Posts Tagged ‘Dr. Football’

Dr. Football portrait launch with interview!

Today we launch the second portrait for the club, as we feature Athanasio Destounis, also known as Dr. Football. Loved by all, Thanasi is one of the pioneer members of the RFC. We wish him a good recovery as he injured his knee last December. He gave his word he’ll be back but for now, let’s get into the mind of Dr. Football. A very big thank you to Patterson as The Ringleaders Portrait Series continues.

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.

Tags: , , , ,
Filed under Club Updates, Photography, RFC : Comments (0) : Aug 24th, 2010 | by admin

Week 14 -The Gold Rush 2010

Division 5 written by Angelo

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

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Filed under Club Updates, Match programme, RFC : Comments (0) : Aug 21st, 2010 | by admin

Week 4 – The Gold Rush 2010

Division 5 by Angelo

After a long 2 week break, The Ringleaders were back on the pitch. Everything felt right, the weather wasn’t the greatest and the pitch slippery as usual. We couldn’t get the ball right either…

From the kick off whistle, we rarely lost control. All positions were maintained and we followed our game plan till the end. At the 12th minute, a lob shot from Footballers FC midfielder beat Jonas, who with the sun in his eyes, had absolutely no chance of saving it. “We just get scored unexpected goals all the time. Like we don’t see them coming…” said RFC forward Jb.

As a player that holds the center defense, we honestly don’t make that many mistakes. But this season so far, feels like we pay for each and every one of them.

The Ringleaders did something I will never forget. Before the match, the boys made an amazing gift of a varsity custom Ringleaders Letterman jacket with my name on it. I got very emotional hahahaha!!! So at the start of the 2nd half, Footballers FC launched an attack through the middle, that left me and the forward with the ball. In an attempt to clear the play, I felt like I did a legal shoulder to shoulder contact for the action. The referee thought otherwise, as he whistled for a penalty. I didn’t argue but told the Ref how I felt. Deep down inside, I knew Jonas would save the penalty shot so I zipped my mouth, and watched him save the ball.

At still 1-0 down, we kept the pressure. Clearing the back, handling the middle and pressing forward. I’d say Ian was outstanding, and definitely the man of the match. He was everywhere, always first on the ball, with an offensive pulse, and had 3 good chances to score. Hats off Mr. Kennedy.

The Ringleaders had a great opportunity to tie the match, as Ian got a corner kick to the 2nd post, where Jeremie aka Big Nou beat his marker and headed the ball just a few inches of the net. “I was just a little too far from the goal, I should of headed to the front of the net, but thought I had a chance to score” said Big Nou.

With less than 10 minutes to go, Footballers FC scored their 2nd goal and sealed the deal.

The Ringleaders marched off the field with their heads up. It’s early in the season, and we believe we can turn things around.

Next match is Sunday, June 13th at 11am. Stay tuned.

(Jonas, Patterson, Paul, Angelo, Jano, Kevin, Luca, Edwin, Max, Yvan, Jackson, Ian, JB, Bart, Naz, Sirois, Big Nou were The Ringleaders today)

***
By Dr. Football…


Footballers FC 2-0 The Ringleaders
*Man of the Match: Ian

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Filed under Club Updates, Match programme, RFC : Comments (0) : Jun 2nd, 2010 | by admin

Week 1 – The Gold Rush 2010

Division 5

After 5 weeks of training and organizing the squad, the RFC was back on the pitch. This time however, the challenge was bigger. Were talking full field, 11 on 11, off sides and 90 minutes of play.

We started well, holding possession of the ball for a fair 15 minutes of play. A small confusion in the defensive line however gave up a goal at the 20th minute. Still shook by the mistake, the RFC gave up another goal and the West Island Olympics were up 2-0 at halftime.

Luckily Dr. Football was there to make some changes in the RFC strategy. We had much more composure and confidence heading into the 2nd half.

Indeed we dominated the game, working hard, missing many chances and hitting 3 posts. The referee slipped on a clear hand ball which we deserved a penalty. Instead he gave the penalty to the Olympics some few minutes later, which Kevin still holds his point “I never intended to bring the guy down. I stood there holding my position, he just happened to run into me” said the center defense men.

In a heroic attempt with only 5 minutes left to play, Jeremie brought up the ball from the right side of the field, beating 2 players, Patterson then got the ball and kept pushing towards the net. Ian let a nice ball from Patterson through his legs, tricking the defense, which got to Yvan, finishing a nice play in the back of the net. The goal brought much confidence to the team, a rewarding effort considering a good match on our side. With a 3-1 defeat, in a positive way, we can only go up from here on.

(Rod, Nick (c), Kevin, Angelo, Bobby, Joas, Max, Yvan, Marrett, JB, Jonas, Jonathan, Ian, Jeremie, Patterson, Jackson, Laurent, Edwin were The Ringleaders today)

***
The name for our summer RFC season campaign is the GOLD RUSH 2010. A heavy influence from the World Cup 2010 indeed. Things are coming together for sure. More on this soon enough, and photos from last night’s event as well. Kick off tonight, so stay tuned. By Angelo Destounis.


Ringleaders 1-3 West Island Olympics (Yvan)
*Man of the Match: Yvan

Tags: , , , , ,
Filed under Club Updates, Match programme, RFC : Comments (0) : May 14th, 2010 | by admin

An art show…

Our buddy Ruben had his art show yesterday at the Univerity of Sherbrook. The Ringleaders were there to represent.






They were talking World Cup for sure!!!

Ruben Ramonda and Dr. Football.

Photos by Jonathan Frankel

Tags: , ,
Filed under Art, Events, News, Photography : Comments (3) : May 12th, 2010 | by admin

Physiology and Tarkovskii

To let you know my name is Athanasio, the RFC calls me Thanasi for short. My brother Angelo calls me Dr. Football because I don’t think he really knows what I’ve been studying at school for these past 5 years. I have a bachelors degree in KINESIOLOGY and a masters degree in EXCERCISE PHYSIOLOGY. I’ve heard him tell family members “Yes, Thanasi studies in… soccer health… he’s like a doctor for football”.

This past January, Angelo ran a “Maximal Incremental Treadmill Test” under my supervision. We ran this analysis in order to find Angelo’s maximal aerobic speed (MAS), his maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and many other physiological parameters. Attached to a K4B2, a portable gas analyzer machine, Angelo was definitely overwhelmed. Surprisingly enough, he did better than what we thought….

For those who saw the RFC Playoff video released last month, Patterson was also there taking photos. Here’s a good one of Angelo. Patty said it reminded him of Tarkovskii film.

With a 12.5 body fat percentage, a VO2 max of 54.2 ml/min/kg and 183 maximum heart rate, Angelo reached 14 km/h MAS, running a total of 8 minutes and 30 seconds, sweating buckets! These results will give me the information I need to set up his specific training program for the outdoor season starting in May. He better come ready. Pro soccer players range in between 62 to 65 ml/min/kg of VO2 max, 10.85% body fat and 17.50 km/h of MAS.

My screenshots here are not the greatest, but I really wanted to show you how legit this really is.


Photo by Patterson

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Filed under Club Updates, Doctor Football, Photography, RFC : Comments (0) : Apr 12th, 2010 | by thanasi

Football and Education

Congratulations to the 15 000 people striking against the school fees rising (up to 7000$ a semester!!!) and the new budget allocated by the government. We have been fighting for years to keep kids off the street and educate them… I am so lucky to have an education because it was affordable. I had the choice to go to university and know I do my best to promote sport education. A lot of soccer players part of the UQAM soccer team would not have been there if it wasn’t for their talent in soccer. In the future the choice for these players will be gone if the government stops supporting them as students.

Hippocrates is quoted some 2500 years ago: “Disease was the product of environmental factors, diet, and living habits”.

LET’S FOCUS ON PREVENTION.

Dr. Football “Promoting Football Science” P.F.S.

Tags: ,
Filed under Doctor Football, News : Comments (0) : Apr 10th, 2010 | by thanasi

Support your colors

Growing up, I quickly learned the rules of the game. My much older cousin George was contagious with the football plague. Me and Dr.Football officially became Olympiakos fans at the age of 5.

After visiting Greece, I met my uncle Petros, a huge Olympiakos fan, and learned everything about the club. Me and Dr. Football became serious Olympiakos supporters by the age of 8. We’ve never looked back or thought otherwise ever since then. We wore red and refused to sport anything yellow (AEK) or green (Panathinaikos).

To make it clear, The Ringleaders are in Black, White and Blue.

_1
That’s Harry’s bike right there… peep the colors, yup.

As a teenager, I learned more about “supporters groups”. I am no hooligan but when I assisted my first Olympiakos match in October 1999, I did however, become a fanatic. The “Gate 7” is completely insane.

Last year, I met a really talented kid named Guillaume Morissette. He knits toques. We became friends and eventually exchanged gifts. I gave him a “No Pity” scarf, and he matched our blue flipping me a sweet RFC color inspired hand knitted toque. Thanks again Guillaume.

_2
photos by Patterson

Tags: , , , , , ,
Filed under Fashion : Comments (0) : Mar 20th, 2010 | by Angelo

League Playoffs creeping up…

This upcoming Sunday is our last League match, week 18. The Ringleaders worked hard this winter season. Two squads, Wednesday practice religiously… Frostbite Cup…

Let’s give it one last push boys. Here I am with Dr. Football on some scientific stuff. Thanks for the clip Johnny. One love to New Balance.



Tags: , ,
Filed under Club Updates, Video : Comments (4) : Mar 18th, 2010 | by Angelo

Week 16

Division B

No excuses here, just facts. Moldova is quite a dirty team. “Nonchalant” as Ian said. Is it a a good quality to have? You know, pushing, shoving, punching, kicking, clipping… and getting away with it. It’s worked for Moldova throughout the season, so why should they change the way they play?

Frostbite Cup was fun, and exhausting, but as it says in the first paragraph, no excuses here just facts.

The RFC hit the pitch with only one thing in mind, to win. Moldova is an organized squad, with tough ball control and gutsy defending. Angelo admits the first goal they scored was his fault, since he left his man unmarked with plenty of time to shoot. Moldova hit a rocket left footed shot past Rodrigo. Until that moment of the first half, the game was even, as both teams had chances to score.

The Ringleaders didn’t give up. As said before kick off, the priority was for the defensive line to support the midfield and close the gap between the center. Dan, Jonas, Patterson and Ian touched many balls, creating opportunities for Danny upfront. Moldova’s defense had their hands full.

Moldova scored a scrappy 2nd goal. Once again, RFC was in trouble, 0-2.

Ian was outstanding today, as he was at Louis-Cyr during yesterday’s Frostbite Cup. Just three minutes before half time, Ian’s hard headed work ethic brought us closer to our objective, as he gracefully beat his defender and nailed the right side of the goal and past the Moldavian Keeper, just outside the box.

We had visions of victory during the half time break. A good speech by our MUCH missed Dr. Football and the plan was clear; let’s win this match.

Oh but wait, there’s a fella with a yellow jersey and a rusted whistle we forgot to mention… Mr. Referee.

Moldova had two major actions without heavy sanctions. During the first half, a player brought down Patterson and also punched him as he fell on top of him. The Moldovan then faked an ankle injury in order to prevent a booking. He only got a yellow, when it was clearly a red card.

Another incident that could of helped the RFC was a hand ball goal scored by Moldova. The player INTENTIONALLY scored with his hand, which was clearly a red card. The referee let it slip again.

Once again TOTAL CAMPO, if you’re reading this, our chances to make the playoffs are getting slimmer by the week. All we ask for is a chance for fair play. That’s all.

With the score line still at 2-1 in favor of Moldova, the RFC kept hitting hard; both Jonas and Danny hit the post. Dan also missed a great opportunity, breaking loose from his marker, as he hit the ball just over the crossbar.

Fatigue showed up however…

The match ended at 4-1. A final score we didn’t deserve, because we played good football. A notable mention here for Arcadio as he fought hard in the back. The squad is glad to see him on the pitch since he returned from a long halt serving a suspension. Laurent as well, he’s been solid for over 3 weeks now. Keep it up boys.

(Rodrigo, Nick, Bobby, Arcadio, Angelo, Laurent, Dan, Jonas, Patterson, Ian and Danny were Ringleaders today)

***

By Jeremy Bresnen.

ringleadersflyer
Moldova 4-1 RFC 2 (Ian)

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Filed under Club Updates, Match programme, RFC : Comments (1) : Mar 3rd, 2010 | by admin

« Older Entries