A buddy of ours worked at a hotel in downtown Montreal, during last year’s ” Zidane Et Ses Amis” event.

He wore the “Broken Silence” tee under his uniform. Once he had a chance, he sneaked up to Zizou and asked him to sign the tee. Zidane said yes, and as he went to sign, he backed up, took a good look at the t-shirt, smiled, signed, and walked away.

Well, a year before that, when me and Jeremy sat down and finalized the graphic and sent it to our printer, we actually dreamed about this situation. Jeremy said “Can you imagine Angelo, if one day, Zidane would see this t-shirt. Can you imagine his reaction?”

Brings a tear to my eye…

Our good friend Malick Touré invited us to a 3 x 3 street soccer tournament he hosted in conjunction with the Can You Rock?! graffiti jam.

I marched to the “parking lot” along with Bart, Luca and Nasser. It was the first time since high school, in my case, that I hadn’t played competitive on concrete. It opened a vault of memories I tell ya…

Although we had a difficult time finding the back of the net, we executed some really good plays and our communication was flawless . By the third qualifying match, we found our rhythm and really felt like a unite. We were short of points in order to pass the group. But all in all, it was a great day and one that makes me think… we should be playing on the street more often. It’s a great way to develop a sweet first touch, and be able to pass more swiftly, especially for one-two’s.

Nasser… welcome to the RFC;)

1. Before The Ringleaders, you were part of the original Off The Hook FC in 2003. How was that experience and why did the team disperse?

Yes I was a part of the Off The Hook FC, and at the beginning the idea was great. We formed a team with our friends and family, simply in reminiscence of our playing days. For me it was sort of a comeback to the Montreal soccer scene. It felt good playing with my brothers and friends. But there was something missing. The league that we joined was too good for us and it was difficult to keep a lot of guys motivated. So we had to fill up the roster with better players that didn’t really care about the team. It’s a mix that never works. I remember playing those games and it was like a battle every week. I would come home bruised up after every single game. The challenge was good but we played many games with only 6 to 7 players. We gave up after 3 seasons…

2. You were the 3rd member to join The Ringleaders, how did that come together, and what was your involvement?

I am very close with my brother Angelo. We share the same passion for the sport. I think soccer gives us a balance in life. After Off The Hook FC dispersed we really had nowhere to play. I joined senior teams a bit everywhere in Montreal. That kept me busy and in shape. One day Angelo came to me and told me that there’s a few guys in his industry that play soccer and that are looking for a team. He seemed really positive and excited. He asked me to join as a player with a bit of a leading role, due to my experience and my skills. So my responsibility in the RFC is to make sure that all members feel a part of the team, and that everyone understands the essence of the game. It’s important to have good energy so we can keep the team spirit intact. To be honest I have played in a few clubs in Montreal and I only felt good with the RFC and with my youth club in Brossard. There aren’t many senior teams out there like the RFC.

3. So who is Dr. Football and what is his role in The Ringleaders?

Dr. Football is a nickname that Angelo came up with accidently. Briefly, I have a bachelor in kinesiology (study of the human body in exercise) and a masters in exercise physiology (how the body works inside during exercise). My purpose was to train soccer players and learn the most I can about soccer fitness. Obviously, what I was learning in school all those years was difficult to explain to our family members….so Angelo would break it down to them as a “doctor for football”…My role with The Ringleaders is as a fitness trainer. I am always ready to help a member of our club that needs help to train better, eat better etc…

4. Let’s go back in history. When and why did you start playing soccer?

I don’t remember when I started playing, so that means I started very early!!! I remember my cousin George who was my idol growing up. He used to be a great soccer player and his passion for the game was contagious. As a kid I was a sore loser, so I had to be better. I needed to impress him. But I can’t explain why I love soccer. Everything about it fascinates me. The grass, the field, the stadiums, the fans, the rhythm of the game, the passing, the dribbling, scoring a goal… it all drives me nuts. I recall sitting with Angelo getting glimps of highlights of Greek soccer on the news every sunday afternoon. Those little 5 minute reports would make us dream for days, because back then there was no soccer on TV. It was beautiful.

5. What was your greatest achievement as a youth coming up in the soccer ranks?

I played every day since I was 4 or 5 years old. I joined a team when I was 12. After my first game in house league, the Inter City team called me to play with them. After a few games with the Inter City of my category, they called me up to play in the older Inter City team. The year after I made the Brossard AAA squad. I was really lucky because we had an amazing generation of players coming up. We rarely lost games or tournaments. We joined tourneys everywhere in the USA and even in France and Holland. We always looked good and surprised many since we were from Canada. But my biggest accomplishment was winning the U-17 Canadian National Championship with 0 goals against!!! In 4 games I scored 3 goals and caused the penalty shot that lead us to the finals. It was great because it was moments spent with a fantastic group of players. Most of us have a tattoo to remind us of the experience. Unforgettable!!!

6. You graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiologie and a Masters in Exercise Physiology, which takes about 5 years.
How important is science to soccer and what is it about?

When you do research, you are looking for the truth. Science means absolut truth. When you are studying science of soccer, you are doing experiments that tell you certain realities. Science is essential to soccer because it makes players train better, upgrading the level of efficiency. The game becomes faster and more exciting. I have been to science and soccer congresses all over the world and its amazing how much soccer is studied. Science study in soccer is many years ahead and more advanced than other sports such as hockey, baseball or basketball… Soccer Clubs invest a lot of money in universities for them to better their soccer.

7. Let’s flip it here. Who is you favorite soccer player and why?

I am a fan of Maradona obviously because of his superior skill level. There is no human alive that has matched his technical soccer skills. I also respect him for his anarchy side. But one of my all time favorite players is definitely Carlos Valderama. He is a master player. He controls the whole game with one touch passing. I always wanted to play like him….every ball played would pass through him first and he would rarely lose possession. I admire him. Very fun to watch. Youtube him trust me.

8. Why hasn’t Canada succeeded in international soccer?

I believe the main reason is that we have no professional league. With no professional league we lose a lot of talented young players. After 16 years old, kids in Canada have nowhere to go. Plus with no professional league, we have no professional coaches or trainers. You can’t expect volunteer parents to develop youth players. Plus Canada still plays football from the 60s. Kick and run is over, done. Get over it, it doesn’t work.

9. You obviously love football. Which team (besides The Ringleaders) do you support and why?

I am an Olympiakos supporter. It has been my team since I was 5 years old. My whole family supports Olympiakos (my cousin George obviously). I grew up dreaming that I will play professional with them. My uncle blessed me when I was a boy and brought me to a game. It was amazing. Since I live in Montreal, so I definitely support my local Montreal Impact team. They do a good job and I don’t miss a game.

10. What is your absolute greatest memory as a player? as supporter? as a scientist? as a witness?

As a player winning the U-17 Canadian National Championship. As a supporter, when Greece won the Euro Cup 2004. As a scientist, when I went to my first European College of Sport Science congress. I met Dr. Jens Bangsbo (Juventus trainer), I also met the Bayern Munich trainers. Quite Impressive. As a witness, I’d have to say this little kid Massimo I coached at an elementary school. This boy was 6 years old, but he handle the ball like Roberto Baggio. Before getting the ball, he looked for the space, then dribbled his way there, and then found the open teammate. I’ll never forget that kid.

A crucial match and a much needed victory here. Because after today, there’s only one game left, and we must make the playoffs. So we marched to the Soccerplex very positive and confident that we can get our 3 points.

Coach Maillet was present for the occasion and had a perfect game plan set up. And it all seemed too real as the whistle blew. Right from the kick off, Edwin sent a ridiculous splitting ball to Davis, which to his surprise, put him one-on-one against the Footballers’s goalkeeper. The ball went wide, but a great break with only a few seconds in the game! It felt good so we kept pressing!

The Ringleaders had an amazing first half. Bart was really on his game, considering the fact that he party all night dancing till the early morning. Black was first on the ball, with some fluid exchanges in the midfield, Rob, Ian, Edwin, Raj… some lovely footwork indeed. The “D” line was also implicated in the program, as Bobby, Nick and Patterson took some great runs and placed good attacks in their efforts to support the mids.

The offensive line was super charged, but caught offside on almost every play! It was quite frustrating as we disagreed with the referee, but we stayed humble and played on.

Right before half time, Dan Marrett took a great shot from outside the box, and with all that rain, hitting it low and clever he did. The keeper stopped it, and JB was unlucky on his rebound to finish. A big opportunity for The Ringleaders, but the scored stayed 0-0 at the break.

The tactics switched for the 2nd half, as coach Maillet insisted on the importance of scoring a goal. Hence, we played with 3 defensemen in the back. Fatigue however, creeped up like a uninvited guest. The Footballers FC came out aggressive, with a more suicidal kick-and-go kind of style. That meant we had to run up and down over and over again.

One thing for sure, as Davis mentioned in the car on the way to the pitch, is that he hadn’t scored a goal while Thanasi (aka Dr. Football) is present at our games. Tonight was no different I’m afraid. Our top scorer couldn’t find the back of the net. We must break that curse and we will damn it!

Time was running out, and still no luck; 0-0 with only a few minutes left. We must say every RFCer was on top of his game and in full form. With coach Maillet directing on the side lines, delegating on positioning and substitutions, we stayed organized till the end.

A memorable exchange between Jonas and I. Early in the 2nd half, after the Footballers sent a long ball (you guessed it), Jonas miss judged it as it bounced over his head and kept on going. Don’t forget the rain was on and off, and on turf, that’s most likely to happen often. But I read the play and made it back on time, heading the ball clear and out for a corner. Well, it was Jonas’s turn to save me. With only seconds to go, a long ball again, catching me off guard, let our opponents on a break away. I ran as fast as I could, nervous and embarrassed, and as it seemed like the heart breaker was to happen, Jonas pulled a miracle save, coming out to the edge of his box grabbing the ball from underneath his opponent and clearing the danger.

I was in bed, and even though the game ended 0-0, I was still smiling, thinking about that save.

(Jonas, Patterson, Morgan, Angelo, Bobby, Nick (c), Edwin, Rob, Bart, Victor, Marrett, Ian, JB, Naz, Davis, Raj were The Ringleaders today)

*Luca didn’t make it. He thought we were scheduled for Sunday.

Footballers FC 0-0 The Ringleaders
*Man of the Match: Jonas

Growing up, the first book I read was about Pele. You know, I mean a thick, bulky brick at the age of 8 or 9. The one you celebrate once you’ve finished reading. I don’t recall the exact title, but it changed my life forever. And of course, I grew much interest for the New York Cosmos.

Funny enough, I went to see a MLS game a few years ago, between New York Redbulls and Real Salt Lake. I was more fascinated about being at Giants Stadium than anything else. The fact that the Cosmos played there, thinking about that unique line up of mega stars blessing that very pitch… man… the whole experience brought shivers all over my body!!!

Well, much love and respect to Jessica for sending this package over. A sweet t-shirt, stickers (I’ll bring some to tomorrow’s game boys!!!), and 2 lovely pins (I’ma keep those for me mofos!!!).

New York Cosmos? Don’t change a thing. Don’t change the logo, don’t change the colors, keep the story and heritage intact. Good luck, God bless you and thank you for turning this incredible vault of memories into real life again!!!

What is THE GOLD RUSH 2010? Well, it’s the name of our summer season campaign. You see, starting this season and from now on, every season will have a new slogan. Why? Because the family is growing, the objectives are growing, the players are growing, the ideas are growing, the love for the sport is growing, everything is growing. Hummel provided some beautiful uniforms for The Ringleaders and the name came from the golden chevrons along side the jersey and shorts. Also cause Red Dead Redemption came out and I’m kind of obsessed with the show Deadwood. With soccer being the fastest growing sport in North America, lot’s of people are jumping on the bandwagon. So beware of all the phonies, and keep it real. Love this sport with all your heart and don’t let no one take it away from you.

Hummel presents : THE GOLD RUSH from SHOT BY JFK on Vimeo.

Photos by Jesse Bowden

View Gastown FC.

Along with my partner Harry, we stayed at the Sheraton Wall on Burrard street, in a nice room on the 28th floor. It was so high, I couldn’t even stand on the balcony.

With Major League Soccer expanding in Canada, as the Vancouver Whitecaps hit the line up this upcoming spring 2011, I was proud to see the massive media coverage. I can’t wait for Montreal to join in 2012.

On Wednesday night, after working the Know?Show Tradeshow all day, it was time for all the sales Reps, shop owners and marketing dudes to hit the pitch. This only happens once a year, and everyone was super stoked to be a part of it.

Raj eats so many hamburgers in a week. But don’t let him fool ya. People are always shocked by his speed, skill and vision of the game. A true athlete indeed.

As the match finally kicked off, it was more intense than I expected. Yup, that little bald guy there on the right side is Jesse Bowden. After fighting a knee injury for over a year now, he finally made his comeback! Jesse was quite impressive, as he stopped three big breakaways, keeping us in the game.

It got dark early but once the lights were on, the game was back on track.

With a 0-0 score at the half time break, both teams were determined to win. White opened the score early in the 2nd half, as they came out super strong and aggressive on the attack. But Blue seemed to pull through with a more experienced strategy. White lost much steam after their efforts, which gave Blue a huge momentum in the last 15 minutes of the game.

The final score was a 3-1 victory for Blue.

Blue goalkeeper Sam Perrault got knocked after the first goal. Damn!

All in all, it was a great game. Everyone was happy as mad cans of beer roamed before, during and after the match!

Let’s do it again next year! Extra love to Ben and Perry from OB1, Jay Good from No Limits, Matt from Finale!!!

Top row 3rd from the left is Nick Brown from Lifetime Collective. He put this match together. Thanks Nick!!!

Meet my buddy Miles from Complex. We met last year and finally got to play together. Meelos was quick on the counter attack scoring 2 goals for team Blue. You might remember his match program for Week 18 last winter season.

The Ringleaders were all solid that day. From the left, Ian Kennedy gave team Blue the winning goal of the match. Raj Mehra’s intensity drove team White’s defense crazy, especially in the second half. I’m 3rd there, although I’ve been fighting this weird hamstring injury, I played alright. Fourth and last, as I mentioned previously, Jesse aced his huge comeback!!!