Luke Berryman, a third-year forward, is the 2023 U SPORTS Student-Athlete Community Service Award recipient. A humanities and social sciences student from Halifax with a 3.67 grade point average in the classroom, Berryman brings his sport and his studies to the table the obligation to give in harmony back to the community.
On the field, Berryman played seven games for the Tigers this season, scoring two goals.
His community volunteer work includes launching a project through his local YMCA to break down barriers and make soccer more accessible to new Canadians and African Nova Scotians. Through this initiative, he was able to receive grants that enabled over 100 children to enroll and play in club soccer last summer. For this initiative, Berryman was honored with the Canadian Premier League’s Game Changers Award.
“Luke is a leader in our locker room, but what’s even more impressive is that he understands the importance of community,” said Tigers head coach Alan Jazic. “He is also a mentor to many children in his community. He has been giving back as a coach with Halifax City Soccer Club for many years, both as a volunteer and now at the grassroots level of development. “Luke is passionate about football and making sports more accessible to all children who face barriers to enrollment.”
Berryman is the sixth Dalhousie Tigers player to receive the award for community service as a student-athlete in men’s soccer. Other Dalhousie winners include Gracious Kasheke (2019), Jonathan Doucett (2016), Sangmuk Choi (2015), Nathan Rogers (2013) and Ryan Haughn (2006).
Other nominees:
RSEQ: David Harrison (Sherbrooke)
OUA: Alexander Domingos (Nipissing)
CW: Chris Lee (UBC)
Full U SPORTS release
“Gamer. Introvert. Problem solver. Creator. Thinker. Lifelong food evangelist. Alcohol advocate.”