By Cory Grant and photo by Cam Vassallo
In 1934, one year after the founding of the German Canadian Club, a group of young sport-minded club members decided to form German Canadian FC. During the first year of operation, a series of exhibition games were played against German Canadian teams from the Windsor, Kitchener and Toronto areas, and later in a six-team London and District Soccer Association. In 2014, German Canadian FC is celebrating its 80th anniversary, making it one of Ontario’s oldest soccer clubs. This year, there are 21 OSA-registered teams representing the Club.
As part of the club’s 80th anniversary, GCFC hosted a U8-U12 mini skills challenge on Saturday, June 21 for all boys and girls, at all levels, from all clubs in London and area.
“What made the Mini Skills Challenge unique was that it involved over 12 different soccer clubs in London,” said Eliot Pridoehl, who helped coordinate the event. “The response and support from clubs has been overwhelmingly positive. They were excited to be part of the day, set up their own skills station, work alongside other clubs, and they encouraged all of their players to take part and have fun.”
To top the day off, in lieu of collecting admission, participants were able to donate directly to the Children’s Health Foundation in London.
The day also included a presentation for club excellence by Ontario Soccer Association president Ron Smale, as well as special guests from the City of London, and the Elgin Middlesex Soccer Association. The anniversary celebration concluded by watching Germany v. Ghana at the German Canadian Club.
www.gcfclondon.com
