Ninth in a series of 10 profiles of 2026 Surrey Sports Hall of Fame inductees, celebrated as the hall’s inaugural class during a June 2 ceremony at Surrey City Hall. Surrey Marlins 1990-1993, Team The Surrey Marlins women’s soccer team was formed in 1983 by Janet Gibson and Karen Garnet, entering the Metro Women’s Soccer League in Division 4. After three consecutive division titles, they were promoted repeatedly, reaching the Premier Division by 1989. At the top level, new coaches Mario Vairo and his son
John took over, and the roster strengthened, including eight future Canadian internationals. The team continued its winning tradition with elite talent. From 1990 to 1993, the Marlins dominated, winning three straight Premier League titles undefeated. They also captured three consecutive BC Provincial Women’s A Cup titles, outscoring opponents nine goals to one in those finals. Their greatest achievement came with three straight national club championships (1991–1993), a feat unmatched in BC soccer history. Across those tournaments, they scored 42 goals and conceded just one. In
2023, the 1990–1993 Surrey Marlins were inducted into the Soccer Hall of Fame of BC as a Team of Distinction, and their legacy continues to inspire BC soccer. Source: Surrey Sports Hall of Fame
Surrey Marlins, Surrey Sports Hall of Fame, women’s soccer, Metro Women’s Soccer League, Premier League titles, BC Provincial Women’s A Cup, national club championships
Undeafeated?? That’s wild.
Wait so they got inducted for the years 1990-1993 but formed in 1983? I’m just confused on the timeline. Still, three straight national club championships sounds like made-up stats lol.
Mario Vairo and his son John?? That sounds like favoritism to me, like coaching families always get the best recruits. Also how can a team outscore people 9-1 in finals and nobody else notice? I know it’s supposed to be inspiring but I’m side-eyeing it.
Good for them I guess. But I feel like they’re mixing up the BC Provincial Women’s A Cup with the Premier League thing? Like Premier Division vs Premier League… my brain is melting. Didn’t know soccer had a “Surrey Sports Hall of Fame” until today, so now I’m wondering if my old high school team would’ve qualified or if it’s only for the very top talent from the start.