The quest for a national championship started on a cold January night when a meeting was held between myself, Marconi head coach Tyler Hemming, and new manager Tom Kouzounas. The focus was to put together a championship quality team with some of the most talented players in the region, coached by one of the most experienced coaching staffs, and supported by one of the most historic soccer clubs in the area (London Marconi Soccer).
Tom was given the task of recruiting the players. Tyler was given carte blanche to choose the roster and train the players as he saw fit, as well as choose his coaching staff. Marconi’s role was to provide the necessary resources for the team to perform at a high level. We ensured that the proper funding would be in place for top-notch training facilities, the best uniforms and equipment, and the best home soccer pitch to play on. We even added our own Italian touch by celebrating after every home game with a great home cooked meal provided by the excellent staff at the Marconi Club.
The season got off to a mediocre start, but Marconi began to hit their stride at the Ontario Cup. After beating local powerhouses Benfica and Croatia in the regional round, it was off to play the even stronger GTA clubs in the knockout rounds. After beating Mississauga in the quarter final and then Woodbridge in the semis, Marconi met Vaughn in the Ontario Cup final. It was a hard fought game, but Marconi came out with the win in regular time to become Ontario Cup Champions for the third time in club history.
Filled with confidence and a hunger for more, the team travelled to Vaughn for the National Championship. Playing against the champions of Canada’s other provinces and territories, Marconi went undefeated in five games over six days to advance to the final against Calgary, the favourites. The match came down to who played harder, wanted it more, and played for their teammates more than for themselves. And that was our team, London Marconi, the first team in London to ever win the National Championship since its inception in 1922.
Since then, we have celebrated our accomplishments many times, culminating in London Mayor Matt Brown presenting us with a congratulatory award on June 2 at London Marconi field at a home game against St. Thomas. We would like to thank Mayor Matt Brown and everyone at the City of London for all of their support.
Story Submitted by: Tony Agostinelli, President, London Marconi Soccer
