Niverville soccer pioneer passes away

The Manitoba soccer world is mourning following Walt McKee’s death last week.

McKee played football, soccer, rugby and even wrestled for the University of Manitoba Bisons, was drafted by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers as a kicker and was named the CFL’s rookie of the year as a kicker in 1971. It was on the soccer pitch after his playing career where he made his biggest impact, including in Niverville.

He was a founding member of the Winnipeg Fury Soccer Club, served as assistant coach of the Canadian National Soccer Team and eventually served as Athletic Director at the U of M, bringing women’s soccer to the University in 2005.

“Walt was a great, great man and outstanding Athletic Director,” now retired Bisons football head coach Brian Dobie said in a U of M news release honouring McKee.

“I owe so much to him, and I learned so much from him… He was self-assured and tough in the most humble way, and always carried himself with his ‘patented’ quiet strength and integrity. He was fair, honest, and transparent as our leader in Bison Sports. Every coach on staff at Manitoba always knew where they stood, and always knew that Walt had their backs. His support and care for our athletes was unwavering. Walt will always be remembered as such a true Bison, and above all, as a great friend.”

McKee’s impact on soccer stretched deep into Niverville. He help lead the Niverville Rush youth program and when the Niverville Force senior team began play in 2022, he signed on to coach many of the now-adult players once again in the Manitoba Major Soccer League.

“His guidance, knowledge, and belief in his players helped bridge generations of soccer in our community,” a Niverville Force social media post reads.

“Walt was more than a coach. He was a mentor, a teacher, and someone who generously gave his time to help young people become better athletes and better people.”

A celebration of life will be held at Oakbank Baptist Church Aug. 18.