Letter from the new President - December 2010 - PDF Format Welcome: The London White Eagles Soccer Club has been a part of the Polish community in London, Ontario, Canada for 35 years. Since 1998, the Club has also become known as the host of the Canadian Open Championship for Polish Soccer Clubs, under the auspices of the Polish Consulate in Toronto. The following is a brief history of the London White Eagles Soccer Club and its achievements. History: On 27 April 2002, the White Eagles Soccer Club celebrated 35 years of activity in the local Polish community at a gathering held in the banquet hall of the Polish Cultural Association in London, Ontario. Among the distinguished guests were: Mr. Andrzej Janika, Polish Consul in Toronto, Father Mieczyslaw Kaminski, Father Adam Gabriel, representatives of the Polish Cultural Association in London, led by Mr. Piotr Pytlik, President, as well as delegations from the Western Ontario Soccer League and local soccer clubs. The gala was attended by players, club officials, and guests, to honour those who have dedicated time and effort to our organization, both in the past and present. An exhibit portraying the achievements of the past 35 years was unveiled during the ceremony. Looking back to 1939, we see the small local Polish community becoming interested in baseball, which was at the time the most popular sport in South Western Ontario. Baseball was being heavily promoted as an inexpensive past-time, in which everyone could participate. A team was organized under the name Polish Eagles, and played successfully in the Parish League for many years, eventually winning the League Cup in perpetuity. Lacking a supporting organization to maintain continuity, the baseball
team eventually disbands. In 1967, the Polish Cultural Association provides funding for a new soccer team, and Polonia London starts play in the Second Division in 1968. Support from Polish community organizations and private sponsors, as well as the selfless dedication of many individuals, enables the team to continue development on a solid footing. In 1971, the team name is changed to White Eagles. By 1973, the team is achieving some success on the pitch. The following year, the Club organizes the first Tournament for Polish Soccer Clubs in Labatt Park, with the participation of four teams. The Tournament has now become a local fixture and a trademark of the London White Eagles Soccer Club. A new wave of Polish immigration in the 1970’s brings with it talented soccer players. In 1976, the team for the first time manages to advance to the Premier Division, however the promotion lasts only one season. With a view to maintaining this progress, the Polish Cultural Association in 1977 purchases a parcel of land near Nilestown, on the outskirts of London, to permit the establishment of a recreational complex and a home base for the soccer team. Between 1989 and 1995, the White Eagles become the team to beat in Southwestern Ontario. Victories in league play are followed by successes in tournaments, including play towards the Ontario Cup, a win in the Molson Tournament, as well a three-time victory in the Tournament of Ontario District Soccer League Champions. In the second half of the 1990’s, a gradual erosion of players from the team signals the end of an era. By the fall of 1997, the team has to leave the Premier Division for a year. While the next generation of players begins to fill the ranks of youth and junior teams, older players move on to the “old boys” or Masters League, bringing with them their skills and tradition of success. By the turn of the new millennium, Masters games have become increasingly popular with spectators. In 1998, a second senior soccer team is fielded in the Third Division, composed of players in the 16 to 18 year age group, to provide support for the first team. Nevertheless, by the end of the 2001 season, the first team is again relegated from the Premier Division. The Present: London White Eagles at present is one of the largest Polish Soccer clubs in Canada. Seven soccer teams play under the White Eagle banner, four at the senior level and three at the youth or junior level. To date, the success of the London White Eagles Soccer Club has not been so much due to a seasoned organizational structure and top notch facilities, but due to the determined leadership of a few individuals, who have devoted much time and effort to the continued development of a soccer program for the Polish community. Among them, Club President Kazimierz Mendel was recognized for his work in 1999 by the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland. The Club also owes a great deal to the financial support of the Polish Cultural Association. The last five years have seen major improvements to the recreational complex in Nilestown, with the development of three additional full-sized soccer pitches, bringing the total to four. An irrigation system assures good turf throughout the summer. A hall and outdoor stage are available for cultural events. London White Eagles Soccer Club continues to host the Canadian Open Championship for Polish Soccer Clubs, sponsored by the Polish Consulate. In 2002, fourteen soccer teams took part, helping to mark the fifth anniversary of the tournament, and ensuring its importance as a continuing venue for promoting Polish traditions in Canada.
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