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Bob Coffin (left) pictured just before a football game in Hafford in 2023. (Submitted Photo/Bob Coffin)
Much Deserved

Longtime P.A. football referee recognized with Sask Sports Award

Feb 2, 2024 | 5:00 PM

A Prince Albert man is one of several people who can now say they’ve won a Saskatchewan Sport Award.

Bob Coffin was given the 2023 Volunteer Dedication Award after dedicating over 50 years of his life to football as an athlete, coach, administrator, and official.

“When you get recognition for doing something for a sport that you love and want to give back to, it’s that’s pretty special when you think of all the volunteers throughout the province that do everything from Bingos to coaching to the other administrative details and stuff that got to be done,” he said.

Despite not living in Prince Albert for around three years, Coffin continues to be a part of the Prince Albert Football Officials Association. Since moving, he’s been refereeing between 25 and 30 games a year.

Despite never doing it for recognition, Coffin explained it’s nice to see some people cared.

“I guess it just solidifies that feeling that you know not only are you happy doing what you’re doing when you’re volunteering, but other people take notice and maybe it inspires them to get out and do the same thing.”

One of Coffin’s biggest achievements was being an assistant coach for the Saskatchewan Huskies when they won the Vanier Cup in 1996.

“Football’s been very good to me. That’s got me into a lot of places and met a lot of great people,” he added.

Other awards handed out included the male and female athletes of the year, youth athletes of the year, coach of the year, and team of the year.

A complete list of all the 2023 winners can be found on Sask Sport’s website.

-With files from Nolan Kowal

Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

X: @princealbertnow