June 27, 2006

A number of leaders in the Prince George soccer community will beworking with UNBC Athletics and Recreation to develop the varsitysoccer program at the University.  

“With any new program, it is extremely important to build a solidfoundation,” says Len McNamara, UNBC Athletics and RecreationCoordinator.  “We’re going to be working with local people whohave the experience and the passion to do good things for soccer in theNorth.”  

Anders Dyrblom, a former technical director of the Prince George YouthSoccer Association, will be the women’s head coach, assisted by MatoMikic.  The men’s team will be coached by Sonny Pawar, a localsoccer product who studied and played soccer at the Universities ofAlberta and Calgary. Orlando Mauro will be Pawar’s assistant coach.

“In addition to the coaches and their assistants, Gale Russell and KenHodges will work with Athletics to oversee the program on behalf of thecoaches and players,” says McNamara. “Gale is a former president of thePGYSA and they both have extensive experience that will assist theprogram’s development at UNBC.”

Starting this fall, the UNBC soccer teams will compete in an exhibitionseason against other teams in the BC Colleges’ Athletic Association. Todate, UNBC’s only varsity teams have been men’s and women’s basketball.

Contact:
Len McNamara, Coordinator of Athletics and Recreations, UNBC - 250.960.6358
or Rob van Adrichem, Director of Media and Public Relations, UNBC - 250.960.5622