Brian Ratcliffe joined the Sheridan coaching fraternity in 1987 and had an immediate impact on Sheridan’s success rate in the sport of soccer.
Brain’s British background and his years as a professional player in his home country provided the ground work for Sheridan’s championships during his tenure.
Brian’s record as coach of the indoor team was impressive considering the fact that he used it as training for the outdoor team. Since the OCAA awards medals for indoor soccer, Sheridan competed valiantly under Brain’s tutelage. After winning the Bronze Medal in 1989-90, the Bruins went on to the Ontario Indoor Championship in 1992-93.
Brian’s real love was traditional soccer played 11v11, his players responded to his positive coaching style with Ontario Championships in 1990-91 and 1992-93. The 1990-91 team was in every sense a team. In the OCAA Final versus an extremely talented Mohawk team, Brian’s favourite quote was, “Boys, you’re playing for personal pride” was in total evidence on that day.
At the CCAA’s that year in frosty Truro, Nova Scotia, the Bruins came home with the Silver Medal. The best result ever achieved by a Bruins soccer team.
Brian’s other championship year was in 92-93 when the Bruins took the OCAA gold and CCAA bronze. This year was marred by a team at Nationals using ineligible players, which cost the Bruins a fair shot at the Gold Medal.
Brian’s efforts earned him the honour of being named the OCAA Coach of the Year 3 times.