On October 16th the Oakville Soccer Club held its annual volunteer appreciation and awards dinner. Over 200 family, friends, players, coaches of the club were in attendance at Le Dome, and were treated to a lovely dinner. I had the privilege of sitting with a group of veteran coaches: Brian & Pat Ratcliffe, Ian Smith, and Walter Jeffie, who provided an evening of pleasant conversation. Little did I know that I was actually sitting next to this year's recipient of President's Award, Mr. Ratcliffe.
Centre Left: Brian Ratcliffe & Centre Right: Diana MathesonCentre Left: Brian Ratcliffe & Centre Right: Diana Matheson
Mr. Ratcliffe association with the Oakville Soccer Club began 2 years after he and his family arrived in Oakville from England in 1974. Back in England he was a professional full back for the West Ham United for three years. With his incredible knowledge of the game, he was happy to impart his knowledge to a younger group of players.
Diana Matheson was the recipient of the Award of Distinction as well as this year's keynote speaker. Ms. Matheson started early on with the Oakville Soccer Club where her passion of soccer was readily apparent. Diana is a Canadian professional soccer player for Washington Spirit in theNational Women's Soccer League. She is perhaps best known for scoring the bronze medal winning goal for Canada in the 92nd minute against France at the 2012 Summer Olympics. She also won the bronze medal with the same team at the 2007 Pan American Games. At Princeton University Ms. Matheson was voted Ivy League Player of the Year in 2007 and Princeton Women's Athlete of the Year in 2008.
Other recipients of Awards are:
Oakville Soccer Club 2013 Volunteer of the Year Award – Richard HillOakville Soccer Club 2013 Volunteer of the Year Award – Richard Hill
Outstanding Youth Player – Female: Madison Babineau
Outstanding Youth Player – Male: Dragan Andic
Rep Coach of the Year – Male Team - Greg Vagasky
Rep Coach of the Year – Female Team – Phil Martino
Young Volunteer of the Year Award – Jake Camara & Kamal Gill
Volunteer of the Year Award – Richard Hill
President’s Award – Brian Ratcliffe
Award of Distinction – Diana Matheson
Referee – Mini Soccer: Daniel Zaiter; Youth Referee – Entry Level: Tashiana Lusterio; Senior Referee – Entry Level:Amgad Ramzy; Youth Referee: Jacob Gorski; Senior Referee: Jordan Van Geyn; Senior Service Award: Mahadeo SeegobinReferee – Mini Soccer: Daniel Zaiter; Youth Referee – Entry Level: Tashiana Lusterio; Senior Referee – Entry Level:Amgad Ramzy; Youth Referee: Jacob Gorski; Senior Referee: Jordan Van Geyn; Senior Service Award: Mahadeo Seegobin