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Dr. Walter Thomson was one of Canada’s earliest soccer stars. As a member of Canada’s first touring teams in the 1880’s he was cited as one of the most outstanding players of his generation and received rave reviews during his tours to Britan in 1888 and 1891.
Dr. Walter Thomson was one of Canada’s earliest soccer stars. As a member of Canada’s first touring teams in the 1880’s he was cited as one of the most outstanding players of his generation and received rave reviews during his tours to Britan in 1888 and 1891.
From his days at the University of Toronto, T.A. Reed wrote in his book The Blue and White, a history of Sport at University of Toronto, as a player, he was nothing less than a miracle of speed, accuracy and artfulness; as a centre forward he was a model of unselfishness and a phenomenal shot at goal; as a captain he was an inspiration and an ideal to his men. We never shall look upon his like again.
Thomson represented Canada in some of its earliest international matches against the USA. He was part of the 1885 Canadian squad which met the USA in New Jersey. Thomson also featured for Canada for two more matches against the USA in May of 1888 and again in June of 1891 both of which were played in Ontario.
He enjoyed great success on both of the British tours he participated in. During the 1888 tour he is recorded as having played at last 21 games in which he scored 10 goals. Thomson was even more prolific in 1891, notching 19 goals in 25 matches.
After his playing career, Thomson continued to contribute to the game and served as president of the Ontario Football (Soccer) Association from 1902 to 1904. He was also Honorary President in 1901 and 1909 and Honorary Vice-President from 1905 to 1908.
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