Les Thomson - Soccer

 

In 1978, Les had taken over the Imperial Oil in-plant league until it's demise in 1991 (due to restructuring and subsequent layoffs of many employees who were players in the league).  In the early years all the players had to be full time employees at ESSO, however after taking over the league Les allowed 2 teams (Petrosar and the Sarnia Junior "B" they were a group of 18 year olds with no league to play in, Alan Wells was the coach)

Later he formed a "Pool" of players system for players who did not work at any of the recognized plants to fill rosters as players came and went leaving some teams short, this eventually evolved into present day Sarnia Men's Industrial League when although the official age of players joining the league is still 21, they now try to accommodate players 18-19-20 who have no place to play after they leave the minor system.

 

After getting many requests to form an older league for players who just want the emphasis more on fun and exercise Les started the Over 35 league which is now in it's 4th season.

Indoor League
Les has organized both Over 35 and Open age leagues since 1974 to present date.
 

Coaching
Les arrived in Sarnia in November 1971 and started coaching in the SMAA in 1972
 

1972 Pee Wee boys house league team.

1973 Atom boys house league team

1974 Mosquito boys travel team... (This was the first Sarnia team of any age group to ever win a trophy outside of the city, they were League champs in the Southwest league Windsor / Chatham / London), the actual trophy was given to someone to bring back to Sarnia as we had clinched the league in the last game which was at home, to this day I have never seen or know what the trophy looks like or who has it).

 

Also coached Bluewater boys travel teams (his son) U-15, U-16, U- 17, U-19 for a few years.

 

Refereed all levels from Youth through to WOSL (mens premier in London).

 

Was a member of the board of Directors of the Sarnia Girls soccer club Coached Sarnia Girls house league teams (his daughter) for a couple of years then coached Girls Travel as well, also was used a advisor /helper to go and work with new coaches who had very little coaching experience in the Girls system (usually keen parents).

 

Player
As a player he played in the old city league which was very competitive and had good calibre of teams, although very ethnic players supporters etc.

1972 Hewitt Brokers

1973-79 Branch 62 Royal Canadian Legion

1977 Dante "A"