With one team remaining in contention for a major Calgary soccer cup, the Cochrane Rangers Club season has all but ended. During a recent gala, the club recognized key contributions and celebrated their season.

Bowden award winnerKelsey Norman was the recipient of the Robert J. Bowden Award for her hard work in the club and the community. She was presented with the award by Rangers president Jon Wilcox.

Kelsey Norman was awarded the coveted Robert J. Bowden Award, presented to recognize a person for not only their play on the pitch but their volunteerism within the Rangers organization and involvement in the community. 

Kesey's father, Terry, was the recipient of the award two years ago when it was introduced.

"She has followed in her father's footsteps and is just a great ambassador for the club," says Rangers spokesperson James Darby.

Last year, the Bowden award was presented posthumously to Reiner Sattler for his heavy involvement in the local soccer community. 

The first Reiner Sattler Memorial Award was presented to Scott Knowles, who played for the Cochrane Firsts team.

Darby explains the managers of each team are invited to nominate one player from their ranks for consideration by the club's board. It is presented to a player who demonstrates leadership, discipline and hard work throughout the season. 

As well, each team presented awards for Players' Player of the year, golden boot (top scorer) and golden glove (goalkeeper).

Darby says it has been a successful season for Rangers' teams. Their O45 came second in their division, and both the men's O35 and Firsts were third.

The club renamed their men's and women's open teams to "Firsts." Darby says the name change has helped to create a buzz of excitement in the organization.

The men's Firsts team advanced to the semifinals of the challenging Black Cup that saw them lose to the premier division Foothills Club after upsetting the favoured Cruzeiro in their first game.

"Overall, it has been a very successful year for the Cochrane Rangers Club," says Darby. "We're advertising the club well and encouraging as many people as possible to play the game."

The O35 Rangers are playing the Scimitar 045A team on Sunday in a game that will determine the winner of the John Burns Memorial Cup. The Rangers beat the Scimitar Blizzards 7-3 in their first cup game.