Less-than-ideal weather conditions and a necessity to change format did not dampen the spirit of an annual event honouring a pioneer of Powell River soccer.
Due to excessive precipitation leading up to game day, the Steve Steele Memorial Boxing Day match was played on the turf field at Brooks Secondary School rather than on grass at Powell River Villa’s home field at Timberlane Park.
The change to a split-squad match was required after Powell River’s over-35 team, Villa’s opponent in the 2014 charity game, ceased operations.
“Since there is no other men’s team in town, we asked everybody who was home for Christmas to play,” said Villa president Jamie Zroback. “We represented the whole soccer community. There were youth soccer players as well as old-timers and former Villa members.”
Steele, a former Villa coach and player, was heavily involved in all aspects of local soccer at both the senior and youth levels, including coaching and officiating. The Boxing Day match, first played in 1968, has been held in Steele’s honour since 1993.
Rosters were split evenly to create two teams, ranging in age from teenagers to late-40s, including players from Vancouver Island University and University of Lethbridge in town for the holidays, as well as current Villa players.
This year’s winning team donned uniforms originally donated by the now-defunct senior men’s league and only used on Boxing Day, while the other squad wore Villa jerseys.
“Villa used to play the all-star team from the men’s league and they would traditionally wear the Steelers jersey,” said Zroback.
Steelers came away with a 1-0 victory and were presented with the charity shield by Steele’s family members after the game. Brody Harry scored the game’s only goal.
“It was a lot more of a competitive game,” said Zroback. “The teams had equal numbers of veterans and younger guys.”
Last year Villa outscored their opposition 9-0.
Steelers’ most valuable player was Daniel Paul, while teenager Tim Wrigglesworth received the same honour among players selected to wear Villa uniforms.
“It was good to see some youth getting the MVP,” added Zroback.
Zroback said he was impressed with the number of supporters, despite windy, wet and snowy moments throughout the contest, and by the commitment of local players, who ensured two competitive teams were on the pitch at kickoff time.
“That just goes to show how important the Steve Steele game is,” he said.
All money raised at this year’s event will be donated to BC Cancer Society.
Villa’s next league action is Sunday, January 17, at home against PLSC Lakers.
