Huw Morris Marks 50 Years of Shaping Saskatoon Soccer Community

Huw Morris, a pivotal figure in Saskatoon’s soccer community, celebrates an impressive milestone: 50 years of dedication to the sport. Arriving in Canada from Wales in the summer of 1976 with his wife, Morris quickly immersed himself in the local soccer scene, contributing to both the sport’s development and the broader community.

Morris recalls a time when many athletes migrated to Saskatchewan, not only for jobs in the mining industry but also to foster the growth of soccer. He emphasizes the importance of these athletes in enhancing Canada’s stature through their skills and education. “Back in those days, a lot of athletes came over… to make Canada a richer, more valuable country,” Morris said.

As an engineer by trade, Morris’s journey in soccer began as a player with the Saskatoon United Soccer Club (SUSC). He fondly remembers competing for the Saskatchewan Shield, an esteemed provincial trophy. “We went to many national championships,” he noted, reflecting on the heritage of the sport in the province.

Transitioning from player to coach, Morris credits a friend for encouraging him to take on a mentorship role. “One day when I was starting to complain about football development in Saskatchewan, he said, ‘Why complain about it? Maybe you should get into coaching,’” Morris recalled. This advice ignited his passion for coaching, leading him to undergo various training and certification programs.

Morris has since shared his expertise with athletes of all ages, focusing on grassroots development. He emphasizes that success in soccer extends beyond winning. “It’s not about winning… Watching these kids come back for the next season, that is winning,” he stated.

Throughout his extensive career, Morris has observed significant changes in the sport, particularly regarding the increasing participation of women. He advocates for greater female representation in coaching and leadership roles within the soccer community. “How do we get women to be confident in teaching the game when it’s a man’s world?” he asked, highlighting the need for progress in this area.

Despite advancements, Morris expresses concern about the rising costs associated with playing soccer. “It costs way more to play, and until we can handle the financial burden, that’s where I see the biggest challenge,” he said, stressing the importance of accessibility for all children interested in the sport.

Morris has held the position of director of player and coach development at SUSC and has passed on his love for soccer to his daughter, Adele Bandet, who currently serves as the club’s technical director. Bandet reflects on her father’s influence, stating, “I grew up on the side of the field watching him… just being inspired.”

While Morris acknowledges that they sometimes disagree, their mutual passion for soccer strengthens their relationship. “We go knuckle to knuckle at times, but nothing makes me prouder than seeing her grow,” he expressed.

As he marks this significant anniversary, Morris is contemplating retirement but remains committed to the sport he loves. “I’m still supporting companies in my engineering field… But I do promise at the end of this year, it’s time for me to maybe take a sabbatical,” he said, looking forward to enjoying the games from the sidelines.

Through his five decades of service, Huw Morris has made a lasting impact on the Saskatoon soccer community, nurturing generations of athletes and fostering a passion for the game that will endure for years to come.