Dean Smith has spent the last 40 years ensuring the kids in his community are having fun and staying active.
Dean’s involvement with the Cole Harbour Soccer Club began as a soccer dad, then he became a coach and served on the club’s executive for two decades and is currently the club’s president.
“He's always been very knowledgeable about the history of soccer in the club and also in the district,” says Joanne Wanamaker, soccer club administrator. “He certainly brings a lot of wisdom and experience to the executive.”
Dean has also been an advocate for soccer in the province. He received support from the government and the community to build the Soccer Nova Scotia facility in Halifax, as well as the new turf site in Cole Harbour.
“He's always calm and very rational about trying to resolve issues or just keep us focused on 'play for fun, play for life,' really focusing on soccer and getting as many kids involved as possible,” says Joanne.
Dean says his involvement with soccer and the players brings him a lot of joy.
“When you start seeing the ages of some of these kids, that used to be just young kids that were involved, now it's going up to senior. So I coach senior soccer as an example now, with ladies who are in professional careers and they still love the game, so I think that's my interest. Keeps me young I guess.”
This year the Cole Harbour Soccer Club is celebrating 40 years and has about 1,000 members.
Player Katie Steele, 12, says Dean plays an important role.
“He's a really big part of the club, he's behind everything and he's at every meeting, he's just really nice,” says Katie.
Congratulations to Dean Smith, our Maritimer of the Week.
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