Vincentian soccer coach publishes new book

Vincentian soccer coach Patrick Horne has written a book which recognizes the black pioneers of the American soccer league.

The book is called Black Pioneers of the North American Soccer League (1968-1984) and is available for sale on Amazon and will soon be available at Gaymes Book Store in Paul’s Avenue.

The book was launched locally last Thursday at the Frenches House where Horne noted that black players forged a path for many persons who now play soccer in the United States (US), so he thought it fit to highlight them.

He said the period from 1968 to 1984 was a very difficult time for black players and he decided to highlight it because that period has untold stories that needed to be told.

“I tried to find the uniqueness in players,” said Horne while adding that each player has a different story, from racism problems and finding jobs to being treated less than the white overseas players.

The book also speaks about exceptional local soccer players and Horne said that former local player and star Guy Lowe was the source of a lot of information for the book.

“Today stadiums are filled across the United States in Major League Soccer. Millions of dollars being paid, but most people do not know why this is happening. It started back in 1968…,” said Horne who encourages persons to get a copy of the book.

“I hope it inspires persons,” he said.

Giving an overview of the book, historian Adrian Fraser said that Horne is the first Vincentian footballer to attain professional status (between 1978 and 1979) and he has successfully identified and highlighted black footballers from different parts of the world who have made a contribution not only to the North American soccer league but also to the development of North American soccer.

“The book is however much more than the title implies because it pulls together soccer history and allows us to reflect on the sport in the US and elsewhere.

“We find out much about American soccer by looking at the careers of these black pioneers. A synopsis is provided in the book about their careers even before they reach the United States. The author also takes us beyond 1984 to the subsequent careers of some of these pioneers,” said Fraser.

Fraser notes that Horne was motivated to write the book (it appears), by the fact that most of the pioneers had not been handed their due given the contribution they made to the sport in the US.

Contributions include stimulating youths through their performances, coaching and even in administration.

“He is qualified to write the book because he is trained in mass communication, sports journalism and he is a commentator,” said Fraser who added that Horne covered the 1994 World Cup in the United States for the Newsday Newspaper, did sports commentary for WLIB in New York and is also a soccer coach.

Fraser notes also that tribute is given to SVG football with mention of persons like Carlton Horne (1950s), Sam Bibby (1960s) and Keith Bonadie and the Notre Dame football team.

“The book allows us to reflect on our football because we are very poor with statistics,” said Fraser.