UNB soccer to honour Harding

The University of New Brunswick Varsity Reds men's and women's soccer teams are home for a pair of Atlantic University Sport contests this weekend - alumni weekend - at Chapman Field.

Pablo Urbina, left, of the University of New Brunswick Varsity Reds and Nick McDonald of the Mount Allison Mounties battle for the ball during AUS men’s soccer conference action last Saturday in Sackville. The teams played to a 1-1 draw. The UNB men’s and women’s teams host Dalhousie and Saint Mary’s this weekend at Chapman Field.

Saturday's game between UNB and the Dalhousie Tigers, a rematch of last year's AUS final, which the Tigers won 1-0, will be the first Dave Harding Memorial Game.

Kickoff is 4:15 p.m. The UNB-Dal women's game starts at 2 p.m. In the spring, the UNB soccer family was saddened by the passing of one of its own, Dave Harding.

Harding was the keeper for the 1980 UNB Red Shirts that captured the national university championship. He was also twice recognized as an All-Canadian during his days at UNB.

"Harding was a loved family member, a respected teammate and a valued friend to many," UNB men's soccer coach Miles Pinsent said in a release.

Harding's family, friends, and teammates had a strong desire to recognize his involvement and contributions to UNB soccer, Pinsent said.

It was decided to do so through two initiatives: the establishment of a memorial game as part of the UNB soccer alumni weekend, and secondly, through the development of the UNB Reds Soccer Memorial Fund. Money from this fund will be used to offer an annual scholarship to a deserving member of the men's varsity soccer team.

"The desire to recognize Dave Harding was the impetus to establish this fund," Pinsent said, "but once it is in place, it can be added to through fundraising events or as others pass and groups wish to contribute in remembrance."

Harding's wife Pierrette, daughter Tracey and son Keith, as well as many of his former UNB teammates will be on hand for Saturday's first memorial game.

There will be a brief ceremony to recognize Harding's contributions to UNB soccer. At that time, the Harding family will present the first annual UNB Reds Soccer Memorial Scholarship to a team member.

The Patrons of UNB Soccer will offer a canteen service and 50/50 draw at Saturday's game will the proceeds going towards memorial fund. Sunday, the Varsity Reds will take on the Saint Mary's Huskies. The women kick off at 2 p.m., with the men's game to follow at 4:15 p.m.

On opening weekend, the UNB men edged UPEI 1-0 and tied Mount Allison 1-1. Dal beat Cape Breton 1-0 and the Capers and SMU played to a scoreless draw. On the women's side, UNB lost 2-0 to the Panthers and 5-1 to the Mounties. CBU tied Dal 0-0 and blanked SMU 3-0.