Fred Ehiwe started coaching soccer in Fort McMurray in 1994 when his oldest son was just 5 years old. Even when he wasn’t coaching, Fred was a very active parent and was never one to shy away from volunteering his time to help with practices or to organize fundraising. Additionally, as a teacher by profession, Fred emphasized the importance of education by encouraging a healthy balance between academic performance and the commitments of soccer. He always made sure to recognize the opportunities available to use soccer as a pathway to open doors towards higher levels of education such as college or university.
While involved in all different levels of soccer in the community of Fort McMurray, Fred’s message was always consistent: Winning was important, but it wasn’t the only thing that mattered. Building strong bonds with each other, turning teammates into family, instilling a determined, never give up attitude, and helping kids to realize that by working together, you could achieve a lot more than you ever could on your own, were his key values.
Fred passed away on February 17 , 2017 and this scholarship is a way to remember his contribution.
This scholarship is to be awarded each year to one youth preparing for their secondary education.
This young man or woman’s ability to use the involvement and commitment to youth soccer to promote inclusion and team spirit, combined with a commitment to academic performance should exceed all others to equal the value of those aspects maintained by Fred Ehiwe.
AWARD RECIPIENTS:
BROOKLYN GILLAM (2017)
