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Former national team player takes over Red Deer City Soccer Association

Apr 27, 2018 | 11:59 PM

A former national soccer team member is now at the helm of the Red Deer City Soccer Association.

Greg Kern, 54, suited up for the Canadian national squad 12 times between 1986 and 1988.

‘Kernsey,’ as he was called, according to the Canada Soccer website, has a simple, yet ambitious philosophy he plans to instill in everyone involved with RDCSA.

“You’ve got to find meaning in what you do,” he says. “The second thing I often say to my team is that we want to develop a culture where you’re having fun, working hard and learning to be resilient.”

Kern says while RDCSA has a great team at the top, and is focusing correctly on emphasizing the technical side of the game, the status quo is not an option.

“It doesn’t work. You’ve always got to grow,” the Calgary native and father of three says. “We want to become a vibrant, thriving and successful community of soccer. We want to look at innovative ways we can grow soccer in Red Deer, without a doubt.”

Kern, who played professionally mostly for the Calgary Kickers and Montreal Manic during the 80s, says they will look to find innovative ways to create more revenue for the association without upping registration fees.

He also plans to be on the field, connecting with families and players.

“It’s all about relationships, connecting with people and building trust, whether it be with players, coaches, refs or spectators,” he says. “You want to be able to inspire and influence people in positive ways. In the office here, my philosophy is to not do anything if you can’t have fun at it.”

The RDCSA is now up to 4,000 members, 2,400 who play outdoor, and 1,600 indoor.