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. The club 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 Edmonton AC Milan Diavoli Soccer Club. The team jerseys were red/black striped like 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. Edmonton AC Milan Diavoli Soccer Club changed its club name again in the 2002/2003 Indoor Season to Edmonton 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 (Edmonton Serie A – AC Milan, Edmonton Serie A – Inter Milan and Edmonton Serie A – Lazio). All teams had success as they tried to create a club using Italian Serie A Soccer League club names that they had passion for in the pictures above. Unfortunately, after a few years of success, the Edmonton Serie A Soccer Club concept died. Edmonton 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. Currently the club holds three men’s teams. They have had great success over the years with continued growth. All men’s teams have been instrumental in the development of our Community Initiative Program, which helps underprivileged youth in the game of soccer. They have volunteered their time to youth players since the 2004 Outdoor Season.
The Edmonton AC Milan Soccer Club fielded its first women’s team (Edmonton Serie A – AC Milan) in the 2003/2004 Indoor Season. The team was coached by long time men’s keeper Stefano Pagnotta. Stefano developed all women’s teams over the years and was instrumental in their success. Due to his teams continued growth; the club added two more women’s teams to the program in the 2007/2008 Indoor Season. Currently the club holds two women’s teams. The women have also been instrumental in the development of our Community Initiative Program. They have volunteered their time to youth players since the 2005 Outdoor Season. The picture above is one of the the first Edmonton AC Milan women’s teams.
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 men’s player Scott Lysenko. Scott worked very hard to establish programs which developed all players. Marianne and Scott were 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 dedicated countless hours to all players from 2004 – 2012. The picture above is of the 2007 Outdoor Classics Sturgeon AC Milan Sisters team. As the ladies were approaching Vintage soccer most of the group is relaxing and retired from the game. We wish them all the best.
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 various levels with great coaching. 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 many tournaments since the club’s establishment. Here are all of the top 4 placements in tournaments the club has attended over the years. This does not include our many successes in Provincial competitions over the past 20 years.
2nd – 2017 Red Deer Invitational Indoor Tournament – Red Deer, AB (Division 1B/2B Women)
2nd – 2015 Kamloops Invitational Outdoor Tournament – Kamloops, BC (Premier Men)
4th – 2014 Kamloops Invitational Outdoor Tournament – Kamloops, BC (Premier Men)
1st – 2013 Kamloops Invitational Outdoor Tournament – Kamloops, BC (Premier Men)
2nd – 2011 Kamloops Invitational Outdoor Tournament – Kamloops, BC (Division 1B Men)
3rd – 2009 Kamloops Invitational Outdoor Tournament – Kamloops, BC (Premier Men)
1st – 2009 Kamloops Invitational Outdoor Tournament – Kamloops, BC (Division 1A Women)
3rd – 2008 Red Deer Invitational Tournament – Red Deer, AB (Division 2 Women)
2nd – 2008 Kamloops Invitational Outdoor Tournament – Kamloops, BC (Premier Men)
4th – 2007 Kamloops Invitational Outdoor Tournament – Kamloops, BC (Division 1B Men)
4th – 2007 Kamloops Invitational Outdoor Tournament – Kamloops, BC (Division 2A Women)
3rd – 2007 Grand Prairie Indoor Tournament – Grand Prairie, AB (Division 3A Women)
3rd – 2006 Kamloops Invitational Outdoor Tournament – Kamloops, BC (Division 3C Women)
3rd – 2006 Kamloops Invitational Outdoor Tournament – Kamloops, BC (Division 1B Men)
4th – 2007 Kamloops Invitational Outdoor Tournament – Kamloops, BC (Division 2A Men)
1st – 2004 Kamloops Invitational Outdoor Tournament – Kamloops, BC (Division 1B Men)
2nd – 2003 Kamloops Invitatioanl Outdoor Tournament – Kamloops, BC (Division 2A Men)
2nd – 2002 EDSA Fall Cup Outdoor Invitational Tuournamen – Edmonton, AB (Division 2A Men)
