VANCOUVER, BC – The word “legend” is used far too often in sporting circles, but there’s no other way to describe Carl Valentine. From the moment he arrived in Vancouver 35 years ago, the Manchester native has embraced this city and club for all it has to offer – and the feeling is mutual.
On Wednesday, Valentine will be inducted into the Vancouver Whitecaps FC Ring of Honour before the ‘Caps take on San Jose Earthquakes at BC Place (tickets are still available at whitecapsfc.com/tickets).
“I was ecstatic,” Valentine said of his initial reaction to the Ring of Honour induction. “To be one of the first along with Bobby [Lenarduzzi], Andrea [Neil], and Domenic [Mobilio] is a big achievement.”
“I’ve made Vancouver my home,” he continued. “It’s one of the most scenic and best places to live for sure and I’ve traveled around the world. And to be a part of the history of the Vancouver Whitecaps has been really special.”
It’s fitting that Valentine’s induction ceremony falls this week in particular. Exactly 35 years ago Monday, Valentine – a 21-year-old rookie at the time – helped lead the Whitecaps to their historic 1979 NASL Soccer Bowl Championship.
At the ensuing championship parade, Valentine famously declared: “You are the number one fans and we are the number one team!” in front of a crowd of approximately 100,000 people.
That single moment kicked off a love affair between Valentine and the City of Vancouver.
“Everyone was having a go saying their spiel about winning the final and the season and the team and everything,” said Valentine, who became a Canadian citizen in 1983 and represented Canada at the 1986 FIFA World Cup. “I think I was one of the last ones and there wasn’t much more to say. I’m not sure where it came from. I’m not usually one for words.”
A speedy winger in his playing days, Valentine is the club’s all-time leader in appearances with 409 and fourth all-time in goals scored with 65. The English-born talent spent 19 memorable seasons in Vancouver with the Whitecaps and 86ers, with whom he won four straight Canadian Soccer League titles from 1988 to 1991.
Valentine also scored the first-ever goal for the 86ers back in 1987, returning to Vancouver after spending two years in the old English first division.
“Before our first-ever game, there was a big front page story on the sportspage with a massive, half-page picture of Carl and his return,” said Whitecaps FC president Bob Lenarduzzi, who served the dual role as player/coach with the 86ers. “We ended up selling out at Swangard with over 7,000 fans and a lot of it had to do with Carl’s popularity.”
Lenarduzzi referred to Valentine as a classic out-and-out winger who had a knack for getting fans out of their seats. He had a soft touch and could cross the ball, but his best asset was his pace.
“He liked to get the ball at his feet and just run at players,” Lenarduzzi said. “For players like myself who played at fullback, he was your worst nightmare.”
“I wasn’t really sure what I was going to do when I got the ball, so the defenders had no chance,” Valentine laughed.
As Lenarduzzi referenced, Valentine was always a fan favourite in Vancouver. He was voted the team’s most popular player in his second year – the only award that is displayed in his home – and then in 1992 he was voted the city’s most popular athlete in a poll conducted by the Vancouver Sun.
“That means a lot to me,” said Valentine, who had his #21 retired by the Whitecaps in 1999. “Obviously that makes you feel good. It’s great to know that I was able to give that joy to the fans of Vancouver and now I’m able to give them joy in different ways.”
In the build-up to Whitecaps FC’s inaugural MLS season, Valentine rejoined the organization as a club ambassador. Within this role, Valentine plays a massive part in the club’s community outreach efforts. He regularly attends Whitecaps FC camps, clinics, school visits, and other events with the goal of growing the game and “building fans for life.”
<a href="//www.youtube.com/embed/gaxWn5LlHoI"></a> |
<b>Valentine makes a visit to the BC Children's Hospital</b> |
This year alone, Valentine has made over 90 community appearances in 18 different cities/municipalities – including seven outside the Lower Mainland. He’s also hosted 14 viewing parties and done many more media interviews.
And he’s done all this while serving as a staff coach with Vancouver’s U-16 Residency team – a role he took on late last year.
“Before that, I remember reflecting and saying, I’m in my 50s now, I’m not coaching, I’m not playing, and I’m having the time of my life,” said Valentine, who is now 56. “Who would have thought that? It’s just so rewarding to be out there in the community. People talk about that Soccer Bowl win as ‘we’ because people felt part of the Whitecaps. That’s what we’re trying to build now and I’m just over the moon to be a part of it.”
He’s more than just “a part of it,” according to Lenarduzzi. He’s a massive part of it.
“It’s great for our club because aside from him being one of the more popular athletes we’ve ever had, he’s also someone that is prepared to get out there and continue to grow the club’s brand,” said Lenarduzzi. “And whatever he does he does it in a ‘Carl-like’ way. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen him upset. It just seems like he’s always in a good mood.”
Valentine’s current role involves a lot of early mornings and long days, but you’d be hard-pressed to find him without a smile on his face. That’s not some kind of show either. It’s just part and parcel of who he is as a person.
“I guess it just feels a lot like when I was playing and coaching … it doesn’t really feel like a job,” Valentine said. “I’m just so blessed that my job keeps me involved in all aspects of the club. Every day is different. I’m just around a lot of positive people, a positive environment, giving out a positive message. It just energizes me and keeps me going.”
There’s a reason they call him a legend.
It’s not too late to participate in the best sporting experience in Vancouver. Whitecaps FC offer a flexible range of ticket products, including prorated season tickets, 5-packs, student season tickets, and a youth soccer half-season ticket. Single-match tickets start at $22, subject to applicable fees. For more information on all Whitecaps FC ticket options, call 604.669.9283 ext. 2 or visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
