By KYSA

Longtime KYSA president recognized by B.C. Soccer

May 23, 2017 | 11:29 AM

KAMLOOPS — The BC Soccer Association has announced that the immediate past-president and a current director of the Kamloops Youth Soccer Association (KYSA), Graham Cope, will be presented with their Award of Merit at the organization’s Annual General Meeting, Saturday, June 10 in Burnaby.

The provincial association’s Award of Merit is presented to selected individuals in recognition of contributions to soccer during a period of ten or more years, as a player, manager, coach, official, or administrator at the club/league or district level. 

Graham has been an elected volunteer member of the KYSA board of directors for the last 11 years, ten of which he has served as President.

This year, Graham will complete his last term of office at the KYSA Annual General Meeting in November.  

Graham has two children––son Iain and daughter Erin––who have played in the KYSA since they were 6 years-old. Iain graduated from the youth program last year. Erin currently plays in the U16 girls house league. Graham’s wife, Sandy, has been a team coach for many years and currently fills the role of staff coach for the association.

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In 2013, Graham received the City of Kamloops’ Distinguished Service Award for his outstanding service to the KYSA. In March of 2014, he was presented with a “President’s Award” at the Sport BC Athlete of the Year Banquet in Vancouver in recognition of his dedication, guidance and oversight of KYSA. 

During his tenure as President, the KYSA has hosted two dozen major soccer events including 10 Slurpee Cups [averaging 170 teams per tournament], 3 Thompson Okanagan Youth Soccer League playoffs, 2 Provincial Cup Tournaments, the National U16 Club Championships, as well as playing a key role in the organization of the soccer components of several multi-sport “Games” that have been held in Kamloops. 

Graham also served as Governor of the BCSPL when Thompson-Okanagan Football Club was granted a franchise. Over the course of his Presidency, the KYSA has become one of the most respected soccer clubs in the Province.

“I have worked alongside many capable President’s in my 35 years of soccer administration and Graham has been one of the best to work with,” says KYSA Executive Director, Keith Liddiard. “I wish every paid employee had the privilege of having someone as capable, as fair, and with as much integrity as Graham Cope.

“This is a most deserving honour and I am so pleased to see him receive this accolade from the provnicial body.”