There are two events on Boxing Day that Powell River residents don’t want to miss.
No doubt many will get to the stores for those incredible deals but top priority for soccer fans is to head to the pitch for one of Powell River’s fondest and longest traditions.
The Steve Steele Classic honours a soccer diehard for his tireless support and promotion of the sport he loved.
Steve Steele gave much of his life to soccer on and off the pitch so it is fitting that the sport remembers his commitment by joining the fight for a cure to the disease that took his life—cancer.
The traditional Boxing Day soccer game was the brainchild of George Richardson, who directed the charitable donations from the gate toward UNICEF and the Cup of Milk Fund.
UNICEF was one of the largest charities at the time and the Cup of Milk Fund was founded to help the children of countries devastated by World War Two.
The game was a huge hit with families of Powell River as it gave them a chance to get together for a giant reunion during the holidays and their numbers contributed to a great cause.
The tradition continued through to the nineties until Steele, who was the driving force behind all things soccer in Powell River, sadly became the namesake of the game in 1993.
The funds from gate receipts, usually in excess of a thousand dollars, are forwarded to the Canadian Cancer Society but more than that, the game brings families together.
“Steve was big with Villa early on and also an organizer and catalyst of the men’s league,” recalled Jamie Zroback, coach of Powell River Villa, “and he was also a referee and was in charge of the referees. Aside from that, he was just a really nice man and a good family friend.”
Aside from the charity, the game gives old friends a chance to catch up on all the latest news.
“It’s a gathering place and it is tradition,” said Zroback, “and it has been for years. It’s funny because some people that I haven’t seen since last Boxing Day game, I’m hoping to see this game.”
The Steve Steele game between Villa and the Senior Men’s All-Star team is set for 1 pm at Brooks Turf field on Monday, December 26.
“I think it’s going to be a really good game this year,” said Zroback. “There are some good players in the men’s league and I know the challenges have already been thrown out there. They think they’re going to win and we think we’re going to win.”
That’s the kind of spirit Steele would have wanted for this classic game.
