Wilson Resigns from CSA

Ottawa, Ontario – Canadian Soccer Association President Jim Fleming today announced the resignation of National Teams Manager Les Wilson, who has been with the Association since 1983. Wilson will assume the vacant post of Executive Director with the British Columbia Soccer Association on June 1, 2000.
“It is with much regret that I make this announcement today, ” said Fleming. “Les has been an invaluable member of our Association for many years and his departure will leave a large hole for us to fill. He has been a great ambassador of the CSA in so many top-level competitions and has always represented us with distinction and dignity. He is a widely-respected official and I can only stress that our loss is British Columbia’s gain.”
Wilson has been Canada’s National Teams Manager/Administrator since 1983 and has represented Canada at tournaments and friendlies all over the world, including the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, the 1986 World Cup in Mexico and most recently with Canada’s Gold Medal-winning Men’s World Cup Team at the 2000 Gold Cup.
“BC Soccer encouraged me to apply for the position six months ago and after six months of consideration, I decided to accept,” said Wilson. “I welcome the challenge that lies ahead. I was very impressed by BC Soccer’s enthusiasm, their organization and their long-term vision. Jobs like this don’t come along very often in the soccer field.”
Wilson began his professional playing career in 1962 with the New Westminster Royals at the age of 16. In 1964, he joined Wolverhampton Wanderers of the English Premier League and played eight seasons before joining Bristol City on loan. He played one season with Norwich City before returning to British Columbia to play three seasons with the Vancouver Whitecaps of the North American Soccer League. He was a member of the coaching staff in 1979 when the Whitecaps won the NASL Championship.
Men’s World Cup team head coach Holger Osieck echoed Fleming’s words: “Les has made a terrific contribution to Canadian soccer. I truly enjoyed working with him and found him to be extremely professional. I wish him nothing but the best in the future.”