguson founded the May Tournament, which saw hundreds of youth soccer players come to town each year from 1968 through 1993, when she passed away.
“Our mother loved soccer,” said Judith Langham, Ferguson’s daughter. “She organized the May Tournament from the ground up, and got the whole family around the kitchen table at night to make sure every child got a certificate for participating. When she passed away, people came from all over for her funeral. Her impact was huge.”
Morrissey has been heavily involved with women’s and youth soccer since the 1970s. A lifelong mill worker, Morrissey both coached and played, and developed local women’s soccer to a high calibre. He is also well known for his big voice, which he used to cheer on everyone.
“I played on the first Villa team, back in 1973, and also served as manager and president until 1987,” said Verdiel. “I have been involved in youth soccer for over 40 years, and coached my girls when they played, as well as many other young people in town. I’m honoured to be part of this year’s game.”
The game takes place at Timberlane Park on Boxing Day with kickoff at 1 pm. Entry is by donation; a minimum $5 donation per person will provide one 50/50 ticket and entry to the field. Coffee and hot chocolate will also be available by donation, and proceeds will support Powell River Action Centre Food Bank and the Salvation Army.
“I have to give a shout-out to all our sponsors for all the great door prizes they have donated,” said Robertson. “Without them, this annual tournament wouldn’t be as much fun or as big a charity event as it is. We have over $1,750 in gift cards and gifts as door prizes, as well as a guaranteed $500 50/50 prize.
“If you have nothing to do on Boxing Day, we hope you will come out, see some friends, honour some soccer pioneers, have a chance at the door prizes, get a hot chocolate or coffee, watch some good soccer, and help support people in our community.”
