Despite tough times, London City maintains strong roots

Posted By Sean Meyer

When is a flower like a soccer organization?

No, it’s not some strange riddle, but rather the answer to a question posed to Ryan Gauss, chief executive officer and general manager of the London City Soccer Club.

Faced with the worst start in its 35 year history, Ryan recently hired his brother Sean to replaced Eddie Edgar as head coach of London City’s team in the Canadian Soccer League (CSL). And while the team deals with a 0-8 record – where they have been outscored 33-4 – there is more to London City than just the CSL team.

With 22 teams and some 350 players in its youth program alone, Ryan says London City is actually in good shape moving forward.

Or put another way, the organization is – as Ryan says – a blooming flower.

“It’s like a blooming flower. There are a few brown petals on the outside; that would be the CSL team. But the stem, the roots, they are really healthy. It’s going to grow and bloom for years to come,” Ryan says. “Our foundation is strong. It’s not just me and my family. Praise is deserved by so many who don’t get the attention they deserve. We have 50-75 volunteers at least. We have one paid person. We have so many people who believe in London City.”

Tim Best would be just one of the believers.

Tim is owner of the Friday Knight Lights bar and restaurant on Richmond St. which was brought on board as London City’s title sponsor this season. Despite the poor start to this season, Tim says the affiliation with London City makes perfect sense for his business.

“London City is like the Knights, the Majors, they are the city’s soccer team like the Knights are its hockey team and the Majors are its baseball team. And we think working with those local teams is important,” Tim says. “My wife and I love nothing better than to go down to Labatt Park and watch a ball game. There is nothing better than Labatt Park, the history. We’ve found a new passion in London City. We are excited to be a part of that.”

Ryan is quick to point out London City is celebrating its 35th anniversary this season, making it the longest lasting professional soccer franchise in North America. That history is something Ryan is not only proud of, but quick to build upon.

“We were looking to remarket ourselves, put a new spin on London City. New programs, engage ourselves in the community. That was our main goal,” Ryan says. “It adds to our message, you can’t say you are the hometown team and then go with the big out-of-town corporations. I am born and raised here in London, finished my education in London. We hope Tim is here for another 35 years. We want to work with London businesses, the London community.”