Reid Davidson loved soccer.
Throughout his 24 years of life, Reid was an avid soccer player getting his start in 100 Mile House playing for the 100 Mile House Soccer Association and captaining Peter Skene Ogden Secondary School's soccer team. That's why it is fitting that on July 27 and 28, his friends are organizing the inaugural Reid Davidson Memorial Soccer Tournament in his memory.
"This is something that he would do for someone in his position. Just the way he was as a person I think the biggest thing was the scholarship (in his name) and the biggest way to fund that scholarship was a soccer tournament," co-organizer Caily Mellott and Reid's childhood friend said. "He was very loyal and athletic, a great person to be around and friends with everyone."
Mellott is organizing the event with the help of her sister Cassidy Mellott. They both grew up and went to school with Reid, with Mellott first meeting him when they attended pre-school together. While she later got into hockey while Reid pursued his love of soccer, they always maintained a strong bond.
In addition to playing in 100 Mile House, Reid played two years of rep soccer in Kamloops and became the administrative lead of Nanaimo United after attending Vancouver Island University, earning a Bachelor of Tourism Management with a Major in Recreation, a Recreation and Sport Management Diploma and an Event Management certificate. In Nanaimo, Reid met the love of his life and established himself as a well-respected community member thanks in part because of his passion for sports.
On July 20, 2023, Reid tragically passed away after being fatally wounded in a motor vehicle collision when a car, travelling in the wrong lane, collided with his own vehicle. His passing came as a shock for his father Mike Davidson, a longtime 100 Mile House teacher, who had just retired and moved to Kamloops with his wife Lisa two weeks before the accident.
When the Mellotts approached Davidson about organizing a memorial tournament he gave them his blessing. Playing the game his son loved while keeping his memory alive just makes sense to him.
"I think Reid would be very happy and proud of (the tournament), to know his legacy has continued on and he's being remembered by everybody. He was definitely loved by a lot of people and he had a big impact on the places he went and the people he met," Davidson said. "This is just a way to share that and carry it on. We're really looking forward to seeing that happen."
The format of this tournament is seven versus seven with individuals invited to either sign up alone or in teams. No prior soccer experience is required, Mellott said, with co-ed teams of up to 10 players welcomed. There is a $50 fee per player with participants invited to sign up by going to rd13memorial.squarespace.com.
"We're looking for lots of volunteers (as well). Mostly what we need right now is for people to come and ref. We don't necessarily need anyone who is certified to ref soccer but someone who enjoys it, has a quick rundown of the rules and will be able to watch the games," Mellott remarked.
The tournament will serve as a fundraiser for the newly established Reid Davidson Memorial Scholarship at PSO. The Davidsons awarded the first scholarship in June to 2024 grad Floria Meili and hope it will be an enduring scholarship for years to come.
"One thing we can do is have a scholarship so people can benefit from it, especially people who share some of the attributes as Reid. He gave his all in everything he did, worked hard and was passionate about the places he went to school," Davidson said. "We also have a scholarship set up at Vancouver Island University, another scholarship has been set up through the Kamloops Youth Soccer Association in Reid's name and the Nanaimo Football Club has started one in Reid's name as well. I think it's quite an honour."
Mellott said that in addition to raising money for the scholarships, she and her sister want to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving. The individual who struck Reid's vehicle was allegedly inebriated at the time and is currently facing charges related to the incident. That's why the tournament will be an alcohol-free event.
While she doesn't have any expectations for turnout this year, Mellott said she would like to make this an annual tournament to support the scholarship for years to come. She encourages anyone who can attend the tournament, as either a spectator or participant, to do so.
"It's a good cause. The Davidson family has had such a huge impact on our community. Reid, his parents and his sister, they've always put their efforts into the community," Mellott said. "(We are) just trying to get people to give back to their family for everything they've done."
Anyone with further questions is invited to reach out to Mellott at rd13memorial@gmail.com.
