The Comox Valley Kickers wrapped up the 2024/2025 season with a fun Awards Banquet on May 10 at the Comox Legion.
The potluck dinner was a hit (as always!), with players and supporters bringing their A-game to the table — from savoury favourites to sweet treats. It was a full room with players dressed to impress!
The night started with the men’s coaches, Tim Quek and Will Perry, taking the stage. They reflected on what was undeniably a tough season, having moved up to Division 1, that saw the team go winless. Despite the challenges, their message was clear: this year laid the foundation. They spoke about the grit shown by the players, the glimpses of brilliance on the field, and the growth of a squad that never gave up, even when the scoreboard didn’t reflect their effort. With new talent emerging and a solid core of committed players, both coaches expressed optimistim for what next season holds.
Speeches followed from the women’s coaches, JB Nikkel, Pete Morton, and Andrew Stigant. They recapped an incredible season that saw the women’s team go the distance and earn back-to-back Division 2 championships. They spoke to the team’s relentless drive and the depth of talent. Whether it was dominant performances on the scoreboard or players stepping up in clutch moments, the coaches credited the team’s success to hard work, commitment, and a shared hunger to keep raising the bar. With a perfect mix of experience and emerging talent, they praised the players for not only defending their title, but also doing it with grit and grace.
Club President Aaron L’Arrivee gave a heartfelt speech, expressing how proud he is of both the men’s and women’s teams — winning 4 championships in 3 years, a testament of the hard work being put in and the culture and community that is being built. He shared that he will be stepping down as president to focus on his health but is confident about the future of the club.
Director of Socials and Fundraising, Natalie Nguyen took on emcee duties for the night, guiding the festivities and doing her best to cut off rambling speeches.
The 2024/2025 Comox Valley Kickers Awards Recipients:
Best Rookie
Men’s Winner: Simon Crowe
Women’s Winner: Shayla Stigant
Best Back
Men’s Winner: Ryan Bickerstaff
Women’s Winner: Sophia Julien
Best Forward
Men’s Winner: Derek McCubbin
Women’s Winner: Kristin Johnson
Indigenous Player of the Year
Winner: Tanya Garneau
Most Improved
Men’s Winner: Clayton Meyers
Women’s Winner: Chloe Speed
Most Sportsmanlike
Men’s Winner: Landon Maybaum
Women’s Winner: Daris Forberg
Most Tenacious
Men’s Winner: Kyle Christensen
Women’s Winner: Sienna Stigant
Most Valuable
Men’s Winner: Brandon Hudson
Women’s Winner: Cali McKay
Top Jandal (Coach’s Choice)
Winners: Jenn Lund & Lauren Sargent
Club Person of the Year
Winner: Jesse Ramsay
A huge congratulations to all our award winners. These awards aren’t just about stats — they reflect passion, perseverance, and Kickers pride.
The men’s rookies stole the show with a hilarious performance to Cher’s iconic hit Believe. With balloons, rugby balls, dance moves, and a microphone, the rookies performed to the classic anthem!
A special moment was the presentation of a custom Kickers blazer to outgoing Club President Aaron L’Arrivee by Stephen Hextall, recognizing Aaron’s leadership and service from 2018–2025. Thank you, Aaron, for everything you’ve done for the club.
As the evening drew to a close, the coaches and Jess Nikkel, women’s team manager, were called up to receive heartfelt thank you gifts in recognition of their tireless dedication throughout the season. It was a small but meaningful gesture to honor their hard work, leadership, and the significant impact they’ve had on the team’s success and growth.
Thanks to everyone who helped make this banquet such a success. On and off the field, it’s clear — the Kickers are more than just a team, we’re a family.
Don’t forget: our Annual General Meeting is coming up on Wednesday, May 14 at 7:00PM held at the Comox Legion. All members and supporters are encouraged to attend and have their say as we prepare for an even stronger 2025/2026 season.