Harry Manson (soccer) facts for kids
Xul-si-malt, also known by his English name Harry Manson, was an amazing soccer player from the Snuneymuxw First Nation. He was born in 1879 on Vancouver Island and sadly passed away on February 10, 1912. Harry Manson was a true pioneer in sports. He was the first Indigenous soccer player to be honored in the Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame. In 2015, he was also inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame.
Harry Manson broke down many barriers in the late 1800s and early 1900s. He was one of the first Indigenous soccer players to play alongside non-Indigenous teammates. He was known for his incredible skills and talent on the field. In fact, he was the only player, Indigenous or non-Indigenous, to play for all three top soccer teams in Nanaimo.
Harry Manson's Early Life and Soccer Career
Harry Manson was a member of the Snuneymuxw First Nation from Vancouver Island. His soccer journey began when he was recruited by the Nanaimo Thistles in 1898. He played with them in the provincial championship, which is a big tournament for teams across the province.
In 1903, Harry Manson was chosen for the Nanaimo all-star team. He and other Indigenous teammates made history as the first Indigenous players to compete in a provincial championship alongside their non-Indigenous teammates. When Harry Manson stepped onto the field, crowds were often amazed by his athleticism. He showed everyone what a talented player he was.
Harry Manson also led an all-Snuneymuxw soccer team called the Indian Wanderers. As captain, he guided them to win the Nanaimo city championship in 1904. Later, in 1907, the Nanaimo team, which included four Snuneymuxw players like Manson, won the provincial championship. Local newspapers at the time praised Manson as one of the best players Nanaimo had ever seen.
The Meaning of Xul-si-malt
Harry Manson was not just a soccer star; he was also a good baseball player. In 1906, he played for the Nanaimo Reliance Baseball Club. He was married to Lucy Sampson, and they had one child together.
In Indigenous cultures, a spirit name can guide a person's life and show who they are. For Harry Manson, his traditional name, Xul-si-malt, has a very special meaning. It means "One Who Leaves His Mark." This name perfectly describes Harry Manson, who left a lasting mark on Canadian sports history and inspired many.
The Harry Manson Legacy Tournament
To honor Harry Manson's memory and achievements, the Harry Manson Legacy Tournament was created in 2015. This tournament welcomes both Indigenous and non-Indigenous men and women to play soccer together.
The tournament includes teams from First Nation communities in the Vancouver area. It also features teams with Indigenous students from nearby cities. The goal of the Harry Manson Legacy Tournament is to help overcome barriers and bring people together through the love of soccer. It celebrates the spirit of unity and sportsmanship that Harry Manson represented.
