Frank Pike (soccer)


Frank Pike was a Canadian soccer player and coach.

Career

Frank Pike was born in Plymouth, England, and played in midfield as an amateur for hometown club Plymouth Argyle F.C

Coaching career

Pike as a Canadian citizen has been involved in coaching soccer since 1955. Coaching professional teams in the late 1950s and early 1960s. In 1964, he managed in the National Soccer League with Toronto Tridents, and Toronto Roma in the Eastern Canada Professional Soccer League. Mr. Pike became involved at the national level with the Canadian World Cup Team in competition in 1968. In 1970, Frank Pike was appointed as the National Team Coach for all Canadian teams, participating in International competitions at the Pan American and Olympic Games, World Cup and Youth games. Frank was responsible for the original development of Canadian National teams in International competition, his contribution resulting in vast improvements in the performance and credibility of Canadian soccer teams. In 1974, Frank took on the position of Provincial coach for the Province of Ontario, being responsible for the development of many players who moved forward to the Nationals. As Ontario Provincial Coach Mr. Pike was also responsible for teaching and mentoring other coaches to grow professionalism for the sport in Canada. He also had a brief spell managing Mexican Primera División side Club Jalisco during 1979.
Mr. Pike is a recipient of the Achievement Award from the Province of Ontario. His work running coaching clinics in Guadalajara and coaching a team in the Primera División, as well as during International tournaments in BC gained him respect among his peers.
The work of Pike to promote professionalism in the sport of soccer was a building block upon which our national reputation is secured.

Personal life

Frank lived comfortably in British Columbia following his retirement from the sport.