Born in St. Lawrence into a family of 13 children, Bob was the only one that played soccer. His parents were very supportive and soccer was a big financial commitment for them but they always made sure he was able to participate. Bob’s father still is a big Laurentian fan who hardly misses a local game especially one in which Bob plays. Blessed with great skill and a passion for the game, throw in a little mean streak, add a little determination and desire, plus not wanting to disappoint the loyal Laurentian fans, mix them all together and you have a winner and Bob sure was all of this.

He played most of his soccer in St. Lawrence but for a few years was part of the Feildians programme. Bob like Paul, Noel, Scott & Harry followed much the same path through minor and were on the 1985 Canada Games team together. After the Canada Games he moved up to First Division / Challenge Cup where he played until 2003. He is still active playing Masters & Intermediate soccer.

Bob was a perennial All Star in Challenge Cup and won many individual awards. Bob received a very prestigious award when he was name Player of the Decade for the 90’s a very fitting award indeed as he was clearly the most dominate soccer player of that era.

It was quoted at the time as: Spearns was a standout performer during the 1990s after enjoying impressive success as a minor and Canada Games player during the 1980s. He played for six St. Lawrence teams which won the provincial Challenge Cup and provided exceptional leadership as team captain for seven seasons. Working at his centreback position, he earned Challenge Cup all-star selections six times after 1993 and was voted regular schedule MVP twice. He was named the top Challenge Cup defender four times. As captain, he played a major role in the national Challenge Cup bronze medal St. Lawrence won in 1999. Incidentally the 1999 Laurentians bronze medal team captained by Bob was also selected by the NLSA as the Team of the Decade as well.

Bob has been a part of nine Provincial Challenge Cup winning teams with two National Challenge Cup medals, a bronze in Chilliwack in 1999 & a silver in St. John’s in 2002. His success continues in Masters soccer with three Newfoundland Masters titles and an Eastern Canadian Masters Championships 2007.

He played with Paul Slaney, Harry Kelly, Noel Doyle, Keith Jackman, Scott Bishop, Gerard Quirke, Nipper Kettle, Norbert Doyle, Darren Dunphy, Todd Slaney(Pickett), Jr. Edwards, and so many more great Laurentians. Influential in his career has been former players Jr. Edwards, Jim Loder, Joe Turpin, Wils Molloy & Frank Haskell. Notable coaches that he had were Jack Simms, Jr. Edwards, Greg Quirke, Jim Loder, Jim Hamlyn, Tom Riley, Gord Dunphy, Allan Ross (MUN)

Bob enjoyed being involved in Soccer in St. Lawrence because of the pride and support of the community, the dedication of players, coaches and the fans at large and the many accomplishments of the Laurentians. It also provided an opportunity to stay connected with the sport of soccer. His most memorable moment was playing in the National finals in St.John’s NL. and bringing home the silver medal.

Bob is presently living in Burin and teaching at Jamieson Academy in Burin. He also coaches in the Burin Minor Soccer Program. He has coached and his teams won 4 Provincial Girls 3A soccer titles.

St. Lawrence Soccer welcomes Bob Spearns into the Hall of Fame.