Bonivital Soccer Club and Winnipeg Lucania Join Forces
Local soccer groups create a model for success…
Winnipeg, MB – March 3, 2005 – In an effort to create one of Canada’s premier soccer organizations, the Bonivital Soccer Club and Winnipeg Lucania Soccer Club are pleased to announce that the clubs have reached an affiliation arrangement, effective immediately. Through this newly created partnership, Bonivital and Lucania have created arguably the most prominent soccer club in all of Canada!
The Bonivital Soccer club (previously the Bonivital Soccer Association) was formed in the mid-1980s, and is one of the largest soccer districts in Winnipeg with approximately 3,000 youth players enrolled in 2004. Over the past year, Bonivital has been working on a restructuring plan, which will result in a revamping of the club’s organization and operations. At the core of the restructuring, Bonivital aims to provide the most positive soccer experience for all stakeholders including players, parents, volunteers, and fans. Part of this experience includes the incorporation of an Elite Men and Women’s soccer program.
Commenting on the relationship with Lucania, Bonivital president Alastair Gillespie states “Our new alliance with Lucania, brings many advantages to Bonivital Soccer Club, our older youth players, plus those playing in our Men's teams now have an avenue to top level premier soccer, and will be involved in joint training sessions. We will also take advantage of the technical expertise that Lucania can provide to all levels in our Club. Furthermore, all our players will have an opportunity to watch Lucania play home games here at Memorial as they host local and international competition. We believe this is a win for both our Soccer Clubs.”
Bonivital Club Head Coach Laurie McIvor is equally as enthused with the relationship stating “with this unique partnership brings even more resources on and off the field to further the game at the grassroots where these young players aspire to play for Bonivital, Lucania and or country. On a personal level I welcome the challenge of our District expanding to achieve attainable goals for youth and senior. “.
Founded in 1971, Lucania has established itself as one of the premier soccer teams in Canada. Lucania has captured two National Championships and 9 nine Provincial titles. Lucania will play all their home games at the home of Bonivital Soccer, St. Vital Memorial Park. President Mike Nardiello is extremely pleased to be teaming up with Bonivital stating “this is an entirely new concept for a club like Lucania but one that is necessary in order to move our club forward. We are eager to work with Alastair and his group and we see endless opportunities for both organizations. Most of all, we are excited to be working with a highly proactive, professional group of people who share a similar passion for the game of soccer.”
Bonivital Soccer and Lucania will kick start the affiliation by holding their first annual Soccer Kickoff Run at 11:00 am on April 23rd, 2005 at the St. Vital Park – 190 River Road (rainout April 24th). We anticipate there will be 1,000 Bonivital players in attendance along with the entire Lucania squad. Media will have the opportunity to speak with players, coaches, and executive. Corporate sponsors are encouraged to contact Michelle Pereira (michelle@chumwinnipeg.com) for sponsorship opportunities.
For media interviews, please contact Alastair Gillespie or Mike Nardiello directly.
posted by Brent Boulter at Sunday, March 06, 2005
