A number of teams and individuals from BC were recently recognized for their success and dedication to soccer. The Canadian Soccer Association Soccer Hall of Fame's 2012 inductees included Vic West FC, New Westminster-born Carlo Corrazin, Vancouver's Andrea Neil and Mark Watson as well as Pioneer John Richardson. Surrey United Women's team was also recently named Sport B.C.'s team of the year for 2011. Vic West FC was founded in 1896 and is one of the oldest teams still playing in Canada. They have been one of the most successful teams in B.C., winning many provincial championships, but its greatest achievement was winning the men's national club championship four times in 1976, 1979, 1982 and 1984. Vic West FC becomes the third team inducted into the Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame in the category of Organization of Distinction. Two members of the victorious Canadian men's national team at the 2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup will also inducted into the Players category. Carlo Corrazin, winner of the Golden Boot for that tournament and scorer in the final game and teammate Mark Watson, the third most capped Canadian men's national player ever with 84 were recognized after successful careers both in North America and Europe. Former Canadian women's national team and Vancouver Whitecaps FC women's team captain Andrea Neil will also be inducted into the players category. The Vancouver-born star earned 132 caps for her country and in November, 2011 become the first female soccer player to be inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame at an induction dinner and ceremony in Calgary. The CSA Soccer Hall of Fame also recognized John Richardson in the Pioneer category. Originally from England, Richardson was a leading soccer administrator and at the time of his death in 1950 was secretary of the B.C. Soccer Commission, a position he had held since its inception in 1933. The Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame inductions will be held June 2 and 3 in Toronto as part of the celebrations and the 100th anniversary of the national association. For details please click http://www.thesoccerhalloffame.ca/home.
