Former Canadian youth coach Frank Donlavey has passed away. The Glasgow-born footballer was Canada’s men’s youth coach for five years and McMaster University’s women’s coach for 15 years. He led McMaster University to a national championship in 1991.

As a player, Donlavey played professionally in Great Britain, South America, South Africa, United States and Canada. He spent five years in the North American Soccer League in the early 1970s, suiting up for the Washington Darts/Miami Gatos, Toronto Metros and New York Cosmos.

In 1988, Donlavey succeeded Tony Taylor as Canada’s men’s U-20 head coach. Donlavey coached Canada at the 1988, 1990 and 1992 CONCACAF Men’s Under-20 Championships. After not reaching the final group in 1988 or 1990, Donlavey helped Canada finish third at 1992 tournament in Burnaby, BC.

In preparation for the 1992 championship, coach Donlavey took Canada’s U-20 team to the XI Pan American Games Havana 1991. Canada lost three games to older U-23 teams from Honduras, Suriname and USA. One month earlier against Mexico and USA’s U-20 teams, he led Canada to victory at the 1991 Gillette Cup in Kelowna, BC. Niall Thompson scored three goals in the final, a 4:0 victory over USA.

From 1989 to 2003, Donlavey served as McMaster University’s women’s soccer coach. He took McMaster to the national championships four times, helping the Marauders win the Gladys Bean Memorial Trophy in 1991. Donlavey also won a bronze medal in 1997 and was the CIAU Coach of Year award in 1991. He was honoured with the McMaster Athletics and Recreation, Friend of Distinction in 2000.

Donlavey passed away on 1 January 2009 in Hamilton, ON. The Canadian soccer community sends its condolences to Mr. Donlavey’s family.