A pair of local volunteers were recognized for their service to the game of soccer during the Saskatchewan Soccer Association Awards on March 31.
The Swift Current Soccer Association’s Chad Striker and Dale Perry were both recognized for their contributions to the beautiful game.
Striker was named the SSA Volunteer of the Year for 2020.
“Chad lives and breathes that all kids should be given the opportunity to play, to build skills, and to be part of a team,” said the SSA announcement during the awards show, which was held virtually on Facebook on Wednesday evening. “He is passionate about building the sport in Saskatchewan and has inspired teenagers to become youth coaches, families who are unfamiliar with the sport to become committed, and parents with no background in soccer to become mentored into coaching roles. He leads by example and his incredible patience has led to many children to be inspired to keep trying and learning. Chad has a way of acknowledging each Board Member’s strengths and uses that to help drive smart decisions. He’s established that the Board acts from a team approach and logical thinking, which will impact the Board for many years.”
Striker was previously recognized with the Canada Soccer Nation Champion Award for helping bring soccer back to Swift Current during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This summer, Chad was the first one to step up after the initial wave of covid to ensure that the kids had opportunity to play again. He worked countless hours alongside Public Health and the Board in a volunteer capacity to orchestrate return to play day camps for players. No stone was left unturned to ensure that it could be done safely and providing an experience the kids would not soon forget. Congratulations Chad,” concluded the award announcement.
Perry collected his second major award in nine days as he was recognized with the President’s Award. The longtime contributor to soccer in Swift Current had won the Sask Sport Coach Dedication Award last week.
“The President’s award was established to recognize those who have made exceptional contributions to the game in Saskatchewan,” said Lisa Bagonluri, Saskatchewan Soccer Association President. “Dale Perry is undoubtingly one of those individuals. Over the past 35 plus years, he has contributed immensely to soccer, not only in Swift Current, but in Saskatchewan. We join many others in being grateful for all he’s done for the game and for the impact he has made on the lives of so many athletes and coaches. With this award Dale Perry has received the highest recognitions possible from Saskatchewan Soccer, Coach of the Year, Life Membership, David Newsham Award winner, and now as the recipient of the Presidents Award.”
Perry has been integral to the growth of soccer in Swift Current as a coach, referee, board member and volunteer in countless capacities. He served on the SSA Board for five years and helped establish and coached both the Swift Current Comprehensive High School Colts and Ardens soccer teams. He has also coached soccer at the past five Saskatchewan Summer Games.
Perry has won over 30 provincial championships while coaching boys, girls, and adults during indoor and outdoor soccer over the course of his decorated career with the Swift Current United Soccer Club.
