-submitted by KYSA
KAMLOOPS, BC –– It’s the time of year again when the Kamloops Youth Soccer Association (KYSA) pays tribute to one of its pioneers, Mike Bartram.
Forty KYSA teams will take part in the Annual Mike Bartram Memorial Youth Soccer Tournament, Saturday/Sunday/Monday, May 5-6-7. The event is partly funded by long time KYSA House League sponsors, McDonald’s.
It’ll be the first competitive tournament of the season for the boys and girls house teams in the U13 to U18 age groups.
All games will be played at McArthur Island.
The KYSA chose to name it’s early season domestic tournament in Bartram’s honour shortly after he passed away in the year 2000.
It was an obvious decision in light of the fantastic contribution made by a man who was totally committed to building KYSA. From the time he arrived in Kamloops in 1973 to his untimely death in the year 2000, he dedicated himself to turning the youth soccer organization into one that is respected throughout the province.
Little did he know that his tireless efforts over many years would have resulted in the organization annually registering between 3200 and 3500 players––the largest youth sports organization in Kamloops.
Bartram was a volunteer. He served on the KYSA executive for many years, handling every job imaginable. He refereed and coached and is remembered as a driving force behind the growth of the female side of the game. As a father of three daughters, he helped develop the girls’ program from its infancy.
Bartram also played the game and was involved in adult soccer––including time spent coaching teams with the University College of the Cariboo (now known as Thompson-Rivers University).
As has been the case in previous years, Mike’s widow Charmaine and his daughters will be ever present at this year’s tournament, presenting awards and helping celebrate his legacy.
Schedules can be found on the KYSA web site under the “Events” tab.