Dr. Gerrard Bean
FOOTBALL
Achievements:
CONCACAF Hall of Fame: Inducted for outstanding administrative contributions
Presidency: Former president of Bermuda Football Association (BFA) and Bermuda Olympic Association (BOA)
Martonmere Cup and Dudley Eve Tournament: Founder
CONCACAF Executive Committee: Senior vice president until 1986
MBE Recipient: Awarded in 1977 for contributions to sport
Special Achievement Award: First recipient from the Bermuda government in 1980-81
Match Commissioner: Estimated 40-50 games since 1980
Biography:
Dr. Gerrard Bean is the only Bermudian to be inducted into the CONCACAF Hall of Fame, a testament to his unparalleled contributions to football administration. His journey from a national sprint champion at Berkeley to an esteemed sports administrator is marked by dedication, vision, and a commitment to the development of sports in Bermuda.
In 1956, Dr. Bean attended McGill University in Montreal, where he focused on his academic pursuits, setting aside his athletic ambitions. After earning his doctorate in optometry from Toronto's College of Optometry, he returned to Bermuda in 1964 to establish his practice. However, his passion for sports soon drew him into various administrative roles.
Dr. Bean joined Pembroke Hamilton Club (PHC) in 1965 and served as president from 1968 to 1971. Concurrently, he was president of the Bermuda Junior Football Association, where he organized Bermuda's first international football tournament in 1968. His contributions to youth football were significant, and he also served on the BFA's Executive Committee from 1966 to 1968.
In 1969, Dr. Bean was elected vice president of the BFA and was recognized as one of Bermuda's Most Outstanding Men of the Year. His leadership culminated in 1971 when he became president of the BFA, a position he held until 1986. During his tenure, he unified various football groups under one organization and established the Martonmere Cup in 1972.
Dr. Bean's influence extended beyond Bermuda. He served as chef-de-mission for the Pan Am Games in 1971 and the 1976 Olympics, and he joined CONCACAF's executive committee in 1973, eventually rising to senior vice president. One of his notable achievements was coordinating the 1974 CONCACAF Youth Tournament in Toronto.
In 1977, Dr. Bean was awarded an MBE for his contributions to sport. He established the Dudley Eve Tournament in 1978, further solidifying football's financial foundation in Bermuda. Under his administration, Bermuda won two bronze medals at the CAC Games, and he played a pivotal role in sending coaches to England to enhance their skills.
Dr. Bean became president of the BOA in 1980, a position he held for six years. He established the Charity Cup in 1984 to demonstrate the BFA's commitment to giving back to the community. His presidency saw significant advancements, including the transition to a four-year term for the BFA president, allowing for more comprehensive program implementation.
Beyond his tenure with the BFA and BOA, Dr. Bean lent his expertise to several FIFA committees, including the Board of Appeals and the medical committee. He also served as a general coordinator for the Under 17 World Cup and has been a match commissioner for numerous games.
Today, Dr. Bean continues to contribute to Bermuda's sports community as chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Sports Centre, a role he has held since 1992. His legacy as an outstanding sports administrator is marked by his dedication to improving the game and providing opportunities for future generations of athletes.
Legacy:
Dr. Gerrard Bean's legacy is one of vision, dedication, and transformative leadership in Bermuda's sports community. His contributions to football administration, both locally and internationally, have left an indelible mark on the sport. Through his efforts, he has elevated Bermuda's presence on the global sports stage, ensuring that future generations have the resources and opportunities to excel. His work continues to inspire and shape the future of sports administration in Bermuda.