It has been quite a year for football – both on our televisions and locally, at Tricar Field. Canada’s women’s national team claimed gold at the Olympics, and our men’s national team, bolstered with international stars, are on the cusp of World Cup qualification. Locally, London TFC Academy and senior teams within FC LONDON have used that as inspiration and have been taking advantage of being back on the field – both with extensive training and league play.
“It’s been a tough year for parents and players alike. From zoom calls earlier in the year to being on, off, and then on the field again, it’s been challenging as a Club,” said FC LONDON CEO Ian Campbell. “Here’s hoping that a new day is on the horizon.”
Challenges notwithstanding, the academy’s 25+ youth teams have continued to thrive in some of the top leagues in the province, including the OPDL.
London TFC Academy has also launched the ‘All-For-One’ All abilities Program, designed to provide children with various needs the opportunity to play the game of soccer.
“Whether players use a wheelchair, walker or splits, or live with an intellectual communication (ASD) or developmental disability, all those aged 4 to 18 are welcome on the field,” said program coordinator, Sindy Debenedictis.
FC LONDON’s senior Men’s and Women’s League1 teams started their seasons late, but that didn’t deter either from training hard for success on the field. They both finished in the top three, with the women taking the Supporters Cup as the first-place league finishers. However, Oakville Blue Devils knocked out both men’s and women’s teams – the women in the league semi-final, and the men on the final day of the regular season, leaving them just shy of the playoffs.
As the club looks to wrap up the 2021 season, it’s doing so in tandem with gearing up for the 2022 season. The expanded use of the Tricar Field facility now includes a clubhouse and dressing rooms and has already served as a fantastic anchor for a club that continues to raise the bar within Canadian soccer.
Submitted by FC LONDON
