A Bright Future for Soccer at CapU
Published5 October, 2023
Photo credit Patrick Leung and Paul Yates (Vancouver Sports Pictures)
Coach Steve Millar wants his players to express themselves without fear.
If you find yourself near the CapU soccer fields lately, the energy is palpable – you can see it on the players’ faces, from the touchline to midfield and back.
The start of a new season has the Capilano Blues abuzz, but a recent addition has boosted the momentum. In April, the Blues hired experienced head coach Steve Millar to coach the men’s soccer team.
“What I’m most excited about is working with these student-athletes hungry for success,” Millar said.
“My players will learn that I have their backs quickly. I’m loyal and they can trust me, which I hope translates to them going out on the pitch and expressing themselves with no fear.”
Blues fans have plenty to be excited about, too. Millar brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and a successful resumé to the team. In his 91-game professional career, he suited up for the Winnipeg Fury, Vancouver 86ers and the Edmonton Brick Men.
“I was fortunate to play on some great teams with great players and won many championships,” Millar said. “Individually, I was fortunate enough to score the winning goal in a few of these championships.”
Remembering a CapU soccer legend
The women’s team was unstoppable for nearly two decades in the 1990s and 2000s. Coached by Doug Abercrombie, the Blues won five national championships and eight provincial titles.
A legend in CapU soccer lore, Abercrombie’s tenure as a coach was remarkable, sporting a 19-5 record at the national championship tournament, cementing his place as a winner on the biggest stage.
A cherished member of the CapU sporting community and twice named BCCAA coach of the year, Abercrombie died at age 78 in January of this year, and his legacy of kindness and sensitivity lives on in CapU’s soccer culture.
When asked about the proudest moment of his career, being inducted into the Manitoba Hall of Fame topped the list.
Millar will be stepping onto a pitch rich in history and achievement, including winning the CCAA Soccer Supremacy Award for having the most successful men’s and women’s soccer programs between 1974 and 1999.
Millar knows about CapU’s soccer legacy and is eager to add to it. “The history of the men’s soccer program speaks for itself,” he said. “I want to play a part in bringing us back to those heights. That’s what excites me to put my name forward to coach.”
Millar plans to create a tightly-knit and respectful family with his players, encouraging them to look after each other on and off the field.
His coaching style plays a big part in that. “My players will learn that I have their backs quickly,” Millar said. “I’m loyal and they can trust me, which I hope translates to them going out on the pitch and expressing themselves with no fear.”
But if you can believe it, coaching soccer isn’t Millar’s only job. Not only can he strap up his cleats and win championships – he also fights fires.
Millar couldn’t say whether he enjoys coaching soccer or working as a firefighter for the City of North Vancouver more; however, there is a common thread between running into burning buildings and running after balls on the pitch.
Both require you to have a strong team and to be passionate about helping others. “Both can get your adrenaline pumping,” Millar said.
Join the Blues
Try out for a varsity athletics team or join the fans as they cheer on the Blues during a home game.
Blues AthleticsA bright future is in store for the men’s soccer team with Millar at the helm; however, he knows building that program takes time and perseverance. “I know this won’t happen overnight, but we will work hard at succeeding,” he said.
“I look forward to working with CapU for hopefully a long time.”
