2018 Hall of Fame Inductee Bios

 

Frank Polsinelli

Chris Shea - 2017 Hall of Fame InducteeThis is a story about a man who was a friend, a father, a coach but above all, a mentor. He believed in honesty and the goodness of children. Frank's love of soccer was instrumental in changing the lives of many both on and off the field. He was 28 years old in 1976 when he first started the Woodbridge Strikers. The Strikers represented East Woodbridge which later amalgamated with West Woodbridge founded by Sam Rietta. Together Frank and Sam joined forces to give birth to the Woodbridge Soccer Club. Frank later became the Head Coach for the club.

Frank went to schools to encourage children to engage in the sport of soccer. He soon formed a strong bond within the community giving families an opportunity to forge new friendships and offered children the ability to flourish. He was educated in the game of soccer by attending numerous coaching camps and clinics earning himself prestigious coaching levels and qualifications. 

Frank really honed his craft and developed the knack for finding and nurturing raw talent. He was extremely committed to his players and shared his love and passion of the game, coaching for 37 years. He left behind an impressive string of achievements having won many National and International Tournaments, League Championships and Coaching Awards. He also created a soccer academy called The ISA (International Soccer Academy) where he partnered up with international stars to give back to children from all over the world.

Frank embodied the true spirit of inclusiveness, love and passion. He touched so many lives and will always be loved and remembered by all that came into his life.

Jimmy Brennan

Peter Pimizzotto - 2017 Hall of Fame InducteeJimmy Brennan is a retired soccer player with National and International playing experience. Jimmy began playing soccer in his home town in Newmarket. From there he continued his youth playing with the Woodbridge Soccer Club. 

During his professional playing career, he gained experience playing extensively in Europe and North America, most notably with Bristol City, Nottingham Forest, Norwich City (with whom he won the 2004 Football League First Division title) and Toronto FC.

Jim had 49 caps with the Canadian National team, was a member of the Canada side which won the 2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup, and later represented his country at the Confederations Cup 2001, the 2002 CONCACAF Gold Cup and the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup.  He was inducted into the Canada Soccer Hall of Fame as a plyer in November 2015.

Following his retirement as a player, Jimmy joined Toronto FC as Assistant General Manager, and later as the Head Coach of the TFC Academy U17 team, his first coaching position.  From there Jimmy became the Assistant Coach on the first team.  Jimmy is currently the Vice-President, Director of Soccer, and Head Coach of York 9 FC which plays its inaugural season in 2019 as part of the new Canadian Premier League.

Jim is married with 3 children.  His oldest son is currently playing with Aurora FC, with Jim as his coach.  He lives in Newmarket. 

Individual Awards:
Canadian Player of the Year – 1999
Confederation Cup All-Star Team – 2001
Toronto FC Player of the Year – 2007
MLS All-Star Game – 2008
Toronto FC Humanitarian of the Year – 2009
Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame – 2015