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April 5, 2018
Congratulations to John Di Pasquale!!!
Hamilton Soccer Hall of Fame Induction - May 11, 2018
HELLO GRIMSBY TOWN YOUTH SOCCER CLUB AND GRIMSBY WILDCATS U21 WOMEN’S TEAM
On behalf of Vince Micieli and the Board of the Hamilton Soccer Hall of Fame we would like to congratulate one of your coaches John Di Pasquale for his induction into the Hamilton Soccer Hall of Fame. Although most of you know him as “Coach John”, he is being inducted in the “Player” category, on May 11, at Michelangelo Banquet Center, in Hamilton.
John indeed has an enviable record as a soccer player that very few can match across the country (see the condensed bio below). Since the great majority and the best he had to give of himself as a player was in Hamilton, he is rightfully being recognized for his contribution to that soccer community. You and I, however, know that his contribution to the game didn’t end there. Since then John has put in countless hours and energy of successfully coaching both high school and club soccer in your community. I am sure that he would welcome, and is deserving of your support, in celebrating this very special recognition, and happy to share the stage, and the video, with the many of you players and parents that have become a huge part of the Di Pasquale family.
In closing I’d like to add that the HSHOF induction dinner is one of the premier sporting award nights in the province, with up to 500 in attendance, a multicourse gourmet meal, special guests, video, and memorabilia displays. Hope to see you there!
CC: Hamilton Soccer Hall of Fame Board
CHEERS!!!
EMILIO "FRANK" RIGA
PLAYER/COACH BIO: John DiPasquale
John DiPasquale was born in Port Colborne, Ontario where he played youth soccer with the Sir John Colborne soccer club until the age of sixteen on a team coached by his father, Lino. At the age of 16, he captained the U16 team Ontario program to a National Championship. At 17, he was drafted by the Toronto Blizzard Reserves of the NASL. John also played for the Saltfleet Go Ahead team under Fred Pretto and won the Columbia Day International Classic, VB. He captained the U18 Team Ontario squad to a second National title in 1983 and also captained the U19 Youth National soccer team. This team finished with a silver in World Cup qualifications to Mexico and participated in the Youth World Cup in Minsk, Russia in 1985. Overall, John earned 21 youth caps followed by 6 ‘B’ caps on Pan American and Olympic qualifier teams. John was named the player representative for the Canadian Olympic Association.
In 1984, John enrolled at McMaster University where he completed his Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education. He played for the Marauders for three years in the OUAA, who were finalists to the U of T national champions. During his time at McMaster, John played for the 1986 Hamilton Steelers, who won both the Ontario Cup, as well as the Air Canada Challenge cup. John was protected by the Hamilton Steelers where he played in the CSL professionally over the next three seasons, anchoring the best defense in the league. John was the Director of the Steeler Summer Camp program targeting elementary schools throughout the greater Hamilton area. After graduating with honours from McMaster, John earned a Bachelor of Education at Queen’s University. Following his professional soccer career, John played in the Hamilton & District mens’ league for Hamilton Slovenia, Saltfleet, and Hamilton Proto.
John’s coaching career began in 1989 while he was teaching at Cardinal Newman High School, guiding the Junior boys’ program to a city title. At Lakeshore Catholic, he successfully coached teams to 8 consecutive regional titles, 5 bronze medals and 3 gold medals at OFSAA. John was the assistant coach at Niagara University in the NCAA from 2001 to 2003, coached the Hamilton Thunder of the CPSL, and along with Frank Riga, helped build a women’s program at Saltfleet that would be a Provincial force in the OWSL for many years. John has coached youth soccer at all levels, including Saltfleet, Grimsby, and most recently with the Niagara Regional Soccer Program. Throughout this time, John has also successfully coached youth club and varsity basketball.
John continues to be a great soccer mentor and coach as he gives back to the beautiful game.
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June 1, 2017
Southward Community Park Grand Opening!
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July 29, 2016
CONGRATULATIONS TO MARTIN POOS!!!
Grimsby Rotary @ Noon's 2016 Paul Harris Fellowship Award recipient!
Martin Poos, a founding member of the Grimsby Town Youth Soccer Club in 1973, was honoured with the 2016 Paul Harris Fellowship Award presented by the Grimsby Rotary @ Noon. The Paul Harris Fellowship Award is given by Rotary to recognize those people in communities who demonstrate their commitment to helping others by volunteering their time and talents.
This award is given for Service Above Self and is Rotary’s highest honour.
Martin is a very deserving recipient of this award and the Grimsby Town Youth Soccer Club is proud of this extraordinary achievement. Martin has served the Grimsby community for several years in many different capacities including as: GTYSC President (5 terms), Grimsby Alderman (3 terms), Recreation Committee Chair and Public Works Chair. Martin has been a long standing member of the Grimsby Recreation Committee and is also a volunteer with the Grimsby Benevolent Fund. Martin is such a dedicated volunteer that he also received the Paul Harris Fellowship Award in 2000, which speaks to his level of commitment to the Grimsby community.
An awards ceremony was held on July 21st at the Peninsula Ridge Winery where Martin was officially presented with the Paul Harris Fellowship award with several local dignitaries in attendance, including Carolyn Webb (President-Grimsby Rotary @ Noon), Dean Allison (Member of Parliament – Niagara West), Tim Hudak (Member of Provincial Parliament - Niagara West-Glanbrook), Alan Caslin (Niagara Regional Chair), Tony Quirk (Niagara Regional Councillor), Bob Bentley (Mayor of Grimsby), Dave Wilson (Grimsby Ward 1 Alderman) and Joanne Johnston (Grimsby Ward 3 Alderman, Recreation Services).
Martin Poos will also be honoured by the Town of Grimsby when the Southward Community Park is open. One of the soccer fields will be dedicated to Martin and his family.
CONGRATULATIONS MARTIN!!!
To read an article published in Niagara This Week, please click the following link: http://www.niagarathisweek.com/community-story/6775551-twice-as-nice-for-longtime-volunteer/
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November 17, 2015
2015 Marks 42 Years of Grimsby Town Youth Soccer Club!
Grimsby Soccer was started in February 1973 by a newspaper article from the Recreation Director Jim Wright, which brought 12 people to a board meeting. Phil Richmond became Interim President for the first half year, Brian Elder, and then became President, Tom Davies Vice President, Howard Jeffries Treasurer, June Godak Secretary, Martin Poos was the Convener.
In 1973, the Grimsby Town Youth Soccer Club had 12 House League Teams. Grimsby Soccer started with boys only – having one Division of 6 Atoms Teams (9 and 10 year old) and 1 Division of 6 Mosquitos Teams (11 and 12 year old). One team however,was a school team from Central School- coached by Vince Pillay. A total of 250 boys played the first year. Also, 1973, was the only year school teams was allowed in our house league program.
In 1974, a Pee-wee’s Division was added (13 and 14 year old).
In 1975, Grimsby Town Youth Soccer Club, was one of the first towns in Ontario who allowed girls to play soccer.
In 1977, Travel Teams were introduced.
Today, 42 years later, 2015, we have 1725 player registrations, with House League Divisions in U8, U10, U12, U14, U18 both Boys & Girls, Ladies Team 19-29, Sr Ladies, Men’s League and our 18 Travel Teams.
As you know, a lot of hard work, dedication goes in to run a club, so a special THANK YOU to all the Coaches, Assistant Coaches, Team Helpers, Referees, Snack Bar (Ways & Means), Board Members and most of all our Sponsors, for a tremendous 2015 season. Our hats off to each and every one of you. Without all of you, soccer would not be the largest sport in Grimsby.
Grimsby Town Youth Soccer Club
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