Marpole Soccer Club History Page

Richard Hugh Noel Jones

Known as Dick to all whom knew him, was born in Mallow, Country Cork, Ireland.

As a young boy in Ireland, he had a natural ability for sports and excelled in Soccer, Rugby, Tennis, Grass Hockey, Track and Cricket. At the age of 19, Dick came to Canada and began his first job at C.P.R. He joined the Tennis Club at C.P.R. and played Rugby for the Meralomas where he proved to be an outstanding player.

In 1928, he joined the Vancouver Fire Department where he was stationed at #22 Firehall, 70th Avenue and Hudson Street. In 1929, he began to organize teams for the youth of Marpole with objectives of building sportsmanship and personal development. Dick wanted to give every boy a chance to play a variety of sports.

His first Rugby team was built with the motto, "help our local boys bring athletic distinction to Marpole". The team made the finals in the Second Division of the English Rugby Unions. At this time the boy's Soccer teams, Divisions 2 and 4 were started.

He always gave praise and thanks to the many parents and individuals who helped him throughout the years including the local businessmen that came forward to offer encouragement and financial support as well as, the local residents.

Dick could often be heard saying, "team spirit and co-operation are what counts and while we all want to win the game, fair play and playing the game to the best of your ability are what counts. “Now, play ball!”

Every weekend the Jones' residence at 63rd and Fremlin was alive with young people coming and going. For many of the parents who couldn't afford Soccer boots for their sons, Dick would advertise and buy second hand boots, replace the laces, polish and dubbing them and on an old anvil he would replace worn cleats with new ones that he had made. At one time, when shin pads were too expensive, a particular magazine was collected and used under their socks for padding.

Each weekend of Soccer games, Dick religiously presented his write-up of the Red Wings games for the Marpole Times newspaper. He believed in mentioning as many of the boy’s names as possible, not just the boys who scored, but those who assisted or who made a genuine effort to play well. As these youngsters became older, another group known as the Marpole Townsmen emerged. Purposeful, responsible leadership was the quality most marked in the development of this group. Again, there was a successful group of fine young men and women.

In 1949, Dick was awarded the Eagles Certificate from the Marpole Fraternal Order of Eagles for his 20 years of work in organizing community activities. This was the eighth award to be presented in North America and was issued from Kansas City. He also was recognized by other organizations and won rewards for devoting his time to help youth in the community.

Appreciation night for the Coaches of the Soccer teams was held in June 1980 at the Skyline Hotel. Dick was unable to attend due to ill health but his son Rick accepted on his behalf, a plaque that read, 'For your years of leadership and dedication to juvenile soccer.'

Dick Jones passed away Oct. 17, 1983. His achievements in the sports field of Marpole over the previous 48 years were many and as Dick would say to his players and we now say of him "Well Done Dick Jones."

MSCS History

MSCS was founded in Vancouver over eighty years ago, in 1929. The Club was incorporated under the Society Act of British Columbia to promote and administer the game of Soccer as a recreational and competitive activity in the Marpole area of the City of Vancouver.

We are proud to be the first Soccer Club for Vancouver kids and we will continue our mission to serve our community as a spot that kids can spend time together in a fun soccer game and develop themselves both physically and mentally to become a successful adult in the future.

Sitemap | Fan Guide | Contact