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Old Boys' News
Tribute to Govan and Paoletti from UCC soccer coaches
Selwyn House Soccer Coaches Peter Govan and Alfie Paoletti travelled to Victoria, British Columbia to compete in the Canadian Association of Independent Schools’ annual U-13 soccer tournament. After the tournament, the following letter came to us from Richard Turner who, along with Premek Hamr, coaches soccer at Upper Canada College, one of the competing schools.
Hello friends and colleagues,
On behalf of the UCC contingency, I’d like to thank Chris Blackman, Hanna Pierse, the rest of the St. George’s CAIS Tournament Committee and the entire St. George’s Senior Boys’ Soccer coaching staff for hosting such a fabulous tournament. I’ve been to CAIS at St. George’s three times and every time they've done an outstanding job. Once again, your efforts have been greatly appreciated.
On a personal note, I’d like to thank Alfie Paoletti and Pete Govan for being such wonderful mentors to me for almost three decades. I considered saying something at the coaches’ banquet when it would have been more timely, but after the excellent tributes from Chris, Shawn Lawrence, John Evans and Adrian Thornbury, frankly I was quite intimidated.
However, having benefitted from their guidance and enjoyed their splendid company for so long, I feel I must say a few words about Alfie and Pete. What I most admire about this iconic duo, and what I’ve tried to emulate over the years, is how well they balance the competitive edge and quest for excellence expected at this high level of high-school sport with sincere sportsmanship and a genuine sense of good-hearted fun. They hold their players to the highest standard and they work them hard, as is evident from their robust yet insightful critiques shouted from the sidelines or delivered passionately in the huddles at halftime. Yet there’s always time for well-earned, roaring approval and high-fives, a supportive and understanding pat on the back, and of course their characteristically sly wit and self-deprecating humour.
I’ve had the privilege of coaching against them only once, (2010 at HTS, photo below), but I always made an effort to seek out their games over the years. (BTW, it was merely a flip of a coin that fated me to cheer for Armbrae and Premek for Selwyn House during their classic battle at Ridley (’03 or ’12?). Off the field, amongst the coaches, it’s no different. At meetings, the insights from their tremendous years of experience as coaches and educators are highly valued and respected. After the business is taken care of, I think it’s safe to say that their company is never dull. I will miss our conversations about soccer, rugby, running, cycling, music and travel and more recently our stimulating discussions of art. Of course, the years have usually included some degree of hilarity. I won’t go too far down this treacherous road but I will fondly remember at least one occasion with Alfie on stage singing marvelously. I’m also deeply indebted to Pete, who courageously and generously came to my aid late one night in Vancouver many years ago, when the hotel manager was mistakenly accusing my team of some misconduct.
There are, of course, too many stories to recount here. Alfie and Pete, I thank you for all that you’ve taught me, for always making it more fun and for all that you’ve brought to CAIS senior boys’ soccer over the years. I will miss your fellowship and once more I wish you both the very best in your retirement. I expect I will continue to learn from your examples and I look forward to our paths crossing again. Bravo, gentlemen!
Finally, to everyone else, thank you for another wonderful tournament. Have a great remainder of the school year and I look forward to seeing you next fall.
Yours gratefully,
Richard Turner
Upper Canada College
November 13, 2017
