Ken Yvonne’s soccer career spans over 50 years, from elementary school through high school and then most impressively, over thirty years of actively promoting the game he loves as a player, coach, and official in Miramichi.
Ken carried a passion for the game through his playing career and into a coaching career that lasted almost as long. Ken coached minor soccer, elementary, middle school high school, senior men, and Special Olympics. His versatility and ability to adapt to the level he is coaching is second to none. Ken enjoyed success in the Special Olympics program, winning a provincial title in 2001, two silver medals at the Nationals in 1998 and 2002, and was named coach of the year in 1999. He also coached high school soccer on the River for nine ears, 4 with James M Hill, and 5 with Miramichi Valley. He took both teams to the provincial finals and was named coach of the year in 2008.
As a player, Ken started in BC, played in Germany for a spell, then back to Victoria before making his lasting mark in Miramichi. He played through the school programs, then the Maritime League, the Northern NB League, the NB Senior League, and the Recreational League. Ken reportedly was running circles around men 20 years his junior.
With his incredible work ethic and discipline, Ken built players and teams both as a player and a coach. His drive to promote the love of the game has had lasting impacts on so many. He instilled that respect in his teammates and players alike by leading by example, serving his community through sport, and encouragement toward others to do the same.
Ken Yvonne has worked tirelessly to promote the game that has provided him so much joy. All for the love of the game and not the glory. For this and his impressive resume, Ken Yvonne is a worthy inductee to The Miramichi Sports Wall of Fame.