I moved into McCauley in 1989 while attending King’s College (when it was on 97 Street). Dan moved to the neighbourhood in the early 70s as a kid, went to school at Sacred Heart Elementary, and has lived here ever since. We’ve been together since 2000 and have two boys: Adam (nine) and Harley (seven).

We got involved in soccer primarily because of our kids. However, now it is also for the enjoyment it brings to the other kids in the community and their families that keeps us volunteering. I started by helping out, and before I knew it, I became the director. I mostly organize soccer, but both Dan and I have coached. The experience has been great. We have met some awesome families over the years, and our kids have made some good friends. Last year Dan helped organized a soccer game with the Edmonton downtown beat cops against the U10 team, and it was such a hit that we will have to do another one this year.

Dan also started out by “helping’’ and it wasn’t long before Dan became the “Ice Man.” For the last four years, he’s the guy out there (with his assistant Barry), battling the elements, flooding, removing snow, and making sure the ice is as perfect as possible. Last winter, even our boys and myself helped out because there was that much snow. For the last five years Dan has organized the Family Day Skating Party. For the last two years he’s helped organize the “Beat Cops vs. the Kids” shinny hockey, just before Christmas, which is also turning into a favourite event. Dan has been on the “Rink committee” for the last five years and they are currently involved in upgrades to the facility, which includes resurfacing the rink and getting a building (trailer) put in.

What I like most about life in McCauley, is that everything is nearby. Giovanni Caboto Park is across the street, our church, Sacred Heart, is only a couple blocks away, and the ice rink not too far away.

Both our boys play organized hockey for the KC (Knights of Columbus) St. Matthews Sport Club, which has its office on 97 Street. Adam and Harley’s favourite thing to do is to go out on the McCauley rink with their dad or their friends and just have some fun – no coaching or drills, just fun. Adam also plays three on three spring hockey with the NAIT Ooks.

What I like most about life in McCauley, is that everything is nearby. Giovanni Caboto Park is across the street, our church, Sacred Heart, is only a couple blocks away, and the ice rink not too far away. McCauley has some of the best grocery stores and food places in the city. We enjoy going to the football games, and other sporting events at Commonwealth Stadium. We are also grateful for Mother Teresa school, where our boys have been attending since pre-kindergarten. The staff there is excellent, and the school has been very supportive of our community programs, sending out flyers, announcing registration days, and encouraging kids. We have many of their families on our soccer teams, and it isn’t uncommon for Adam’s friends to knock on our door after school and want to head down to the rink, or to the gym at the Boys and Girls Club or across the street for a little soccer.

Boyle McCauley News has been an excellent resource for advertising the programs and events we organize, and has also been a great way to show our pride and share our experiences with our Boyle Street and McCauley neighbours.