Garth Lubkey

In his 25 years as a volunteer, Garth served as Soccer Director in the Belvedere Community, held a position as Boys Director with EMSA, coached girls and boys of all ages at the Community and Club levels, and was instrumental in the development of the Tier II program in the North Zone. Edmonton’s soccer reputation was strengthened with each year that Garth organized and ran the highly successful Belvedere Soccer Tournament, which drew teams from across Alberta and it’s neighbouring provinces, as well as from the U.S.A. Many players coached by Garth were inspired by him to become coaches themselves. Garth’s contributions were recognized by the Alberta Soccer Association and in January 2003 he was awarded the ASA Shield of Merit for Long and Outstanding Volunteer Service.

The Edmonton North Zone Soccer Association commemorates Garth Lubkey as an outstanding volunteer who influenced the success of soccer in Edmonton through his dedication and passion.

April 4, 1957-March 3, 2003

Stan Gantar

Stan proudly built his home in the community of Kilkenny in 1972 and instantly became a valued member of the new community league serving north Edmonton. Stan’s three(3) sons started playing soccer and with that Stan served as a soccer coach in Kilkenny community league, community director for Kilkenny, served with the then NEZ board (now North zone) and all around soccer volunteer from 1977 until his death in 1990. His motto as a coach was “with teaching and practicing the proper basic skills, the goals will come”. Stan implemented the policy that all Kilkenny coaches in that period were to obtain the most current and proper coach training and regularly supported and mentored each other, producing some of the most talented, skilled, and passionate community level coaches, players, and teams ever seen.

Stan’s positive, patient, and supportive influence has resulted in a legacy that has inspired, resulted, and produced: an EMSA President, a FIFA referee, athletes that have gone on to play all levels of soccer (including ASA, university, college), lifelong soccer players, referees, Community Soccer Directors, Zone Board Members, and instilled a love for the sport that to this day many players Stan coached continue to play and are now even coaching their own children.

April 2, 1940 – July 5, 1990

Ron Hodgins

Ron was a positive advocate for the game of soccer and most importantly for the kids who played the game. He is remembered as a coach who promoted teamwork and fair play, a mentor who taught life skills as well as soccer skills and a friend who believed in youth potential and he worked tirelessly to build self-esteem and self-worth. As a volunteer, Ron served as Soccer Director and Area 4 representative for the Delton Community. Ron believed that every child should have the opportunity to participate in the game of soccer, and he worked diligently to conquer any barriers to that goal. He was a coach, a referee, a soccer director and to all a mentor.

July 4, 1954 – March 25, 2003

Ron Couture

Ron was a member of the EMSA north – Xtreme FC for 8 years as an Assistant Coach. He fought a courageous battle with cancer for many years and was a inspiration to all around him. Ron enjoyed helping the Xtreme FC organization and will be remembered by the organization and it’s members for a long time to come. The players that Ron helped to coach will remember him as being filled with lots of love and laughter and his sense of humor always kept the team positive and fun.

May 26, 1966 - February 23, 2011

Jaime Jaramillo

EMSA north recognizes Jamie Jarmillo for all of the time he spent with our players / teams officiating their game. He always made a lasting impression with the players with his quick wit and love of the game. “He was one of those people who left a lasting impression. He was always the life of the event.” He will always be remembered as one of the BEST REFEREES out there!

March 10, 1957 – April 28, 2010

Manuel Narciso

Manuel (Manny) Narciso spent many years involved in Soccer as a Coach, Referee, and Board member with the EMSA North organization. Manny was dedicated, dependable, strong willed, always willing to lend a helping hand, and most importantly a great mentor to our youth soccer players. In 2015 Manny was awarded the Alberta Soccer Association Shield of Merit. Manny touched so many in the Soccer community and will be truly missed.

1951 - May 13, 2014

Joe Pimentel

Joe Pimentel resided in the community of Lago Lingo and was one of those rare individuals with a larger than life personality and the ability to make anyone feel immediately at ease and comfortable in his presence. Everyone who knew him would agree that he was an extraordinary man, loved by many but especially by our young referees whom he spend so much time working with. Joe was a member of the EMSA north board, U10 and U12 referee assignor, Lago Lingo coach, ASA referee and adult player. Joe loved soccer; he loved everything about coaching, refereeing, playing and volunteering and he dearly loved his family and their support of his passion. In 2015 Joe was the recipient of the Volunteer of the Year Award from EMSA. His love of practical jokes, referee mentoring program and his unmatchable contributions of time and knowledge to the EMSA north and youth soccer leaves a lasting legacy that will be remembered for a long time to come.

May 9, 1972 – October 5, 2016

Chris Nozack

Chris Nozack resided in Delton Community his entire life. He began his coaching career in the early 1990’s, which continued for over 20 years. His love for teaching the game grew as his knowledge did, over this time he obtained a provincial level-coaching certificate. He believed every soccer player should have equal opportunity to play every position and be a part of the game regardless of that players' skill level, it was that philosophy that infused his players with confidence and essential life skills.

Nearing the end of a close game it didn’t matter if you were the team’s top scorer or have yet to score, if it was you turn to play you played, Chris felt everyone deserved an equal opportunity. He made sure no kid was left behind due to transportation issues as he would load up his station wagon with as many kids as needed rides in order for them to be at the game. He not only taught kids the game of soccer but important life skills such as the ability to win/lose with dignity, communication, and leadership. In addition to coaching Chris also took over as the equipment director for Delton community. It was during this time that Chris implemented an equipment exchange program helping ensure all kids had the correct equipment needed to play. Chis also believed in the importance of a well-marked field and began marking fields for all Delton’s age groups and it goes with out saying that those fields he marked will never have lines as white and as straight as they were when Chris lined them.

May 18, 1963 - February 12, 2016

Shelley Lindsay

Shelley Lindsay started her soccer career as a Lago Lindo Assistant Director. In the early 2000's Shelley started coaching in McLeod for her oldest daughter, Kari in U12. She also coached her youngest daughter Nicole from U6. She became the Co-soccer director as well as the sports director in Mcleod for several years as well as playing in EDSA. Her legacy has not been forgotten and she is talked about fondly by many in the Community.

August 19, 1964 - October 23, 2013