Len Oliver (soccer)

Len Oliver (born Leonard Oliver, January 29, 1933, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – died November 4, 2023, Arlington, Virginia) was an American soccer player, coach, and historian. He is primarily known for his extensive research and writing on the history of soccer in the United States.

Oliver played soccer collegiately at Temple University, earning All-American honors. He later played amateur soccer for various Philadelphia-area clubs, including Lighthouse and the Ukrainian Nationals. He also earned a cap for the United States national team in 1958 against Canada.

Following his playing career, Oliver dedicated himself to coaching youth soccer and researching the sport's history. He was a prolific writer, publishing numerous articles and books, including Ocean to Ocean: An Illustrated History of U.S. Soccer, 1894-1994 (co-authored with Colin Jose), which is considered a seminal work on the subject. He also wrote The Universal Game: A Global History of Soccer.

Oliver served as a historian for the National Soccer Hall of Fame. He was recognized for his contributions to the sport with various awards, including the Walt Chyzowych Lifetime Achievement Award. His work helped to preserve and promote the understanding of soccer's rich history in the United States. He was a passionate advocate for the sport and a valuable resource for anyone interested in its past.