CLUB HISTORY

The Edmonton AC Milan Soccer Club has shown continuous growth since its establishment as Diavoli United Soccer Club on August 15, 1999. The club started its first men’s team under the name Diavoli – Steelers. Our current Club President had taken over a team called Waiward Steelers, which was selling their spot within the EDSA. Under EDSA bylaws, the club was to carry the Diavoli-Steelers name for one year. The name Diavoli originated from the founder's favorite team in the Italian Serie A Soccer League, which of course was the AC Milan Diavoli. After carrying the name for the one year, the club decided to change its club name to AC Milan Diavoli Soccer Club. The team jerseys were very similar to the professional club in Italy, only with a logo that staff decided on. The logo above is what started off the club's soccer campaign.

The club eventually decided to move into a competitive direction. The goal at the time was to reach men’s Division 1 in a five year period. The club wishes to thank all players who were involved in successfully accomplishing this goal. AC Milan Diavoli Soccer Club changed its club name again in the 2002/2003 Indoor Season to Serie A Soccer Club. This was done to develop a more competitive status within the league. The club decided to go with three men’s teams in that season (Serie A - AC Milan, Serie A - Inter Milan and Serie A - Lazio). All teams had success as they tried to create a club using Italian Serie A Soccer League club names. Unfortunately, after a few years of success, the Serie A Soccer Club concept died. Serie A Soccer Club made a final name change to Edmonton AC Milan Soccer club in the 2004/2005 Indoor Season. The club added a second men’s team in that season with a third that followed in the 2005 Outdoor Season. All three men’s teams have continued with great success over the years showing continued growth. As well, they have been instrumental in the development of our Community Initiative Program, which helps youth in the game of soccer. These teams have volunteered their time to youth players since the 2004 Outdoor Season. The logos above were all the logos used for the club over the years.

The Edmonton AC Milan Soccer Club fielded its first women’s team (Serie A - AC Milan) in the 2003/2004 Indoor Season. The team was coached by long time men’s keeper Stefano Pagnotta. Stefano has developed the main women’s team over the past few years and the club’s past Vice-President. Due to his teams continued growth and success; the club added two more women’s teams to the program in the 2007/2008 Indoor Season. Along with the men, the women have also been instrumental in the development of our Community Initiative Program. The women’s program has volunteered its time to youth players since the 2005 Outdoor Season.

The Edmonton AC Milan Soccer Club fielded its first classics women’s team (Sturgeon AC Milan Sisters) in the 2007 Outdoor Season with the help of Marianne Lysenko. The team was coached by long time player Scott Lysenko. Scott is the clubs current Youth Director. He works very hard to establish programs which develop youth players. Marianne and Scott have been a vital part in the development of our Community Initiative Program and the addition of youth teams to our program since the 2007/2008 Indoor Soccer Season. They both have dedicated countless hours to youth players since the 2004 Outdoor Season when our Community Initiative Program began. The pictures above are of the 2007 Outdoor Season women’s and classics women’s teams.

 

The Edmonton AC Milan Soccer Club strives on growth and learning. Our coaches have the opportunity to upgrade and improve their skills through courses that are taught by the Alberta Soccer Association. All our coaches recruit players from the local high school soccer programs, youth soccer programs and general adult scouting. Many of our players are very grateful that they were given the opportunity to play at a high level. They have gladly expressed their gratitude by being loyal to our club for many years. On top of our great program, the club takes part in tournament play. We have been involved in at least one outdoor tournament every season since the club’s establishment. Here are some of the placements at tournaments the club has attended over the years.