Carmen Fotia Joins WOSL Hall of Fame

Carmen Fotia arrived in London in 1951. Soon a
number of young Italians had arrived in the city
and after several meetings decided to form a
soccer team. Carmen was secretary, treasurer in
charge of raising money for the team, and any
other organizational position for which he might
have been needed.
With the blessing of George Chapman and John
Henderson of the London and District Soccer
Association and a lot of hard work they had a
team ready to play in 1956.They were able to buy
jerseys and socks for $10.00 - what a change from
to-day.
The name of this first team was the Italo-
Canadians. During these first years, the team
played at Chelsea Green, CNR Field, Gibbon's Park
and Labatt's Park.There truly was a shortage of
good soccer fields at this time. The name of the
team was changed to Juventus until in 1963 it
became the name by which it is known to-day,
the Marconi S.C.
In 1966, Marconi entered and brought the first
Ontario Cup to London. The next step was to raise
money to build their own soccer field. The
Marconi Stadium was inaugurated in 1982. With
players no longer arriving from Europe,
organizers felt it was time to start our own
program to produce good young soccer players. Now
there are programs through the schools as well.
When the senior members at the club mention the
Marconi team from the old days, Carmen feels a
pride in being part of their soccer success.
The league is honoured to present Carmen with a
trophy in this our first soccer hall of fame
award.