Karl Weidle
Soccer Builder - Inducted 2016
Karl Weidle started his involvement with soccer in Edmonton in 1953. He was one of the founding members of the Victoria Soccer Club and turned the small club into one of the best facilities in Alberta. A former player and coach, Karl became the club's president in 1963 and served for more than 40 years. He was involved in all areas of the running and management of the facility. Under his leadership, club teams won provincial and national awards at the youth and senior level. More importantly, his dedication to youth development and the surrounding community touched the lives of thousands.
Karl became an example of what it takes to build and maintain a successful club. In 1965, he went looking for and found a parcel of farm land. Volunteers put in countless hours clearing the land and beginning the build. Over the years, Karl continued to drive improvements to the club and was often seen working on the grounds. The Victoria Soccer Club has grown to include four outdoor soccer pitches and a beautiful indoor soccer facility. Karl also built the first indoor foosball field in Western Canada.
Soccer players at all levels benefited from the use of the facility: the men's and women's Canadian National Teams, Edmonton's semi-professional teams - the Brickmen, Eagles and Drillers; as well as the Alberta Major Soccer League teams, Master Teams, old-timers teams, community and school-based teams.
Karl's passion for soccer was reflected in the growth of the sport in Edmonton, Alberta, and Canada. His personal contribution had an everlasting impact on many, as he taught about hard work, discipline, respect, generosity, and doing well for others.
Karl Weidle received the German Association of Alberta 1988 Volunteer Achievement Award and the Edmonton and District Soccer Club's 1991 Certificate of Recognition. The Alberta Soccer Association honoured Karl numerous times. He was selected to their Wall of Fame in 1996, and he received their Award of Merit, the 2001 President Award, the 2005 Special Tribute Award, and the 2009 Centennial Award - as one of the Top Contributors during the 1st century of the ASA. The Victoria Soccer Club named the indoor soccer facility the Karl Weidle Soccer Centre in his honour.
After Induction
Karl Weidle passed away December 11, 2016. He remained active with the Victoria Soccer Club and it's facility right up to the time of his passing.
