Grand Masters of Prince George Soccer

By Kelly Sharp

        Grand Masters enjoy another pick-up soccer game at Roll-a-dome

Most were born in Europe; all have a passion for soccer. The long-time Prince George residents gather twice a week for pick-up soccer games at the Roll-a-dome. They will be heading outdoors in a couple of weeks to play the game they love.

“It keeps you young, you gotta fight the aging processes somehow,” laughed 52 year-old Richard Ryan, one of the “young” guys on the indoor soccer floor who still plays in the 40 plus division of the North Cariboo Soccer League. Ryan grew up playing soccer in England; he has traveled the world to play in old-timers soccer tournaments.

“They are all good guys, they love the game,” Ryan noted about the many participants whether teammates or competitors at the international events.

The Prince George grand masters of soccer point to the early 1980’s Vernon old-timers tournaments for being the catalyst to developing a comradeship that is still very much intact today.

The one-liners flow freely during the Roll-a-dome game. “Germans have it in our blood,” explained 68 year-old Walter Hanik about soccer.  Hanik and 66 year-old Harold Hacker began playing organized soccer at 10 years of age in Germany.

“Any free time we kicked the ball around, “said Hanik. Hacker can remember kicking a tennis ball in the German streets when he was not fortunate enough to have a soccer ball.

Both arrived in Prince George in the early 1960’s and eventually became referees for the NCSL.

The most experienced player on the floor passes the ball to a teammate. Born in Romania 72 years ago Hugo Riske looks forward to the twice-a-week soccer games with his friends.

“When I arrived in 1958 there was only one traffic light in Prince George,” laughed Riske. He recalled the early days of the men’s league when some ugly incidents erupted on the PG soccer pitch with team rosters consisting mostly of new immigrants.

A recent bout with cancer would not keep Hugo Riske from the game of soccer.

“I thank the lord up there,” said Riske while he laced up his soccer shoes.

“He’s my hero,” said Richard Ryan pointing to Hugo.

Playing soccer is a lifestyle for the grand master gentlemen.

“Stick with it,” said Riske. “If you enjoy it do it.”

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