Port Moody has a new soccer pitch.
Rather, an existing facility has a new name that honours one of the sport’s builders in the community.
Inlet Field will now be known as Bob Favelle Field.
Mayor Meghan Lahti announced the change at a council meeting Tuesday, Dec. 10, presenting Favelle with a special certificate.
Favelle dedicated 26 years to building the Port Moody Soccer Club (PMSC), as a coach, mentor, builder and advocate, said Lahti in a news release. He also organized fundraisers to enhance soccer facilities in the city, including the acquisition of bleachers for Trasolini Field, behind the city’s recreation complex.
As well, Favelle developed the club’s adult soccer program that now comprises more than 13 teams.
“Bob’s deep commitment to soccer, to players of all ages, and to the communities he serves has had a profound impact on the development of the sport locally, regionally and provincially,” Lahti said.
PMSC’s current president, Matthew Campbell, said Favelle’s legacy will resonate for generations to come, and renaming Inlet Field in his honour is a fitting tribute as he initiated the years-long quest to upgrade the facility.
“Bob has left an indelible mark,” said Campbell.
Having a field named after him isn’t the first honour for Favelle.
In 2003, he received a BC Soccer award of merit and, in 2014, he was presented a City of Port Moody sports award.
PMSC made Favelle an honourary life member in 2016 and, in October this year, he was granted a life membership by BC Soccer.
The old all-weather gravel Inlet Field officially reopened in May following an $8-million refurbishment that includes a new FIFA-regulation turf playing surface for soccer as well as softball, along with parking for 80 vehicles, a playground, batting cages and a raised boardwalk.
In July, a report to council said funding is in place for construction of a new three-story field house that will include locker and meeting rooms, a concession, kitchen, bar and multi-purpose room as well as storage facilities and a viewing deck. It’s budgeted to cost $8.3 million.
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