OSATv TouchLine -- 111 Brenda Budd

• Report rights infringement
• published: 07 Jun 2010
• views: 964

OSATv TouchLine host, Anthony Totera, interviews Brenda Budd -- wife of the late Brian Budd in whose memory the Soccer Hall of Fame newly minted the "Brian Budd Award" which is intended to recognize those who have excelled both in soccer and in another endeavour, who exemplify good character, show outstanding dedication, achievements and leadership in developing soccer in Canada and provide inspiration to past, present and future generations -- on her and her children's memories of their "Superstar" husband, father, athlete and generous community volunteer who loved teaching kids. Budd was an all-around athlete in his youth. He was a competitive swimmer and was training to be a figure skater until he quit at age 14. He did not focus on soccer until he was 19 years old. Brian became the most internationally recognized Canadian Soccer player through his participation in the various Super Star Competitions between 1978 and 1980. These competitions were televised all over the world, and brought together world class International athletes that had won regional competitions to compete on the show. Brian became an international household name for excelling in these competitions, winning himself $170,000 in the process. After Brian won the ABC World Super Star competition for three years in a row, the Brian Budd rule was instigated. This rule stated that an individual could win the competition only three times after which they could not compete again. Brian's success and exposure coincided with a spike in soccer registrations in Canada and the U.S. between 1975 and 1980. Not long after Canada and the U.S. began to climb in the FIFA rankings. Brian's playing career includes winning a CIAU gold medal for the UBC Thunderbirds in 1974. He played seven seasons in the NASL, with the Vancouver Whitecaps, Colorado Caribou, and Toronto Metros Croatia. He also played at the International level for Canada seven times, scoring twice in World Cup qualification matches. Brian, affectionately known as "Budgie", became a well known soccer broadcaster, starting as the colour commentator for the Toronto Blizzard in 1982, and most recently on the Score Network's Footy Show from 2004-2009.