Member Mauricio Navarro will referee the CONCACAF CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL between Pachuca of Mexico and Saprissa of Costa Rica. He, along with Canadian FIFA AR’s Hector Vergara and Joe Fletcher will officiate the “Final of the final”, i.e. the 2^nd leg of the final on Wednesday April 30^th in Mexico. The first leg, which will be refereed by Carlos Batres of Guatemala, goes tonight, Apr 23^rd, at 730pm. Both games are to be shown on FoxSportsWorld Canada (Shaw digital cable Channel 113).

 Congratulations to Mauricio and his Canadian crew on his auspicious appointment!

Geoff Penniston, Founder and Chairman of the Nations Cup Soccer Tournament, the annual “Mini-World Cup” held in Richmond for almost 30 years, passed away last week after a short battle with cancer. Penniston (”Penno”) was the past President and Coach of the Richmond Olympics Football Club for many successful years, and was subsequently instrumental in the forming of Richmond United FC.

Penno’s love for the game of soccer and his ongoing passion to develop and showcase local talent is best personified by the Nations Cup Tournament which is sure to be Geoff’s lasting legacy. Having founded and organised this wonderful soccer event for nearly 30 years, Penno touched, directly or indirectly the lives of generations of local soccer talent by creating a unique soccer experience for players and spectators alike.

A service for Geoff will be held on April 6th at 1300 hours at the Richmond Funeral home, 8420 Cambie, Richmond.