Introducing Frank Ashdown

Frank Ashdown was a standout goalkeeper but most known as a referee, for youth referee development and author of the BC Youth referee guide. Born in Nanaimo in 1920, long-time North Shore resident Frank Ashdown was involved in soccer, especially referee development, for over 60 years. Frank played at John Oliver High School and then in Winnipeg during RCAF training. He played in goal for South Hill of the Vancouver & District League, and for the Pacific Coast League North Shore United, winning the national championship in 1949. In the same year, Frank began his 47-year referee career, and refereed or was AR in over 25 Coastal/Provincial Cup finals and in national and international competitions. Frank later concentrated his energies on the development of the North Shore and BC's youth referees, through his renowned youth refereeing guide, BCSA's Summer Soccer Academy, certification clinics and referee assessment, which he continued to age 85. Frank coached for Capilano Thunderbirds, winning youth provincial cup titles. Active with the North Shore youth district, for whom he was Referee-in-Chief, Frank served on the BC Youth board from 1949 to 1953 and 1991 to 1993, being President from 1951 to 1953. He was on the founding committee for the Sun Tournament of Champions. In 1975 Frank was inducted into the North Shore Sports Hall of Fame, was made a Life Member in 1953, received BC Soccer Special Recognition in 1995 and the AC Sanford Award in 1999. Ashdown Park in North Vancouver is named for Frank and his wife. Frank passed away in 2009.

BC Soccer Life Member	1953
BC Special Recognition	1995
BC Soccer AC Sanford Award	1999