The legendary Paul Bourdeau, a founding member of the WCSOA, passed away in Texas on Dec. 31, 2017 at the age of 87. Paul was not only an instrumental force in developing the WCSOA, he was also a top-level high school and college official and longtime fixture at major games in Connecticut and around the country.

His soccer officiating achievements are too numerous to list here, and the awards he was given too countless to recall. What better way to honor Paul than through his own words. Below are pages from a detailed biography he had prepared on his career. Read through as he takes you on his incredible officiating journey.

TRIBUTE: Read story on Bourdeau's great career

Paul Bourdeau's complete resume

Page 1: Overview of soccer career (Paul played at UMass)

Page 2: Major committee assignments and some of Paul's big games

Page 3: Important games; writings on soccer; awards

Page 4: More of Paul's many awards

Page 5: Officiating other sports

Page 6: Major basketball assignments; how many games did Paul ref?

Page 7: State finals

The WCSOA annually awards the Paul Bourdeau Award for distinguished service to soccer. Here are the winners:

PAUL BOURDEAU DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

1976   Albie Loefflerr, Qfficial, Staples H.S.coach

1977   John Coffin, Canterbury coach

1978   Brian Kelley, official; Bob Sveda, Newtown H.S., coach; Pete Vibert, Northwest Reg.H.S., coach

1979   Robert Broderick, Nonnewaug .H.S.,coach; Robert Cook, Watertown H.S., coach; Joseph Copeland, Volunteer Soccer Enthusiast

1980   Dan Garame11a, Abbott Tech coach; Guido Tino, New Fairfield H.S.coach

1981   Dave Coughlin, Hotchkiss School coach; Tom Nevers, E.C.S.C.coach

1982   Joseph Morrone, UConn coach

1983   Robert Dikranian, S.C.S.U.coach

1986   Dana Jewett, Litchfield H.S.coach; Jim Stout, Danbury News Times

1991   Charlie Caroll., CT Junior Soccer Assoc., NW District V.P.

1992   Al.Taubert, Newtown Youth/Adult Soccer

1993   Tom Moylan, Bristol Central coach

1994   Joe DelBuono, Wolcott H.S.coach , W.C.S.O.A.commissioner, and C.S.O.A.president; Phil Lyga, Terryville H.S.coach

1995   John Giampalo, Masuk H.S.coach and A.D.; Ralph King, Brien McMahon H.S.coach and A.D.

1997   Larry Ashmore, Newtown H.S.coach; Tony Gorman, Abbott Tech former coach and A.D., retired

1998   Jim Trocolla, Danbury H.S.boys and girls coach

1999   Jim Dolan, Joel Barlow H.S.coach

2000   Andy Pitonak, Official

2001   Gary Donaldson, Danbury H.S.coach; Jim Scully, Wolcott H.S.A.D.

2002   Ken Hoagland, Lewis Mills H.S., A.D.; Bob Suchy, New Fairfield H.S.A.D.

2003   Kristine Lilly, Women's U.S.National Team

2004   Greg Andrulis, Columbus Crew Head Coach

2005   Rick Wilson, Waterbury Republican-American sports writer

2006   Michael Savage.C.I.A.C.Executive Director

2007   Scott McCarty, Forman School A.D.& Coach

2008   Ray Behr, Chase Collegiate School AD & Coach

2009   Art Hamm, W.C.S.O.A.Interpreter

2010   Chip Salvestrini, AD.Danbury, New Milford, Ridegfield

2011   George Tirado, Wilby H.S.A.D.

2012   Bill Sweet, Bristol Eastern 

2013   Charlie Sharos, CIAC

2014     Bob DeSantis, Bristol Central

2015     Joe Velardi, Pomperaug A.D.

2016     Rick McWilliams, Millbrook School

2017      Mark Berkowitz, Weston A.D.