NAME: Stu Robbins
UNIVERSITY: Alberta
CATEGORY: Coach
SPORT: Men’s Soccer
YEARS ACTIVE: 1964-1974
HALL OF FAME CLASS: 2019-20
HIGHLIGHTS:
Founding coach of the Alberta Golden Bears soccer program (1967)
Coach of Canada West and CIAU men’s soccer champs in 1972
First director of coaching for the Alberta Soccer Association (ASA)
BIOGRAPHY:
Born and educated in England, Dr. Stuart Robbins was invited to join the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Physical Education in 1964. Initially tasked with establishing undergraduate and graduate programs in elementary school physical education, Robbins would go on to have an indelible impact on varsity sport.
In 1967 he became the founding coach of the Golden Bears soccer program and remained with the team until 1974, guiding the Bears to a Canadian Interuniversity Athletic Union (CIAU) gold medal in 1972 and silver in 1973, while also capturing Canada West gold both seasons.
During his time at Alberta, Robbins also coached the Golden Bears tennis team to a Western Intercollegiate championship in 1964-1965, and additionally served as head coach of Bears and Pandas diving (1964-1969), and as a sprint coach on Alberta’s track and field team (1964-1966).
He was also first Director of Coaching for the Alberta Soccer Association (ASA), serving in that role from 1966 to 1972, a tenure during which Robbins initiated the ASA's coaching instruction and certification program.
During the 1968-1969 season, Robbins coached Alberta’s diving team at the Canadian championships and served as the Technical Director of the Alberta Diving Association and as a member of the Canadian Diving Association Selection Committee.
In 1974, Robbins moved on to York University where his roles included Chair of the School of Physical Education and Athletics (1981-86 and 1989-97), Associate Dean of the Faculty of Education (1978-80), along with coach of the men's soccer team (1983-86).
Upon retiring from York in 2000, Robbins returned west, moving to Calgary where he joined the National Coaching Institute at the University of Calgary.
Robbins was awarded the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada, and Canada’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002. He is a member of the University of Alberta Sports Wall of Fame (class of 2007) and York’s Hall of Fame (2009).