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Clark Classic takes it back to the 80s

Williams Lake's Esler Sports Complex soccer fields took a time warp back to the 80s recently for the second annual Clark Glanville Classic soccer tournament.
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Clark Glanville (left)

Williams Lake’s Esler Sports Complex soccer fields took a time warp back to the 80s recently for the second annual Clark Glanville Classic soccer tournament.

Players, encompassing five teams for the one-day tournament that took place July 9, slipped on their best 80s-themed threads while helping raise money for the Esler Playground Project.

“Clark is very honoured to have this tournament in his name,” said Andrea Gustafson, overall organizer for the tournament. “Clark’s long-term dedication to soccer in Williams Lake has influenced and shaped many soccer players.”

Glanville, who coached, co-ordinated and refereed soccer for many, many years in Williams Lake, suffered a stroke two years ago. Clark paved the way for many young local players to go on to play soccer at a higher level. He was in attendance along with his wife, Bev, during the tournament held in his honour to enjoy a sunny day of soccer.

“He’s contributed so much to soccer in Williams Lake and this is a great way for us to contribute to our youth by providing a playground at the Esler Soccer Complex,” Gustafson said.

Teams of 10 for seven-a-side games laced up their cleats attempting to take home the championship. Tournament rules dictated three men and four women had to be on the field at all times.

In the end, both the first- and second-place teams, Club 27 and Top Gun, respectively, donated their cash winnings back to the playground project, while the rest of the teams, additionally, donated their entry fees to the project.

Of the five teams entered into the tournament, four teams qualified for playoffs with Club 27, captained by Gustafson, taking the championship in a shootout.

Best dressed female players went to Sara Fulton, Amanda Rolf and Shayla Turcotte. Best dressed male players were Curt Levens and Wayne Hammond with honourable mentions going to the Top Gun team.

Gustafson added several volunteers were instrumental in helping her with the tournament including Clark’s son Sean Glanville and his wife Annie Glanville on concession, Trina Halfnights with setup and refereeing, Regan Ernst with the tournament draw and refereeing, Norma Macdonald with donations and Kevin Ernst, Grant Gustafson and Shannon Pigeon with refereeing.

Gustafson said the Williams Lake Men’s and Ladies’ Soccer Leagues have setup an account at Amanda Enterprises bottle depot for donations toward the Esler Playground Project for anyone who would like to contribute.

“We’d also like to invite players to put teams in next year, as well,” Gustafson said.

Clark’s son Sean said the tournament was well attended, fun and competitive.

“It means a lot to [my dad] to see people recognize all he’s done for soccer,” Sean said.

“He was able to make it out for a bit of the day, he got lots of hugs, and it’s nice for him to get recognized.”



Greg Sabatino

About the Author: Greg Sabatino

Greg Sabatino graduated from Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops with a Bachelor of Journalism degree in 2008.
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