The schedule is set, and the competitors identified. The 2015 USL-Premier Development League (PDL), in which FC LONDON was champions in 2012, is coming together for soccer fans in Southwestern Ontario to enjoy local and international soccer talent. FC LONDON CEO Ian Campbell and Head Coach Martin Painter are lining up some excitement for this summer, both on and off the field.
“We’ve made a conscious decision to move the bulk of our home games to Saturday evenings, giving us the ability to coordinate other soccer events that surround the PDL game,” said Painter, who will serve his seventh year as coach in 2015. “By engaging youth clubs, university events, and local soccer programs, we’ll be making Saturdays throughout the summer an exciting reason to stay home on weekends.”
Similar to the 2012-2014 seasons, FC LONDON will be playing its home games at the historic German Canadian Club on Cove Road, just off Wharncliffe, south of Springbank Drive. The natural grass pitch is ideal for summer nights. Further, with free parking and a licensed patio, it’s a great way for fans to enjoy the game and atmosphere hassle free.
The FC LONDON season starts on May 21 in Dayton, Ohio against the Dayton Dutch Lions, who return to the PDL after several years in USL Pro. The season-opening road trip will also include a clash against Louisville, Kentucky, who have rejoined the Great Lakes Division as Derby City. A week later, FC LONDON will take on newcomer TFC Academy. After a successful run in LeagueONE, Toronto FC (TFC) Academy will now look to make their mark in the PDL.
The emergence of TFC Academy has already included some drama. The Ontario Soccer Association and the Canadian Soccer Association debated on the eligibility of TFC Academy to play in the PDL in the 2015 season, as they work to create a domestic development pathway. With their inclusion, the Reds will be playing against some of the toughest amateur teams in the country.
London soccer fans will get a chance to see how FC LONDON stacks up against the TFC development team in the club’s Home Opener, set for June 6 at the German Canadian Club. Tickets are available online at www.FCLONDON.ca
Then, London fans will be treated to Soccer Saturday every weekend through the end of July (with the exception of the June 26 weekend when the “School’s Out” game will be held on a Friday night).
Charity events, sponsorship, staffing, venue and equipment selection are all under way, as FC LONDON looks to continue its reputation as a quality entertainment option in the London sports landscape.
“This league never fails to impress, and the new affiliations with MLS teams is something that brings a new level of competition to the field,” said Ian Campbell. “Between the college successes, professional signings and the continual growth of the sport, it couldn’t be a better time for FC LONDON to launch Soccer Saturdays and welcome fans out for top quality soccer throughout the summer.”
– Submitted by FC LONDON
– Photo Credit: Cam Vassallo
