Mount Pearl Soccer Association

Hall of Fame

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The Mount Pearl Soccer Association would like to thank the members of our Hall of Fame for your dedication to the sport of soccer and your significant contribution to the youth of the City of Mount Pearl.

The membership of the Mount Pearl Soccer Association Hall of Fame includes: 

Bob Wood - Hall of Fame 2010 - Category - Builder 

1977 to 79 served two years on the Mount Pearl Soccer Association (MPSA) Executive as a Director. Served as co-coordinator of the Under 10 and Under 12 House Leagues. 1979 to 82 served three years as Secretary of the MPSA. 1982 to 84 served two years as Vice-President of the MPSA. 1976 served as co-coordinator of the Under 8 House League. 1980 to 1990 coached Mount Pearl Boys All-star teams from Under 12 to Under 18. His teams won the Under 16 Provincial Championship in 1984 and the Under 18 Provincial Championship in 1988. Coached the Mount Pearl Intermediate Team which won the St. John’s Intermediate Championship in 1992. Served as Assistant Coach with the Mount Pearl Challenge Cup Team with Ed Moyst as Head Coach in 1990. Early in 2010 became a regular volunteer with the MPSA Alumni Committee which took on the task of contacting some several hundred potential Alumni members. Bob was a regular attendee at Alumni Committee meetings and contributed to the ultimate formation of the MPSA Alumni. Served as the Avalon Director on the Board of the Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Association for two years. Coached Mount Pearl Boys U-16 Team to the Provincial Championship in 1984 coached Mount Pearl Boys U-18 Team to the Provincial Championship in 1988. Coached the Mount Pearl U-16 Team at the Atlantic Championships in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia in 1984 and the Mount Pearl U-18 Team at the Atlantic Championships in Saint John, NB in 1988. Bob Wood made a very significant contribution to the growth and development of soccer in Mount Pearl for over fifteen years as a member of the MPSA Executive and as an All-star Coach. He served two years as a Director, three years as Secretary and two years as Vice- President. Bob also was a very valuable select team coach. He coached Mount Pearl Boys All-star Teams at the Under 12, 14, 16 and 18 age groups winning Provincial Championships at the Under 18 in 1984 at the Under 16 in 1988.   He also coached both of these two teams at the Atlantic Championships. Bob moved up to coach Mount Pearl Intermediate Teams for several years and won the 1992 Intermediate Championship in the St. John’s Intermediate Soccer League. Bob Wood’s coaching contribution helped to make Mount Pearl one of the top youth soccer clubs at the Provincial level in the 1980’s and 90’s. This was during the period in which the MPSA grew from a “Youth” program into a full soccer club. In addition to his “Builders” activities, Bob played in the Mount Pearl Recreational Soccer League and with the Mount Pearl Masters Team in the St. John’s Masters Soccer League. 

Martin Batterson - Hall of Fame 2010 - Category - Builder 

1985 to 1987 coached minor house league in MPSA Boys U10 division. 1987 obtained Level 3 Referee Classification. 1986 to 2004 officiated in Mount Pearl at house league, Provincial tournaments, invitational tournaments and Super Soccer Saturday. Also coordinated and scheduled officials for various tournaments. 1988 received MPSA “Volunteer of the Year” award for his efforts and time developing and promoting the officiating program in Mount Pearl. 1995* obtained Level I Referee Classification which gave him opportunity to officiate in the St. John’s Senior Divisions and also the Newfoundland Challenge Cup. At the same time maintaining relationship with the MPSA who benefited greatly from Martin’s experience. 1990 to 2007 performed “informal” assessments on many minor officials in the MPSA system, which not only helped the individual but the minor program. 1997* developed clinic for Level 4 youth officials in Mount Pearl. So successful was expanded to St. John’s and accepted by NLSA. 1997 to 2007* conducted many NLSA sanctioned official clinics for MPSA and surrounding communities. 1990 to 2000 scheduled and coordinated officials for the Boys 4A High School league of which many boys from the MPSA program played for the two high schools in Mount Pearl. 2000 to 2007 wrote many articles and papers, including quizzes, on officiating for the MPSA newsletters. This in itself generated much interest with the Mount Pearl soccer community. 2003 to 2008* as rep from Mount Pearl served on the NLSA Referee Committee. 1995 to 2000 refereed Men’s Sr. Indoor League at the Reid Community Centre. 1995 to 2005 refereed in various MPSA minor indoor leagues including the annual Mount Pearl Winter Carnival (Frosty Festival). 2000 to 2006 served 5 years as Director of MPSA (Director of Officials) and 1 year as Vice-President. While serving on the MPSA Executive was member of many committees including Technical Committee and Management Committee. Martin was also a member of the groups that rewrote the “House League” and “All Star” manuals. As an Executive member he was also involved with the development and building of the new Hut; rewriting the MPSA Constitution (including the elimination of the residency rule); and implementation of “small sided games” for the house leagues. 2001 as Director of Officials developed MPSA “Fee Structure” for officials. This “Fee Structure” was upgraded several times while Martin was Director of Officials. 2007*  became NLSA Provincial Assessor, assessing at Club, Provincial and National tournaments, many of which were hosted or co-hosted by Mount Pearl. In 2007 Martin was awarded “The Ross Arlett Award” by the NLSA for his outstanding contribution to officiating. Since his arrival in Mount Pearl in 1985 Martin Batterson has been one of the most respected volunteers with Mount Pearl Soccer. Martin has honed his soccer skills as a top official and assessor, which have not only benefited the MPSA in particular, but the NLSA in general. His expertise as an official is only secondary to the time and effort he has given as an Executive member with the MPSA. His work ethic and genuine interest in the MPSA and youth of Mount Pearl over the past 20 years is second to none. * These activities and achievements had both local and provincial applications.

Austin Martin - Hall of Fame 2009 - Category - Builder 

1972 played and help run the men’s senior recreation league for approximately 10 years. 1974 coordinated the boys pee wee division in the MPSA house league and coached a pee wee team. 1975 – 1979 served on the MPSA Executive as Director and coordinated various minor house league divisions including the Midget and PeeWee divisions (later renamed U10 and 12 divisions). 1980 – 1981 served on the MPSA Executive as Vice-Chairman. 1982 – 1983 served on MPSA Executive as Director and also the Provincial Minor Chairman for the NSA during this time. 1984 – 1985 served on MPSA Executive as Chairman. 1975 - 1987 served as a Class 3 official and officiated MPSA minor house league games plus Provincial Tournaments hosted by MPSA. 1974 - 1989 served as a level 3 coach and was very active and successful coaching boys house league and all star teams. 1984 was co-coach of the Boys Under 12A which won the NL Provincial Championship. 1984 was co-coach of the Boys Under 18A which won the NL Provincial Championship and represented province at Atlantics. 1985 was co-coach of the Boys Under 16A which won the NL Provincial Championship. 1987 was the coach of the Boys Under 16A which won the NL Provincial Championship. 1988 was co-coach of the Boys Under 16A which won the NL Provincial Championship and represented the province at the Atlantics. 1989 was coach of the Boys Under 18 which won the St. John’s League Championship. From 1972 to 1989 Austin Martin was a very active volunteer and supporter of the Mount Pearl soccer program and was a “hands on” person that gave freely of his time and energy. Whether as a senior recreation player, a minor house league or all star coach, a Director, Vice Chairman or Chairman of the MPSA, or Provincial Minor Chairman for the Newfoundland Soccer Assn., the love of the game and the interest of the youth was uppermost in all his actions. The soccer community of Mount Pearl has been very fortunate that Austin took the time and interest to help develop the MPSA into the success it is today.

1975 – 1977 Director MPSA Executive. 1982 – 1983 Director MPSA Executive. 1975 – 1980 a player with the men’s senior recreation league. 1974 – 1985 was a coach and volunteer of various age groups in the MPSA boy’s house league, Under 8 to Under 16 and coordinator for the boy’s house league divisions. Charlie was also a Class 3 referee for house league games. 1975 – 1978 Coordinated and chaired the development of the Upper Smallwood Soccer Field which included: Numerous meetings with Town Engineers and representatives, Performed engineering and quantity surveys to develop pertinent fill estimates, Established grades to ensure proper drainage, Performed area surveys to estimate the required sodded area, Produced design and engineering drawings to guide actual field work, Revisited site to reset and recheck grades to ensure field work according to plan, Met with Town Engineers, representatives and project personnel on a regular basis until project was completed, On completion of field to required grade, helped MPSA volunteers with laying of some 40,000 sq ft of sods (approx. half of total sods laid). 1979 – 1980 Designed and produced construction drawings for pavilion adjacent to Upper Smallwood field. On approval to commence construction of this building: Prepared “List of Materials” for the project, Developed estimates for inclusion in proposals to various funders, Held numerous meetings/phone conversations with funding agencies to discuss and/or refine proposals, Numerous periodic site visits to ensure construction proceeded as per plans. Notwithstanding Charlie Adams’ contribution as a volunteer coach, official, executive member for some 12 years, the Mount Pearl Soccer Association was extremely fortunate that this person gave freely of his professional abilities when developing and constructing the Upper Smallwood field and the original “Hut”. With a background in civil engineering and surveying Charlie took on the task of heading up these two important projects. From 1975 to 1980 he spent immeasurable time on behalf of the MPSA performing the actual surveying, meeting with various Town officials, and contractors to ensure the Association’s interests were protected. In a relatively short period of time since its formation and with the assistance of the Town of Mount Pearl and various government funding, the Mount Pearl Soccer Association had developed and built a first class, regulation, soccer field and also its own clubhouse. The volunteer and professional contribution by Charlie Adams with these two projects contributed greatly to their success. 

Angus Barrett - Hall of Fame 2003 - Category - Builder 

Active with the MPSA since late the 1970's up to the mid 1990's as a minor house league, minor all star, Summer Games and senior coach; also a Class 2 official for minor and senior leagues within Mount Pearl and also minor and senior tournaments hosted by Mount Pearl. As a coach Angus has an impressive gold medal record in every age group with Provincial minor tournaments from the Boys Under 12, 14, 16, 18 and Junior to the NL Summer Games gold medal in 1992. Angus spent six years as a very active member of the MPSA Executive, two of which as Vice-President. The early, growing years for the Mount Pearl Soccer Association required lots of guidance and direction. Angus Barrett contributed a wealth of experience and expertise to overcome some of these growing problems. The soccer community of Mount Pearl was very fortunate to have a person of Angus’ expertise, dedication and commitment to the game. In the mid 1990's Angus went on to serve the NLSA as President for 4 years and then the CSA in various executive and committee roles. Notwithstanding, Angus was, and is, always prepared to contribute for the betterment of the game. Executive positions held with MPSA; Vice-President - 1985 and 1986, Director - 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983 and 1984, Total 7 years.

   

 

Herb Jenkins - Hall of Fame 2003 - Category - Builder

 

Herb has been active since the late 1970's with the MPSA. He has coached many minor boy's teams that have competed in NLSA Provincial competition and has won a number of Provincial and Atlantic Tournaments with the Mount Pearl teams. Also a Coach/Asst. Coach of several teams that represented Mount Pearl at the Provincial Summer Games. Most recently he was Assistant Coach of the Mount Pearl Boys Under 16A team that won the 2003 Provincial Tournament and had a tremendous performance finishing in 5^th place at the National Tournament held in Surrey, BC in October 2003. Herb has taken a number of minor teams on trips to invitational tournaments on mainland Canada and Great Britain. Herb conducted numerous minor coaching clinics and camps in the Mount Pearl area in the late 1970's and early 1980's. In 1977 Herb was the first Newfoundlander to become a National Referee and continued to pass on his expertise by conducting many officiating clinics for the MPSA and also surrounding communities. As a volunteer he has officiated for many years with the MPSA house leagues as well as Provincial and Invitational Tournaments. Herb has been involved with the soccer program in Mount Pearl for some 25 years. His distinctive, successful, method of coaching of the youth of Mount Pearl, together with his dedication and commitment to the game has been recognized and applauded. In 1996 the NLSA recognized Herb’s contribution to the soccer community and named him “Provincial Coach of the Year”. In 1997 he was inducted into the NLSA Hall of Fame. His induction to the MPSA Hall of Fame is recognition by the Mount Pearl Soccer community for a job well done. Executive positions held with MPSA; Director - 1978, 1979, 1996, 1998 and 1999.

 

 

Ben Dunne - Hall of Fame 2003 - Category - Builder

 

Ben has been active since the early 1980's as a minor coach with MPSA house league. From that date to 2002 he coached at every minor level up to the women’s senior teams in the St. John’s Senior League. Ben is the most successful coach in the MPSA history with over 10 gold medals in Provincial minor and Senior tournaments, and St. John’s Senior competition. He was also the coach of the Newfoundland team at the Canada Games in 1993. In 2002 he coached the Mount Pearl Senior Women’s team that represented Newfoundland & Labrador at the Nationals which was hosted by St. John’s/Mount Pearl. Not only did Ben excel in coaching these female teams, he was a very active member of the MPSA Executive from 1987 to 1991. Ben was also a qualified coaching instructor and ran many theory and practical clinics for the MPSA. During the twenty years associated with the MPSA, Ben has given immeasurable time and expertise to the MPSA program in general, and to the female program specifically. Ben is one of the main reasons why the female soccer program is so popular and successful within the MPSA. His contribution as a builder and proponent for women’s equality with our local soccer programs has had very positive results. The future of women’s soccer has benefited immensely from Ben Dunne's contribution. Executive positions held with MPSA; Director - 1987, 1989, 1990 and 1991.

 

 

Ed Moyst - Hall of Fame 1997- Category - Builder

 

1983 - Host Chairman, Boys Under 14 Canadian Eastern Tournament. 1983 & 1984 - Coach Mount Pearl Boys Under 12 All Star Team – Provincial Gold Medal. 1985 & 1986 - Coach Mount Pearl Boys Under 14 All Star Team – Provincial Gold Medal. 1988 - Tech. Chairman (Soccer) Nfld. & Labrador Summer Games (hosted by Mt. Pearl). 1990 - Coach Mount Pearl Men’s Sr. Team in St. John’s League and Prov. Challenge Cup. 1995 & 1996 - NLSA Representative for Mount Pearl Region. Officiating for approximately 30 years, Class 2 Certificate. Including Provincial, Atlantic and National Tournaments hosted by St. John’s and Mount Pearl. Holder of Level 3 Technical Coaching Certificate. Executive positions held with MPSA; Chairman - 1973 – 1976; 1979 – 1983, Vice-Chairman - 1988 – 1989, Director - 1977 – 1978; 1984 – 1987. Total of 17 years.

  

 

 

 

 

Keith Welsh - Hall of Fame 1997 - Category - Builder

 

 

Keith was a Minor official with the MPSA for approx. 15 years, including various age house leagues and Provincial  minor tournaments. Minor house league coach for 4 years and a player with the men’s senior recreation league for 6 years. Keith was instrumental in taking the lead in setting up the initial MPSA financial activities including preparation of budgets; control of spending; fundraising; and in the late 1970's handling of various grants to develop the Upper Smallwood field. Executive positions held with MPSA; Treasurer - 1973 – 1983, Total 11 years.

 

 

 

 

1969-1971 coached minor soccer with Kinsmen Club of Mount Pearl Minor Soccer League. 1972-73 together with other senior soccer players was instrumental in forming the MPSA. 1973-1983 coached and officiated in various minor divisions including coaching several all star teams from Mount Pearl. 1979 was the coach of the Boys U14 team which won the first Provincial Championship for Mount Pearl. 1974 founding member of the first MPSA Referee Association. 1974-1978 a member of Men’s Sr. Recreation League committee. 1996 inducted into the Mount Pearl Sports Hall of Fame in the “Athlete Builder” category. 1997 inducted into the Mount Pearl Soccer Association Hall of Fame in the Builder” category. Executive positions held with MPSA; Vice-President - 1976, 1977, 1979 and 1982, Director - 1973, 1974, 1975, 1978, 1980 and 1981. Total 10 years.

 

  

 

 

 

Jim Bulger - Hall of Fame 1997 - Category - Builder

 

 1980 became involved in the girls’ divisions of the MPSA as a coordinator, official and coach. In 1986 began to coach girl's all star teams and over a span of some 10 years won 6 Provincial titles, 1 “Gunn Balderson” title, and a “Metro City Championship”. Also coached the Mount Pearl Central High School Ladies team to two Provincial titles. 1986 named “Volunteer of the Year” for MPSA.1997 coordinated the compilation and publication of a 25^th Anniversary booklet for the MPSA. 1997 was inducted into the MPSA Hall of Fame in the “Builder” category. Over a 24 year period from 1975 to 1998 Jim has served the MPSA in many capacities. Besides being a coach, official, executive member, coordinator, he was also involved in developing the Upper Smallwood field; assisted with maintenance of the Hut and equipment; and developed car wash equipment which was used in many fundraising projects for teams and the MPSA. Executive positions held with MPSA; Vice-President - 1990 and 1991, Director - 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988 and 1989. Total 7 years.

 

 

Neil McLeod - Hall of Fame 1997 - Category - Builder

 

1970-1972 Minor coach with the Kinsmen Club of Mount Pearl Minor Soccer League. 1974 – 1998 Minor soccer official. Class 3 official participating in local house leagues as both a referee and linesman; Provincial minor tournaments hosted by Mount Pearl; Eastern Canada and National minor tournaments hosted by Mount Pearl (1996 “Snickers” National Boys & Girls U17 Tournament; 1988 Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games; 1983 Eastern Canada Boys U14 Tournament; Boys and Girls U16 National Tournament). 1973 – 1993 officiated (referee/linesman) in the Mount Pearl Men's Recreation Soccer League. 1994 – 1998 a player and organizer of the men's Master's soccer team which competed in the St. John’s League. This included handling/collecting of player fees and disbursement of same; liaison with the MPSA office and executive, and also the St. John’s League. Neil has contributed over 30 years to the soccer community of Mount Pearl and continues to be one of the MPSA’s biggest supporters. Executive positions held with MPSA; Director - 1974, 1975, 1976 and 1977.

 

From 1984 to 1995 Roger Ruttgaizer was a volunteer of high standards and energy with the Mount Pearl Soccer Association. The type of volunteer that many similar organizations would love to have.  As a member of the Executive he assumed the positions of Director, Treasurer and Vice President, plus Acting Secretary as required. From 1985 to 1998 Roger coached various boys house league teams and from 1986 to 1990 head coach and co-coach of Boys Under 12 and 14 all star teams, winning two Provincial Championships along the way. In 1986 Roger obtained both his CSA “C” License National Coaching Certificate and CSA Class 3 officiating certificate. From 1987 to 1998 he officiated (referee and linesman) for MPSA house league games and also various Provincial minor tournaments. Whether as an executive member, house league or all star coach, or official Roger took on each task with a positive and energetic outlook. His work ethic was of a very high standard and could be depended on to carry out to conclusion the many tasks he volunteered for. During his tenure on the executive he took on the challenge of developing an “Operating Manual” for the house league and many of the guidelines developed were adopted and possibly still used today. As a minor coach Roger could be best described as a “no nonsense coach” who again showed an aggressive work ethic towards the responsibility of coaching both house league and all star teams. His teaming up with other experienced coaches at the all star level had a very positive effect on the teams resulting in several Provincial championships.  Mount Pearl Soccer was extremely fortunate to have Roger for some 14 productive and quality years and only for moving to the mainland for work commitments would possibly still be a very active and valuable volunteer with the MPSA.      

 Raeleen (Dunne) Baggs - Hall of Fame 2011 - Category - Player

Raeleen (Dunne) Baggs - MPSA competitive soccer involvement runs from 1984 to 2008 and from Under 12 to Senior Ladies competition, a total of 26 years. Member of 7 consecutive Mount Pearl teams which won Provincial Minor Tournaments. Also member of Provincial U18 All Star team and member Newfoundland Canada Games team in BC 1993. Raeleen’s individual awards on the Provincial and Local level are numerous and include the prestigious “NLSA Senior Female Player of Decade 1990-1999”, plus various MVP, Top Defender awards.  At the National level Raeleen was invited twice to attend National Senior Identification Camps and named to 1st and 2nd all star teams with the Atlantic and Canadian University Leagues. While playing University soccer she also received many awards for MVP, Player of the Year, Athlete of the Year and also nominated for excellence in “leadership, athletics and academics” in the Atlantic University programs. One only has to read the complete history and bio for Raeleen to realize she set high standards for herself and succeeded in accomplishing her goals. It was evident from her play at a very young age that Raeleen was a team leader and led by example with her skill and commitment. Without hesitation Raeleen could be called a “role model” for the many players she played with and also those younger players who were and are just entering all star and competitive soccer. Raeleen set and achieved personal standards and goals that not only benefited her as an individual but the sport of soccer on the local, Provincial and National level. The Mount Pearl Soccer Association has been very fortunate to have Raeleen within its program. 

 Tom McGrath - Hall of Fame 2011 - Category - Builder

Tom McGrath’s activities with minor soccer in Mount Pearl go back to 1971 as minor coach with the Kinsmen minor soccer program which was not only sponsored by the Kinsmen Club of Mount Pearl but ran by their members and other volunteers. After several years as minor coach and in tandem with the formation of the Mount Pearl Soccer Association, Tom became the Secretary for five years 1974 to 1979 inclusive. While the playing or operational season in the early years was primarily confined to five or six months the work performed by the executive behind the scenes was year round.  Some of Tom’s responsibilities and tasks as association Secretary included the development of the Upper Smallwood from 1975 – 1977 where on behalf of the MPSA communicated (verbal and written) with various material and equipment suppliers and contractors for quotes and information, and also a much needed close liaison with the Town Engineering Dept. and Town Manager. Also on behalf of the MPSA liaised with various Town departments (Town Manager and Recreation Dept.) for use and scheduling of Town playing facilities; liaised with various school boards and individual schools for use of facilities; communicated with and solicited sponsors; constant contact with MPSA executive members and scheduling of executive and various committee meetings; member of various internal committees including ways & means, equipment inventory, chairman for fundraising projects, etc.; coordinated and chaired special internal functions such as annual dance and presentations, executive dinner and social, and Annual General Meetings.   The foregoing tasks and activities required dedicated and conscientious time and effort to be successful. Tom was more than up to the task. Also remember these tasks were done without use of email, cell phone, computers, etc. As a former member of the Holy Cross Senior Soccer team for five years in the mid 1960s, Tom’s playing experience was also invaluable when coaching the young players in the Kinsmen and MPSA house leagues. In summary Tom McGrath can be described as an unassuming, hard working, conscientious volunteer whose efforts and contributions especially in the early development stages of the Mount Pearl soccer program, can be recognized as a valuable contributor towards the smooth operation, development and success of the Mount Pearl Soccer Association.

 Bob Hillier - Hall of Fame 2011 - Category - Builder

For six years 1992 to 1998 Bob Hillier was one of the most colourful and proactive Presidents in the history of the MPSA (notwithstanding his 5 years as minor coach 1983 – 1988). During his tenure there were many firsts and innovations for the Association. For example: weekly bingo as a major fundraiser; fundraising BBQs and carwashes with proceeds going to various charities; minor teams going to England; hiring of first full time Administrator and Technical Coach; hosting National minor tournaments; organized and hosted “Cabot 97” activities with International Tournament and teams from BC and England participating; celebrated 25th Anniversary of MPSA with special events including first MPSA Hall of Fame inductions in 2003 and publication of 25th Anniversary Program.  While many of his activities are previously listed, Bob’s untiring work behind the scenes was sometimes taken for granted and not recognized. His ability to encourage people to become volunteers and to draw on individuals’ expertise, for the betterment of the soccer program, was second to none. To say that Bob had an influence on the direction that the MPSA was to take, especially with regard to the financial operation, is an understatement. His ability to entice (or cajole) businesses and individuals to become major sponsors with the MPSA; his ability to deal with various levels of Municipal, Provincial and Federal agencies and get results; to spend or allocate finances on programs which ultimately benefit the Association such as full time Technical and Administrative positions are benchmarks that stand today.  Bob not only had a very successful and productive six-year tenure as President of the MPSA but also a productive and positive history with the local, Provincial and National soccer scene for some 20 years. Without question Bob can be recognized as one of the major contributors to the game and an influence on the status of the Mount Pearl Soccer Association today.