Football Pink

  • The Magazine
  • Interviews
  • Current
  • Nostalgia
  • Legends
  • European
  • World
  • Log in
  • Subscribe
Menu
  • The Magazine
  • Interviews
  • Current
  • Nostalgia
  • Legends
  • European
  • World
  • Log in
  • Subscribe

Harry Manson – Soccer in the blood

Pink by Pink
January 11, 2021
in Nostalgia, World
Harry Manson – Soccer in the blood

 

By Ciarán Breen

On November 9, 2014, the Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame inducted four former players. Isabelle Morneau and Geri Donnelly, distinguished members of the Canadian Women’s National Team were joined by Carmine Marcantonio, who won the 1976 NASL championship with the famed Toronto Metro-Croatia team. However, it is the last member of the quartet honoured who deserves special attention.

Inducted in the Pioneer category, Harry Manson became the first indigenous player ever to enter the Hall of Fame. Manson, whose traditional name is Xul-si-malt, was almost completely unknown until more than a century after his death. In 2013, Robert Janning, from Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, discovered the former player while researching for his book, ‘Westcoast Reign: The British Columbia Soccer Championships 1892-1905’.

From Snuneymuxw First Nation, next to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, Manson played in local and provincial soccer leagues during the turn of the 20th century, scoring bucket loads of goals along the way. He helped establish an all-Snuneymuxw squad called the Nanaimo Indian Wanderers and then captained them to a Nanaimo city championship.

However, his place in history as a footballing pioneer was secured when he was drafted by the all-white Nanaimo team. As the 20th century was taking its early breaths, the Confederation still in living memory for many, and open racism the menu of the day, Manson played in spite of the abuse he faced and won the respect of his peers on the pitch, if not off it. He was named to the provincial all-star team in 1903.

From Robert Janning’s research it would seem that Manson’s experience as a soccer star draws comparisons to that of Jackie Robinson, who broke the race barrier in Baseball in 1947. No matter his contribution on the field, and Manson scored goals for fun, he and his Snuneymuxw colleagues were segregated from their white teammates off the pitch.

manson

Along with a few select other Snuneymuxw players who were also integrated, Manson helped drive the Nanaimo team to the Challenge Cup, the biggest prize on the West Coast. These achievements and Manson’s story serve not only as a window to a darker past but should cause us to reflect on our own times, when indigenous athletes and their stories remain on the margins.

Harry Manson died tragically in a train accident in 1912, aged just 30. A century later, his legacy lives on. While his grandfather’s story remained lost to history, grandson Gary Manson spent his life coaching soccer teams from Snuneymuxw. On learning of his now famous family member, Gary said that “Soccer is in our blood, it’s what we do.”

The inaugural Harry Manson Legacy tournament was held in October, 2015 in North Vancouver.  Friends of Harry Manson, who organized the event, said the motivation was to “redress the legacy of colonialism in British Columbia” and “to honour the outstanding First Nations sportsman” Harry Manson.

More than a pioneer, Harry Manson’s love for the game and leadership in his community makes him a hero. From a sporting perspective, one would be forgiven for thinking that soccer in Canada is in its infancy but as Manson’s story shows, people having been kicking a football on this land for a very long time.

FOLLOW CIARAN ON TWITTER @keep_score

 

Related Posts

Programme Review: Maidstone United v Kidderminster Harriers
Latest

Programme Review: Maidstone United v Kidderminster Harriers

Wednesday 16th December 1987 FA Cup Second Round (Third Replay) Maidstone United v Kidderminster Harriers Programme Price: 50p It's...

by Gareth Thomas
April 8, 2022
0
Malcolm Macdonald: A throwback centre-forward
Latest

Malcolm Macdonald: A throwback centre-forward

“What is taken to the cup final every year but never used?” This used to be a quasi-famous trick...

by David Nesbit
April 5, 2022
0
‘A wonderful life’ : Willie Morgan exclusive interview
Interviews

‘A wonderful life’ : Willie Morgan exclusive interview

Willie Morgan is a Manchester United and Scotland legend. The winger, twice Manchester United player of the year, is...

by James Edginton
April 2, 2022
0
Programme Review: Newhall United v Barlestone St Giles
Latest

Programme Review: Newhall United v Barlestone St Giles

Monday 28th August 1995 Newhall United v Barlestone St Giles Midland Football Combination Division 1 Programme Price: Not Stated...

by Gareth Thomas
March 31, 2022
0
Load More
Next Post
Making a Stand, part 1: Les Hart, Bury FC

Making a Stand, part 1: Les Hart, Bury FC

Programme Review: Maidstone United v Kidderminster Harriers
Latest

Programme Review: Maidstone United v Kidderminster Harriers

by Gareth Thomas
April 8, 2022
0
0

Wednesday 16th December 1987 FA Cup Second Round (Third Replay) Maidstone United v Kidderminster Harriers Programme Price: 50p It's Friday,...

Read more
Malcolm Macdonald: A throwback centre-forward

Malcolm Macdonald: A throwback centre-forward

April 5, 2022
0
Today’s Tales: We now await Sky’s overhype and the predictable 0-0 draw

Today’s Tales: We now await Sky’s overhype and the predictable 0-0 draw

April 4, 2022
0
‘A wonderful life’ : Willie Morgan exclusive interview

‘A wonderful life’ : Willie Morgan exclusive interview

April 2, 2022
0
Programme Review: Newhall United v Barlestone St Giles

Programme Review: Newhall United v Barlestone St Giles

March 31, 2022
0

© 2020 footballpink.net

  • About
  • Contact Us
  • Profile

© Copyright 2022 - Ronnie Dog Media All Rights Reserved. Live Score

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Gmail
  • Print Friendly
  • LinkedIn
  • StumbleUpon
  • Tumblr
 

Loading Comments...
 

You must be logged in to post a comment.