In fact, his first memorable moment in the sport was entirely forgettable. "I was playing on a U11 team for my grade school," he said. "It was my first competitive game. Afterwards, I threw up. I was sick. My mother thought soccer wasn't for me and that maybe I should quit. Fortunately, we got through that and moved on."

Actually, Ian's mother, Nyria, knew all about the demands of playing competitive sports. Her husband, Reginald, was an accomplished soccer and cricket player. Unfortunately, Reginald died when Ian was 7.

As he grew, Ian became a superb soccer player. Ian's professional career was launched when he signed a contract with Crystal Palace as a developing young 13-year-old. A couple of years later, he was offered a chance to sign with Derby County, champions of the English League. By the time he gained his release from Crystal Palace, however, Derby County had signed another player.

Later, Ian had a chance to sign with another professional team (Charlton Athletic), but chose instead to attend college. "I felt the educational route would give me a chance to get my degree but still play a high level of semi-professional soccer."

Unfortunately, it was a wise decision that took a couple of bad turns. His college playing career with the University of Birmingham (he was a central striker), was developing extremely well when weather forced the cancellation of the English equivalent of the NCAA Championship Final for which the team had qualified in March 1977. Rather than sit by idly, the team re-scheduled a previously postponed league game, during which Ian broke his right leg.

He eventually returned to the playing field and was back to top form, scoring goals, and had been selected to the England Universities' team, when he broke his leg again, this time during a U.S. soccer tour. "My first experience on Astroturf," he recalls.

Ian didn't play again for almost two years, after which he narrowly missed a rare opportunity to play in London's famed soccer cathedral, Wembley Stadium.

"That's something Pele (the great Brazilian player), and I have in common," he laughs. "Neither of us ever played at Wembley."

Not getting to play at Wembley was one of his great disappointments. "I'd started the 1979-80 season playing for Mossley (near Manchester), got injured (again!) around Christmas and missed the rest of the season. They got to Wembley in the final of the FA Trophy, losing 2-1 to Dagenham."

Ian's career took a new turn when he moved to Ontario, Canada, to attend graduate school. He was picked for the Canadian Universities' team in 1983 and 1984. Then he signed for the semi-professional Windsor Wheels. He became player/head coach of the Wheels in 1989, having helped them to the Canadian National Championship in 1987.

During her stay, Ian was named director of marketing and promotions for the Detroit Rockers indoor team. In the six months that Ian was initially in Iowa City, he got involved with local soccer with a club team and also became head coach of the West High boy's team in 1990. Although he eventually became general manager of the Rockers, it just wasn't going to work so long as the rest of his family was in Iowa City.

It all came together when Ian was offered the coaching directorship of the Iowa City Youth Soccer Association in 1994. He has been here ever since.