Love of game kick-starts team

Co-managers and soccer enthusiasts, Matthew Baker and Justin MacDonnell surpassed the age of 18 and, therefore, didn’t have a team to play on in the Liverpool area.

Therefore, they organized the Liverpool FC Men’s soccer team to play in the Senior Men’s B League under the auspices of the South Shore Soccer Association. The team that now includes over 20 players was started on a trial basis with a mixture of 18 and under players and adults last season.

Baker says, “I played soccer growing up and it got to a certain point where there weren’t any teams to compete with. I was forced to play with a men’s league three years ago but knew some older guys who hadn’t played in a couple of years so we started talking to them. I just wanted to have an opportunity to play soccer.” He says the only other choice was Bridgewater.

He says the team and league is basically, “for anyone over the age of 18. There are some teams that have kids under 18 but that depends on availability.” Liverpool FC has one 17-year-old in addition to a 32-year-old. FC stands for football club. Baker adds a team in England is called Liverpool FC, “so we decided to take the name.”

The league includes teams from the South Shore, ranging geographically from Lockeport and Barrington to Chester. Provincials are also held against the best teams from other men’s leagues.

At this point, they have played five games with a win, three losses and a tie. “We’re doing okay. We haven’t played some of the tougher teams yet.” This was before a June 18 game against HB Studios Thunder U18 team.

He continues. “We’re competing hard, trying to work out some of the minor details but we’re making it happen.”

As for coaching, he says, “I guess I’m technically considered the coach but it’s more of a combined effort of four or five guys who make everything come together.”

They also managed to raise enough funds for new uniforms, which will arrive in the near future. Baker says they received some donations from businesses and family and friends but Cosby’s Garden Centre is their major sponsor. The name will appear on their jerseys. He adds Sun Life Financial is an important sponsor as well.

The team’s home games are generally held each Thursday evening, unless there’s lighting and-or thunder, beginning at 7 p.m. “It’s usually good competitive soccer and fun to watch if you’re looking for something to do on a Thursday night. It’s been an excellent time. It’s sometimes difficult to get everyone out at once but it’s lots of fun and we’re excited about the new uniforms.”