Second hall of fame honour for Ian in USA

Apr 16 2008 By John Rowbotham

A HAMILTON-born man has for a second time been honoured for his contribution to the development of youth football in United States.

Ian McDougall, aged 78, coached football teams on Long Island for 35 years contributing greatly to the development of the sport.

Five years ago he was inducted in the Long Island Junior Soccer League ‘hall of fame’ for his work with Oceanside United Soccer Club.

Now he has been inducted into the Eastern New York Soccer Association hall of fame.

Mr McDougall emigrated from his home town to America with his family in 1947 after learning his football skills at St John’s Grammar and Hamilton Academy.

A talented player, he played for the Academy team who reached the final of the Scottish Schools Cup in 1947.

Ian was also a member of the Clydesdale Amateurs squad when they won the Lanarkshire League and John Roan Cup a year earlier.

A successful businessman in his own right, Mr McDougall also played football professionally with teams in New York and New Jersey.

He joined the German-American

Soccer League, captaining Eintracht for four years, and performing both for The Swedish Club and Lindenhurst.

He finished his career with Oceanside, the club he help to co-found in 1962.

Mr McDougall and his wife Janet have three children and six grandchildren.

He lives with his family in Lynbrook, New York, and retired from active coaching five years ago after earning great respect from the respective leagues.

However, he still plays a part in running Oceanside.

Mr McDougall worked for mining and metals company Imco for who he was a director, chief financial officer and vice-chairman.

And he was also introduced to former president Bill Clinton in recognition of his work within the development of youth football.