Royle was a longtime Feildians mainstay

The Feildians Athletic Association lost one of its pillars Monday with the passing of Jim Royle following a battle with cancer.

He was 55.

A St. John's and provincial soccer Hall of Famer, Royle was involved with the sport for over 40 years as a player, coach and administrator, mostly with the Double Blues.

Coming up through the St. John's minor system, Royle played collegiate soccer with Memorial University under Alan Ross, winning two Atlantic championships and a national silver medal.

He was a stalwart midfielder for Feildians in St. John's senior and Challenge Cup provincial play for a number of years. Although his senior playing career with the Double Blues and, for a brief period of time, with Guards didn't produce championships, Royle's gritty play on the field earned him the respect of opponents.

He served as a player/coach for a number of Feildians soccer teams, and was also heavily involved in an administrative role with the association. His tireless work with the FAA allowed Feildians to remain a viable entity within the Newfoundland and Labrador Soccer Association.

He was twice named winner of the Charlie Quick Award for outstanding contribution to the game.

Soccer was not Royle's only sport. A member of the Brother Rice Celtics high school teams, Royle graduated to the Junior Blue Caps in the St. John's Junior Hockey League and later played a couple of seasons with the Blue Caps in the old Newfoundland Senior Hockey League in the late 1970s.

"As much as he was a soccer person," said former provincial soccer president Doug Redmond, "he'll be missed even more as a friend."

Resting at Caul's Funeral Home, LeMarchant Rd. Visitations are today (2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.), Thursday (10 a.m.-noon, 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.) and Friday (7-9 p.m.).

Funeral mass will be held 9:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Patrick's Church.