Submitted by FC LONDON
It has been a great summer of soccer in London, for players, fans, and coaches alike. With the thrill of the World Cup drama and success at the global level, and exciting games involving FC London locally, there has been plenty to keep soccer lovers entertained.
As the World Cup began in Brazil, local fans were treated to an opportunity to hold a solid replica of the FIFA World Cup trophy that is awarded to the champions each cycle. Fans had an opportunity to get their picture taken as if they were standing on the podium in Rio.
This was a rebuilding year for FC London, as 15 new players joined the roster. The skill level of talented local players and the world-class ability of top players from US and Canadian college and university programs made for great on-field action at the German Canadian Club on Cove Rd.
Early in the year, injuries hampered the team and the results were not as expected. Even though the team had great chemistry off the field, missing several players in midfield from a lineup cost FC London valuable points early in the season, which resulted in an uphill climb.
With that said, fans enjoyed watching many exciting players this season. Despite a slow start, Italian forward James Pucci quickly rocketed up the scoring charge to join his teammate from Germany, Yannis Becker, as two of the top point leaders in the North American Premier Development League. Pucci’s spectacular bicycle kick goal in early June has received hundreds of hits on YouTube. Many other players, including England’s Eddie Jones and Danny Deakin are now lining up for the MLS draft in the spring. Candidates also include French centreback Aurelien Norest (nicknamed “Frenchy”), who has been talked about as having the best timing of any defender in the league.
Off the field, the team continues to thrive, bringing in new fans and new sponsors. Competition Toyota joined this year as the Platinum sponsor for FC London, and their name was worn proudly. Other new sponsors, including McCabe’s Irish Pub & Grill on Richmond Street, combined with top quality returning sponsors Western University, George Georgopolous, RBC Wealth Management and Source for Sports/UMBRO to make the season a success.
FC London continues working toward the goal of developing pathways for young local players to compete at the highest level and prepare them to play for FC London or perhaps even a professional career. Head coach Martin Painter sees the organization as a great way to continue local player development.
“We’ve put together a program that combines top-quality adult soccer with pathway development youth play, which we feel is the best combination for young players to develop,” Painter said.
www.fclondon.ca
