CRYSA Awards
CRYSA acknowledges its valued volunteers and the achievements by any player registered with CRYSA. Memorial awards and certificates of appreciation are awarded to those selected by the CRYSA Awards Committee at a ceremony held prior to the Annual General Meeting held in July.
~ 2024 ~
The Marthinsen Cup
Brenna Preston
William Bates
The Marthinsen Cup recognizes the years of devotion and service provided to CRYSA by both Trig and Zula Marthinsen. The Marthinsen's were instrumental in the development of CRYSA and spearheaded the building of the clubhouse. The Award is presented to a deserving player who exhibits the following qualities: sportsmanship, dependability, leadership, academics and progression of skills. The players length of involvement in youth soccer and participation in league activities such as coaching and refereeing are also important.
Brenna has been a long time member of CRYSA. As CRYSA was not able to field a team for her Division this last season, she took the opportunity to give back to the club. She spent most of the season assisting with the U15 Girls squad and became a member of our Technical Team. Brenna actively recruited a number of new players ensuring there will be a squad for the upcoming season. Brenna maintained a high level of academic success at Carihi.
William began his soccer journey with CRYSA 12 years ago as a Tot. For the past three years he has been a part of our Accelerated Program and developed into one of the stronger Goal Keepers in the Club. This past year he has taken given back to the Club by assisting younger REP keepers in their development, been a part of the Academy, and is currently assisting with the striker/keeper program. He also assisted the Club by taking on the job of lining all of our grass fields. A multi-sport athlete at CARIHI, William manages to keep his academic focus and is a solid student.
Brenna and William are excellent candidates for the Marthinsen Cup.
The Herbert Hall Memorial Trophy
The Herbert Hall Memorial Trophy is in memory of Herbert Hall who died in 1988. During his lifetime Herbert Hall devoted much time and energy to youth soccer. The Memorial Trophy is given to the person the Board of Directors feels has done the most to further youth soccer for the year. This may be given to a player, coach, parent, referee, director or any other person dedicating service to youth soccer.
As outlined in the nomination papers, Baek is on the field just as much, if not more, than the players. He is the first coach volunteer to submit all of the credentials and complete all the necessary certifications. Baek coaches two age groups for two different level of programs. His dedication to CRYSA is full, and he does it quietly and completely and we are very lucky to have such a dedicated parent volunteer coach.
Baek Lee
Ella Foort
Nguyen Dong
The Desmond Caldwell Trophy
The Desmond Caldwell Trophy is awarded to a player who excels in goal keeping.
This trophy is in memory of Desmond Caldwell who lost his life in an airplane accident.
As noted by the nomination papers for Ella, “Every time Ella took charge of the net, she utilized her athleticism, voice and intelligent football IQ to provide the team with a sense of calmness with dependable goalkeeping.”
Looking at the nomination papers for Nguyen, “For the majority of the U18 games, Nguyen was a major factor in keeping the games as close as they were, keeping us within a goal or winning. One of his finest moments was in our B-Cup playdowns where he came came up huge in the penalty shootouts, defeating the Powell River team at home. Nguyen was instrumental in our team winning the Div 2 at the Surrey Mayor’s Cup where we went 4-0 (3 clean sheets and only conceded 2 goals over 4 games).
The Barb Stewart Trophy
The Barb Stewart Trophy named in her memory is awarded for the outstanding volunteer.
For the 2023/24 season the Barb Stewart Trophy was presented to Susan Leask. Although Susan does not have a family member enrolled in any CRYSA programs she is an exceptional volunteer. CRYSA appreciates her unwavering dedication to the Club, and are grateful of her ability to get her roles/duties done so thoroughly.
Susan Leask
The Steve Marshall Cup
The Steve Marshall Cup was donated by Ernie Alberty and Neil Van Ierland and is awarded to the most valuable female player.
. For the 2023/24 season the Steve Marshall Cup was presented to Mylove Ruff. As noted by the nomination papers, “Mylove showed determination and enthusiasm throughout the entire soccer season. She always brought a smile and joy to practices and games. Mylove never wanted a sub, showing fierce determination and dedication to her team. Always kind, she showed a high level of sportswomanship and consistently brought a high level of competition to the pitch.”
Mylove Ruff
The Jim Humphries Tug and Barge Trophy
The Jim Humphries Tug and Barge Trophy is awarded to the most inspirational female player.
For the 2023/24 season the Jim Humphries Tug and Barge Trophy was presented to Magdalena Graham. Her coaches stepped up saying “Mags was always willing to do whatever it took to help her team out on and off the field. As a result of system and lineup changes, Mags was asked to try new positions outside of her comfort zone, which she took in stride with maturity and an attitude of doing what was best for the team. Off the pitch she was a leader in team activities, showed growth in communications with coaching staff, and had 100% attendance to all practices, games and activities.” “Mags embodies inspiration, encourages her teammates, and consistently works to improve her game. She understands the concept of “team” both on and off the field.”
Magdelena Graham
The Dick Button Memorial Trophy
The Dick Button Memorial Trophy is awarded to the most improved youth referee.
For the 2023/24 season the Dick Button Memorial Trophy was awarded to Kai-Jensen West. As put forward by the nominators, “Throughout the year Kai refereed for us on a regular basis. As the season progressed Kai gained more confidence and steadily improved his officiating skills – both as a Referee at the Super 8 level and as an Assistant Referee for the U15, U16 and U18 matches.
Kai Jensen - West
The Malcolm Cowie Memorial Trophy
The Malcolm Cowie Memorial Trophy is awarded to the referee of the year.
For the 2023/24 season the Malcolm Cowie Memorial Trophy was awarded to Harry Barrett. The award was given to Harry in recognition of his outstanding contribution on the field as an excellent official – whether it be as a Referee or an Assistant Referee. Harry is highly respected by both players and coaching staffs of not only CRYSA teams but also by teams we host during the season. Harry steps up not only to officiate games involving our older teams, but is also there to help out with our younger development teams. Harry can always be depended upon when assigned to any game. His support of our Association is greatly appreciated.
Harry Barett
The Farren Cup
The Farren Cup is awarded each year to the most valuable male player.
. For the 2023/24 season, the Farren Cup was presented to Jonah Christiansen-Barker. Reading from the nomination papers, Jonah is a unique player that only comes along once in a while. He is fiercely dedicated, and can almost always be found up at the pitch improving his skills. Although a member of the U16 team, he often practiced with the U18 team and garnered their respect as they are quoted as saying “Jonah is a player we would not want to play against, but would love as a team mate”. According to coaches, “Jonah is a natural play maker. Watching him play was a delight as he would rather see the team succeed over personal glory.”
Jonah Christiansen - Barker
The Stephan Stock Memorial Trophy
The Stephan Stock Memorial Trophy is awarded each year to the most inspirational male player.
For the 2023/24 season, the Stephan Stock Memorial Trophy was awarded to Kanoah Sequeira. As provided by the coach, “Kanoah was by far the hardest working member of the team. He was forever pushing himself and his team mates to strive for excellence. He was consistently the first one to the pitch and would remain after practice well after the lights had turned off trying to perfect a skill. Driven by a fierce desire to compete he would elevate the teams game, by the sheer magnitude of his efforts. First to admit his mistakes, he would be supportive of team mates and their faults. Voted MVP by his team mates and first star overall for the season, Kanoah is a great recipient of the Stephan Stock Memorial Trophy.
Kanoah Sequeira
The Beth Hamilton Award
The Beth Hamilton Award is awarded to the most inspirational player in spring league soccer.
For the 2023/24 season, the Beth Hamilton Award was awarded to Zarah Ahmadi. As noted by her coach, “A mere six months ago Zarah and her family were Afghan Refugees hiding out in a Pakistani safe house, living in hiding and seldom outdoors, hoping that their plan to escape Taliban persecution and make it to Canada would be fulfilled. Fortunately it was. The opportunity for this young female to play a team sport with peers her age, and the freedom this activity represents, is a shining example of how a community and sport can change lives in the most resounding ways. Zarah LOVES soccer and cherishes her time on the field with friends...her story is truly the most inspiring.”
Zarah Ahmadi
The Graham Sibley Spirit Award
The Graham Sibley Spirit Award is awarded to the most outstanding advocate for the improvement of youth soccer, and promoted the integrity of the Association in the community.
For the 2023/24 season, the Graham Sibley Spirit Award was presented to Stefan Herschler. As noted by his Co-coach of a number of years, “I couldn’t ask for a better team mate as a coach. Stefan has integrity, awareness, and desire to see the kids grow and develop as players and team mates. He has a passion for soccer that doesn’t overshadow his role to see that the players are engaged and enjoying their time on the field, as well as all together. Stefan always “raises his hand” to assist and provide help wherever and whenever needed. His sense of humor and confidence also provide a safe and reflective environment for others. Thanks Coach for being such a great team mate.” Stefan has also contributed to CRYSA as a Board of Director member.
Stefan Herschler
The Jim Kurbis Memorial Trophy
Dolly Chernoff
Lok Hang Wong
The Jim Kurbis Memorial Trophy is awarded to the most improved player. "Jimmy" fully embodied "always believe in yourself and dream large".
For the 2023/24 season, the Jim Kurbis Memorial Trophy was presented to Dolly Chernoff and Lok Hang Wong. Dolly had only played community soccer for one year prior to the daunting task of not only trying out for Rep, but also playing in an older age division. She commenced the season as a player-in-training, working hard at practices and games but struggling to keep up with the pace and skill of some of the girls a year older. However, through her positive attitude and unrelenting commitment to learning and progressing, Dolly finished the season with four goals and became a player that offered a special brand of play...methodical and direct with a no quit attitude. Dolly worked within our team unit and she made contributions that no other player touched on.
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​​As noted by his coaches, Lok Hang, “in his second season as a Rep player, has become an integral part of our teams success. His edge has been his rapid pace of development and athleticism. This year he took on the role of a Striker, and was an absolute pest to opposing teams offensive lines throughout the season, pressing hard which led to many turned over balls. Lok Hang worked hard in games and in training, and his mental game showed great growth as well. He displayed an ability to apply coaching feedback to his game almost immediately. His passion and incredibly hard work contributed to his tremendous improvement as a player in a very short period.
The Jerry Smit Memorial Trophy
The Jerry Smit Memorial Trophy is awarded to the most outstanding CRYSA Coach in memory of Jerry Smit who sadly passed away in 2020. Jerry enjoyed engaging and working with youth and had a passion for soccer, as a result he was a huge supporter of youth soccer and a true champion of the game. For over a decade Jerry was involved with CRYSA as a Board Member, a Divisional Manager, and coached at both the House and REP levels. The award is presented to the CRYSA coach that best promotes the spirit of soccer through coaching. The award was donated by Jerry's REP team, the CRYSA Thunder.
. For the 2023/24 season, the Jerry Smit Memorial Trophy was presented to Stephen Hall. Stephen was nominated by several coaches for this trophy. They noted that Steve dedicates time to coaching CRYSA Academy programs (all age categories), conducting Rep Tryouts, is involved in Summer Camps, mentors parent volunteer coaches, and this year took on coaching the U16 Boys. He has real gift in connecting with those he is coaching, earning their confidence and more importantly respect. Steve demands a high standard from players, pushing them to do better. The players all appreciate how Steve can break down the game or skill and teach it to them. Their efforts resulted in the U16 winning the Development Cup and Island Cup trophies. Overall, his masterful understanding of the game, great leadership skills, and passion for the game is a benefit to all of those he works with, including other coaches with whom he shares his knowledge and skills with.
