FC Edmonton

History

FC Edmonton was launched in February 2010 by Tom and Dave Fath. The team spent 2010 preparing for its first competitive season in 2011, signing players, establishing the coaching and administrative setup, and playing in exhibition games. FC Edmonton played its first game on June 16 at Foote Field against the Montreal Impact, winning 3–0. In 2010 they scheduled five friendlies against American and Canadian clubs and three other international sides (Portsmouth FC, Victoria Highlanders FC, Colo-Colo). The team also played an honorary match against the Canadian Armed Forces team, on Canada Day, July 1, 2010.

In December 2010 the club's first head coach, Dwight Lodeweges, and assistant coach Hans Schrijver left Edmonton for a job in Japan. Harry Sinkgraven was appointed as new head coach shortly thereafter.

The team played its first competitive game on April 9, 2011, a 2–1 victory over the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. The first goal in club history was scored by Shaun Saiko.

Hans Schrijver rejoined the team as an assistant in 2012. Sinkgraven and Schrijver were released by the club on September 28, 2012 after the team missed the playoffs.

Colours and badge

The Fath Sports design team along with their families and FC Edmonton personnel were all instrumental in the logo design. “We used the City of Edmonton blue colour with our own signature therefore, we created the logo with a classical yet traditional look with an underlying strength (blue and black) to attract the North American but more specifically the Canadian fans” declared Tom Fath, founder of FC Edmonton. “We wanted to make certain the logo signifies the colours of our proud city while incorporating the Canadian flag at the same time, the shield represents tradition stated Dave Fath, co-founder of FC Edmonton.

Stadium

The team has played in Clarke Stadium since the 2012 season. FC Edmonton has expanded the capacity of Clarke from 1,200 to over 5,000 with temporary seat-back and bleacher seating. For "marquee games" Edmonton previously played at the much larger Commonwealth Stadium, which has a capacity of 60,081. The club's inaugural game in the 2011 Canadian Championship against Toronto FC was held at Commonwealth on April 27, 2011.

FC Edmonton formerly played its home games at Foote Field, a 3,500-seater stadium which is the centrepiece of a multi-purpose sports facility on the University of Alberta campus which was initially built as a legacy facility for the 2001 World Championships in Athletics. It was named for University of Alberta alumnus, former varsity track athlete, and philanthropist Eldon Foote, who donated $2 million toward the construction costs.

In 2013, the team made a proposal to Edmonton city council for a new soccer-specific stadium in the 8,000 to 10,000 capacity range.

Supporters groups

The FC Edmonton Supporters Group (FCESG) was formed in early 2010 by five members of the Canadian national soccer supporters group, the Voyageurs in response to the announcement that Edmonton had been granted a professional soccer club playing in the North American Soccer League (NASL). Similar in nature to the Red Patch Boys in Toronto, the Vancouver Southsiders, and Montreal Ultras 2002, the FCESG attempts to bring some of the "European-style" atmosphere by standing, chanting and generally supporting FC Edmonton during home games played at Foote Field and at Commonwealth Stadium. FCESG also gather at Sports Central Bar and Grill in Edmonton to watch FC Edmonton away games.

The FCESG also developed a friendly rivalry between the Dark Clouds (Supporters Group of the Minnesota Stars FC) during the 2011 season. FCESG and the Dark Clouds participate in the Flyover Cup by cheering on the respective clubs. Both groups have raised funds for charities in the opposing clubs city.

The supporters also recognize sometimes-mascot "Rally Rabbit", "Eddie Bunny", or "Eddie Jackalope", a character based on a rabbit that wandered onto the field during a June 2011 game against the Montreal Impact. The team even included a rabbit imprint on some match tickets in 2011.

Development system

In 2013, FC Edmonton partnered with the Alberta Soccer Association (ASA) to offer a strategic soccer program for the local youth. Their goal is to provide top quality training and guidance that follow CSA mandate for long term player development. The FC Edmonton ASA youth academy is for both boys and girls under seventeen. The academy offers the U10/U12 Mini Stars Program, the U13-U15 Winter Training Programs, and the U15-U17 Programs. The venture has currently placed youth training in both Edmonton and Calgary.

Rivalries

FC Edmonton's main rivalry is with the only other Canadian team in the league, Ottawa Fury FC. The league "All-Canadian derby", also named "the battle of Canada", is played several times a year, during both, the regular NASL season and the annual Canadian Championship.

All-Canadian Derby Record:

The following table lists the history of official meetings between FC Edmonton and Ottawa Fury FC, updated to the most recent derby of September 2, 2016 (Ottawa – Edmonton 2–2)

Broadcasting

FC Edmonton home matches are broadcast on City Edmonton. Gareth Hampshire and Steven Sandor provide commentary as they have for the Eddies since their entry into the NASL. The audio from these matches is simulcast on TSN 1260.

As of 2016, Canadian viewers can generally stream away matches for free at NASL.com while American viewers may require subscriptions to various broadcasters including ESPN3, beIN Sports and the CBS Sports Network.

In 2013, matches were televised on Sportsnet 360. Radio broadcasts were broadcast on The Team 1260, the local sports radio station, from 2011 to 2013. Matches were also previously available to view for free through the team's Ustream channel until the introduction of NASL Live, a paid-subscription service, which was subsequently abandoned.

Current roster

Staff

Head coaches

Team records

NASL regular season only, as of October 12, 2015

International results

As of March 23, 2016

Top goalscorers

League, & Canadian Championship

CC = Canadian Championship
Bolded players are currently on the FC Edmonton roster.

Most appearances

League, & Canadian Championship

CC = Canadian Championship
Bolded players are currently on the FC Edmonton roster.

Most minutes played

League, & Canadian Championship

CC = Canadian Championship
Bolded players are currently on the FC Edmonton roster.