Soccer, Builder, 2024 |
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Garry Ayre had a long, highlight-filled career as a professional soccer player, lacing up the boots for the likes of the Vancouver Whitecaps and New York Cosmos of the North American Soccer League, and for the Canadian men’s team in international competition.
Once he retired from playing, Ayre transitioned into coaching with Coquitlam Metro-Ford Soccer Club in 1990 and continued for almost 25 years. He coached senior men’s and women’s squads as well as numerous youth teams. From 1993 to 2001, he also coached the BC Canada Games program, winning gold medals in 1995 and 1999, and a silver medal in 1997.
He also continued to play, leading teams that won the Bradner Cup, the Packenham Cup, and reached the Senior Men’s Open Provincial Cup finals in 1989. Beyond soccer, Ayre served as a firefighter in Vancouver from 1983 until his retirement in 2013, reaching the rank of captain.
He remains active in Coquitlam, participating in groups like the Whitecaps Alumni and continuing to foster the sport he loves, often on the sidelines at local parks.