Christopher Fasciano presented Community Coach Award

Christopher Fasciano (middle) was recently presented the Community Coach Award, in memory of Wayne Lankester. On hand for the presentation was King City Youth Soccer Club Head Coach Frank Miceli, Vice-President Bill Fortnum and Kelly Lankester.

At this year's annual soccer dinner and dance the King City Youth Soccer Club named Christopher Fasciano as the second recipient of the award named in memory and honour of Wayne Lankester, one of the club's valued, volunteer coaches who died during the 2003 season.

Fasciano has been a coach with the club for nine years, and during some seasons has taken on two teams.

Wayne, who was coaching one of the under-6 teams at the time of his death, exemplified the characteristics important to be a proper model to young soccer players. Not being a soccer player himself, Wayne took the time to learn the sport and never lost sight of the fact that this activity was for the children - to help them develop as players and individuals.

He knew that being a volunteer coach in a recreational soccer program has very little to do with personal gains and that winning is only a small part of the players' development.

Wayne was diagnosed with cancer in February 2003 and rather than abandon his coaching activity for the season, he chose to again commit his time. During his previous seasons, he had coached his older son Ryan. Coaching brought him much joy and he thrived on teaching, mentoring and setting proper example for the children. He chose to do this during the 2003 season with his second son Brayden, this was important to Wayne. He lived up to his coaching commitment despite his ill health and was with the team one week before his passing.

To properly recognize Wayne's inspiration and dedication the King City Youth Soccer Club, with the cooperation of his wife Kelly, set up an award in his name. The inscription on the trophy is "Community Coach Award, in memory of Wayne Lankester (1957- 2003), Best Dad in the World".

This title recognizes Wayne's contribution to soccer, as well as his devotion to his family. The soccer club will award this annually when a deserving candidate is nominated. The characteristics identified for nominees include willingness to volunteer, fairness, dependability, initiative, willingness to improve, being respectful of the Code of Conduct, putting children and players first, and consistency of service.

The award was presented to Fasciano by Kelly Lankester Sept. 15. Kelly spoke of Wayne's commitment to his family and the children in soccer.

The King City Youth Soccer Club hopes this Community Coach Award will be proper recognition of deserving volunteers for years to come. It is also to be a fitting memory of Wayne Lankester's courage, character and his love of his own children and his players.