Title

Benson, Bob

Type

Builder

Sport

Soccer

Inducted

2025

Era

1974 – 2018

Description

Bob Benson devoted his time, energy, and leadership to growing soccer in Niagara Falls for over 40 years. From 1975 to 2018, his vision and tireless volunteerism transformed opportunities for young athletes, especially girls, laying the foundation for the sport's lasting success in the city.
After moving to Niagara Falls in 1976, Bob began coaching and joined the Niagara Falls Soccer Club executive. With two daughters in the game, he became a driving force behind the Niagara Falls Girls Soccer Club, serving on its board for over 20 years as Vice-President, President, and Past President. He expanded house league programs, strengthened the competitive stream, and introduced the club's first technical director position. Bob also helped develop the Kalar Road Sports Park, Niagara's first dedicated soccer facility, which remains central to the sport today.
As a coach, Bob led multiple teams to success at Ontario's Top competitive levels, including the Ontario Youth Soccer League. In 2001, he guided one of the first Niagara Falls girls' teams to reach an Ontario Cup final, and his squads earned numerous league and tournament titles. Committed to local development, he fielded exclusively Niagara Falls players - many of whom went on to compete in the NCAA, OUA, Team Ontario, and Team Canada.
Beyond club soccer, Bob coached with the Niagara District program for over 15 years, helping identify and mentor elite athletes. Honoured with the national 3M Community Coach Award in 2001, his true legacy lives on in the generations of players whose skills, character, and confiden ce he helped shape.

This image may not be reproduced without the written consent of the City of Niagara Falls Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture

Subject

Awards

Sports - Soccer

Niagara Falls Virtual Sports Wall of Fame

Portraits - Biographical

Is Part Of

Niagara Falls Virtual Sports Wall of Fame