The BC Sports Hall of Fame announced on Wednesday that former Vancouver Whitecaps and Canadian men’s national team manager Tony Waiters will be inducted in the class of 2019 as a coach/builder.
“On behalf of everyone at the club, we would like to congratulate Tony on this well deserved honour,” said Bob Lenarduzzi, Whitecaps FC president. “On a personal note, Tony was a great mentor for me as I made the transition from player to coach. This recognition is befitting of a man who is a true example of a builder and leader for the sport in our community. In addition to his work as a coach, Tony also played a vital role in establishing the West Coast Soccer Society that led to the founding of the Vancouver 86ers, which allowed me to get my start as a coach, and has carried forward into the club that we have today.”
The induction comes on the 40th anniversary year of the famous Whitecaps 1979 NASL Soccer Bowl Championship team, led by coach Waiters.
Seven years after that NASL triumph, Waiters coached Canada to the country’s first, and so far only, appearance at the men’s 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico. Earlier this year, Waiters was honoured alongside other members of the 1986 team during the ‘Caps July 1 match at BC Place. Waiters also coached Canada to a quarterfinals appearance at the 1984 Summer Olympics in the United States.
The induction gala will take place on Thursday, May 23, 2019 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. For ticket information visit bcsportshalloffame.com.
