Huw Morris Marks 50 Years of Transforming Saskatoon Soccer

Huw Morris has dedicated half a century to fostering the soccer community in Saskatoon, Canada. Since arriving from Wales in the summer of **1976**, Morris has played a pivotal role in shaping the sport locally, transitioning from player to coach, and inspiring countless athletes along the way.

Upon his arrival, Morris noted a significant influx of athletes who sought to develop both the sport and the local economy. “Back in those days, a lot of athletes came over, not only to work in the mining industries, but also believing in the sport… to make Canada a richer, more valuable country,” he explained. An engineer by profession, he quickly became involved with the **Saskatoon United Soccer Club (SUSC)**, where he contributed to the growth of soccer in the region.

Morris recalls competing for the **Saskatchewan Shield**, a significant heritage piece in the province. His playing career paved the way for a transition into coaching, a decision influenced by a friend’s advice. “One day when I was starting to complain about football development in Saskatchewan, he said, ‘why complain about it? Maybe you should get into coaching,’” Morris said with a hint of humor. This pivotal moment led him to embrace coaching, where he learned that the dynamics of teaching the game differ significantly from playing it.

As his coaching journey progressed, Morris focused on sharing his expertise with athletes of all ages, emphasizing the importance of grassroots development. “I’m trying to put what I’ve learned as a player into what I’ve learned as a coach,” he said. His approach prioritizes fostering a love for the game over a singular focus on winning. “It’s not about winning… but seeing kids come back for the next season, that is winning,” he added.

Over the years, Morris has witnessed significant changes in soccer, particularly regarding the inclusion of women in the sport. While he celebrates these advancements, he also advocates for greater female representation in coaching roles. “How do we get women to be confident in teaching the game when it’s a man’s world?” he questioned, noting the scarcity of women in leadership positions within major soccer organizations.

Despite the progress, Morris pointed out a troubling trend: the increasing costs associated with playing soccer. “The negative one is it costs way more to play. Until we can handle the increased financial burden, that’s where I see the biggest challenge,” he remarked, highlighting the impact on children from families who struggle to afford participation.

Morris has served as the director of player and coach development at SUSC and has kept his passion for soccer in the family. His daughter, **Adele Bandet**, currently serves as the technical director of the club. “It’s in the blood. We talk about it all the time,” Bandet shared, reflecting on the influence of her father’s career on her own path. She expressed admiration for Morris’s dedication and mentorship, saying, “Learning, guiding, growing from him… nothing prouder than that.”

As he celebrates **50 years** of commitment to the Saskatoon soccer community, Morris is contemplating retirement but intends to remain connected to the sport he loves. “I’m still supporting companies in my engineering field. But I do promise at the end of this year, it’s time for me to maybe take a sabbatical,” he stated, looking forward to enjoying the legacy he has built.

Through his unwavering dedication, Huw Morris has not only transformed soccer in Saskatoon but has also inspired future generations to follow in his footsteps, ensuring that the love for the game continues to thrive in the community.