Bob Lenarduzzi
 

The name Bobby Lenarduzzi has been synonymous with the world of soccer, in British Columbia and Canada for decades. Throughout his career with the Vancouver Whitecaps and the Canadian National Team, he delighted soccer fans with his consistent play and commitment to the world of sport.  As both a player and coach of one of the most popular games in the world, he exemplified a lasting commitment to the concepts of teamwork, fair play and dedication, and delighted his fans with an enthusiastic love of his sport.

Bob Lenarduzzi’s career has resulted in many record-breaking seasons over the past 20 plus years.   Throughout his career, he has played for the F.C. Reading (English Division Four) from 1971 to 1976, a contract he signed at the age of 15; the Canadian National Team from 1973 to 1986 - including appearances as part of the World Cup and Olympic teams;  the Vancouver Whitecaps of the NASL, the Vancouver 86’ers and the Tacoma Stars (Major Indoor Soccer League).  He was the first Canadian to be named North American Player of the Year and is the only player to have played all 11 positions on the field.

A natural evolution for Bob, given his lifelong commitment to the development of Canadian and international soccer, was his move to coaching.  Currently the General Manager of the Vancouver Eighty Sixers, Bob was a founding member of the Club in 1985 and from 1988 to 1991 he  coached the 86’ers to four consecutive Canadian Soccer League Championships.  In 1988 and 1989, he was named as the Canadian Soccer League Coach of the Year and in 1991 was named as the Canadian Soccer League GM of the Year.  In 1992, Bobby became the first full-time Canadian-born to coach Canada’s National Team and in that same year, he was inducted into the BC Sports Hall of Fame.

It is rare in today’s world that we witness a lifelong commitment to the development of youth and sport, but in Bob Lenarduzzi, that is what sports fans have been treated to for decades.  Recognized for his devoted work in the athletic arena, as a player, coach and general manager,  Bob Lenarduzzi has earned the respect of thousands of fans across the country.   As a businessman, Bob offers his audiences an insightful exploration into the sport of business and the business of sport, and delights in sharing experiences garnered from the competitive arena during his career.

Bob currently lives with his wife, daughter and son in North Vancouver.
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