George Lidster (Meritorious) - Inducted 2025

George Lidster was born in Durham, England, and began his playing career with Newcastle United and Darlington FC. After moving to the United States and graduating from college in 1984, George officially transitioned into a coaching role— kicking off his truly impressive coaching career.

 

George coached the GW Colonials for 24 years (1987-2011), and in that time achieved multiple honors. He was named South Atlantic Region Coach of the Year in 1987, and was awarded Atlantic-10 Coach of the Year in 1989, 1992 and 2011. The GW Colonials had three NCAA Tournament appearances, and ten Atlantic-10 Conference Tournament appearances—becoming Champions in 2002 and 2004.

 

Alongside these accomplishments, George was creating excellence in both the ASL and APSL. He committed himself to assistant coach roles—simultaneously participating as a player—while he was with the 1986 Fairfax Spartans, 1988 Washington Stars, 1994 Richmond Kickers and 1995 Washington Mustangs. He was named NAIA All-American in 1982, ASL All Star in 1988, and was elected to the University of Illinois Springfield Hall of Fame in 2016.

 

From 1997 to 1998, he continued coaching during a year-long sabbatical in England. George worked in the community schemes of Millwall FC and Chelsea FC within the English Priemer League. George directed coaching courses and soccer academies—developing and identifying players throughout the south of England.

 

Throughout his career, George has been a powerhouse. Whether it was through his coaching or through his captaining, he led multiple teams to excellence and victory. His influence on the sport is immeasurable, and he has left his mark on every level of Virginia-DC soccer.