TMSC History
THE HISTORY OF TILLSONBURG MINOR SOCCER CLUB
From humble beginnings on uneven fields in 1958 to a premier soccer facility built on land with deep Indigenous history, discover the story behind Tillsonburg's soccer community.
1958 - ORGANIZED SOCCER BEGINS
Organized soccer began in Tillsonburg in 1958 with the formation of the Tillsonburg Athletics, founded by Henry Ghesquire. The team played wherever a match could be held, often on uneven, stony fields. A second adult team was added in 1964 when Lou Sargent founded Tillsonburg United.
1978 - TMSC IS FOUNDED
In 1978, Tillsonburg Mini Soccer was established by Ches Sulkowski and Ed DeDecker. Using smaller nets and balls, the program began with four mini fields at Cadman Park. By the mid-1980s, registration had grown to more than 600 players, prompting the program to expand and include traveling teams competing in the Southern Counties League. Over time, the program grew to utilize the Concession Street East Fields, Cadman Park, and Gyuveszi Park.
1998 - A VISION FOR THE FUTURE
As soccer in Tillsonburg continued to grow year after year, the time had come to elevate the sport to the highest possible level within the community. In 1998, ten local soccer enthusiasts met to discuss the creation of a non-profit club and a soccer-specific facility. George Ambrus, Ed DeDecker, Frank Deutsch, Gus Papadakos, Michael Papaioannou, Dave Metsalaar, Ches Sulkowski, Tony Vanderscheur, Jane Van Leeuwen, and Mike Van Wynsberghe became the first Board of Directors of the Tillsonburg Minor Soccer Club.
1998 - 2000 - TURNING A DREAM INTO REALITY
Under the leadership of Chairman Michael Papaioannou, the “Millennium Soccer Project” began raising funds and securing grants from municipal, provincial, and federal governments. Contributions from the Trillium Foundation, along with generous donations from local businesses and individual supporters, quickly transformed the project from a dream into a reality.
MAY 2000 - LAND SECURED FOR THE FUTURE
In May 2000, the Tillsonburg Minor Soccer Club purchased 28.5 acres of land from Andy Jacko and transferred ownership of the property to the Town of Tillsonburg while retaining priority rights for soccer use. This agreement enabled the club to establish a premier soccer facility without the burden of excessive property taxes.
2000 - 2001 DISCOVERY & DEDICATION
During excavation and field-leveling work, a large Iroquoian village dating back to approximately 1400 AD was discovered. Archeologix Inc. was commissioned to study the site, which ultimately revealed five longhouses and hundreds of artifacts, including pipes, bone tools, and stone tools. Under the direction of the Ministry and with the approval of Six Nations, the site was excavated and catalogued, allowing work on the soccer park to resume.
2002 - BUILDING FOR OUR COMMUNITY
In 2002, construction began on the clubhouse, which included two washrooms, four dressing rooms, a 60-person meeting room, a second-floor hall accommodating up to 150 people with a full kitchen, and a canteen. The clubhouse was designed to overlook the entire park.
JUNE 23, 2000 - GRAND OPENING
On Sunday, June 23, 2002, the Tillsonburg Minor Soccer Club celebrated its Grand Opening with soccer demonstrations, a barbecue, and a special guest appearance by Jason de Vos, Team Canada captain and Ipswich Town FC skipper.
As soccer in the region continues to grow, the Tillsonburg Minor Soccer Club refuses to rest on its laurels and remains committed to improving the quality of its coaching, facilities, and on-field product. The club’s goal is to provide the best possible soccer experience for players of all ages.
THE GAME CONTINUES
As soccer in the region continues to grow, the Tillsonburg Minor Soccer Club refuses to rest on its laurels and remains committed to improving the quality of its coaching, facilities, and on-field product. The club’s goal is to provide the best possible soccer experience for players of all ages.