Earlier this month, Alberta Soccer Life Member, Bill Malone, was awarded the Honoured Athletic Leader Award by the Calgary Booster Club.

-with files from CUSA-

Bill was nominated for this award due to the profound impact his 40+ years of volunteerism has had on the game of soccer in Calgary, as well as in Alberta and Canada. With soccer now at a watershed moment in our country, pioneers like Bill Malone deserve recognition for laying the foundation needed for our sport to flourish and grow to this point.

While Bill is based out of Calgary, his contributions to the game go well beyond his home community. His service at the provincial level includes:

  • 13+ years on the Alberta Soccer Board of Directors
  • 20+ years of contributions within the competitions structure of Alberta Soccer
  • Acting as a founding member of the Alberta Major Soccer League (AMSL) – the only league of its kind in Canada
    • Bill has been involved in every year of the AMSL’s existence since its inception 28 years ago, including acting as Commissioner for the past 8 years. Teams from this league have won over 10 national championships and will continue to compete at the national level, in part because of Bill

“As a player, coach, club executive, and promoter of the game, Bill has been engaged in every facet of soccer from the grassroots to elite national club teams,” said Pearl Doupe, Calgary United Soccer Association Executive Director. Since his arrival to Alberta in the early 70s, Bill has advocated for greater player opportunities, referee development, and expanded soccer facilities. He has also attended and supported countless Provincial and National Championship competitions:

“The common thread at all the events is his passion for the game as well as his unwavering support for the players and officials who are fundamental to the competition,” continued Doupe. “Bill is a fixture at these events, and both recognized and respected by those in attendance.”

Additional Honours

In addition to the Calgary Booster Club’s Honoured Leader Award, Bill has received the following accolades over the years:

  • 2018 | JACK BUCKLER AWARD
    • Awarded for the most outstanding contribution to the sport of soccer within Calgary and area
  • 2012 | ALBERTA SOCCER LIFE MEMBERSHIP
    • Presented to an individual for their continued and outstanding dedication to soccer in Alberta while on the Alberta Soccer Board
  • 2007 | ALBERTA SOCCER SHIELD OF MERIT
    • Presented to the person who demonstrated outstanding contributions and long-term dedication to soccer in Alberta as chosen by the Alberta Soccer Board of Directors during that year
  • 2001 | ALBERTA SOCCER AWARD OF MERIT
    • Presented to members for their significant contribution to soccer over a number of years
  • 1998 | CALGARY UNITED SOCCER LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
    • Presented to the individual for years of outstanding contributions and unselfish effort towards the growth of the Calgary United Soccer Association.
Vision for the game’s future

Alberta Soccer’s vision reads: A center of excellence for the game, providing opportunities for all players to reach their full potential. This vision was approved by our members in 2012, but long before then, Bill was working towards this goal locally and provincially.

“Alberta Soccer is proud to see Bill receive this well-deserved acknowledgment of his service and passion for our sport,” said Shaun Lowther, Alberta Soccer Executive Director. ” We offer our sincerest congratulations to Bill – his tireless work at all levels of the game has been invaluable and quite literally, game-changing.”

About the Calgary Booster Club

For nearly 70 years, the Calgary Booster Club has endeavored to provide assistance to aspiring athletic champions, to recognize leadership that has made Calgary’s athletic programs so vibrant, and to celebrate athletic accomplishments in our city, both individual and collective.

Bill will formally receive his award at a Calgary Booster Club gala in April. For more information on the Club and the 2019 gala, click here.