President’s Message

Our club’s goal is to allow every soccer player the opportunity to achieve the level of play that they desire and to create a long term love of the game.

We want to develop and teach our coach’s to reach a new level. Without proper coaching and training habits we will never advance soccer. They must be able to train and teach in a positive manner and continue to learn and grow as the players do. It is easy to be a winner; it is much harder to be a winner and a leader. We must strive to build good citizens as well as great soccer players.

Thank you and I hope to see you on the soccer field.

Kulwant Hundal

Akal Football Club President

Akal Football Club 2009 Administration

Mission

The philosophy of the Akal Football Club shall be to teach, govern and promote all aspects of the game of soccer at all levels within the community, with the primary aim to develop fundamental skills, self confidence, self-worth and team cooperation in an atmosphere of safe competitive fun without undue pressure. Consideration of the youth involved is of primary importance. A child's association with soccer should be a positive, self-rewarding experience. Our club, coaches, parents and players value winning but not before good sportsmanship, which among other things entails winning and losing with integrity. Winning with integrity means honoring and respecting our opponent; while losing with integrity means losing without disrespect of ourselves or our opponent. The goal of the game is not in the winning and losing; rather, in how each individual player performs relative to their ability.

We are always looking for volunteers. If you have a desire to help improve the club, we would welcome your input.

History

The Akal Football Club was founded in 1996. It is a non-profit organization that is committed to providing a positive atmosphere where players can develop their skills and learn more about the game of soccer, year after year. One of our main goals is to help each child grow and play to his or her potential each time they step onto the field. 

At the Akal Football Club every individual counts and that is one of the reasons why families choose the Akal Football Club. Our staff includes elite former professionals athletes, college/university players and industry professionals.

Through hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence, the Club will always strive to remain at the forefront of soccer in the greater Vancouver area.

Logo

Name

Akal, translated from the Sikh scriptures, means timeless, immortal and non-temporal.

Maple Leaf

The maple leaf is what distinguishes Canada. On February 15, 1965 Canada adopted the red and white flag with one maple leaf as it's official flag. The maple leaf has been associated with Canada since the 1700s.

The Akal Football Club takes great pride in having this national symbol as part of its logo.

Khanda

The Khanda is the emblem of the Sikh faith, symbolizing the four pillars of Sikh belief. It consists of four symbolic weapons: In the center, the double edged sword, or khanda, from which the symbol derives its name. The Khanda represents knowledge of divinity and the creative power of God. Surrounding the khanda is a circular quoit, called a Chakkar (chakka), a medieval weapon which symbolizes the unity of God. On either side, crossed daggers, or kirpans, called Piri and Miri, symbolizing spiritual and temporal power, respectively. Another important device incorporating this symbol is the Nishan Sahib, or Saffron banner, which adorns Sikh Guradwaras (temples).

Soccer Ball

Soccer is the foundation of this club and therefore a ball is located at the bottom of the logo.

Outer Ring

The tricolour ring around the logo represents the national flag of India. The tricolour is in equal proportion of deep saffron on the top, white in the middle and dark green at the bottom.

The design of the national flag of India was adopted by India's constituent assembly on 22nd July, 1947. The flag symbolizes freedom. The late Prime Minister Pandit Nehru called it a flag not only of freedom for ourselves, but a symbol of freedom for all people.

Codes of Behaviour

All Senior and Junior Players, Spectators, Coaches, Managers and Parents are required to follow the Club Codes of Behaviour.

Coaches Code of Behaviour

• Attempt to provide ALL youth players with equal playing time.

• Be reasonable in your demands on young player’s time, energy and enthusiasm.

• Teach your players to follow the rules.

• Remember that children participate for pleasure and that winning is only part of the fun. Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing.

• Develop team respect for the ability of opponents and for the judgment of officials and opposing coaches.

• Keep up to date with the latest coaching practices and the principles of growth and development of children.

• Wherever possible, group players to ensure that everyone has a reasonable chance of success.

Players Code of Behaviour

• Play by the rules.

• Never argue with an official. If you disagree, have your captain, coach or manager approach the official during a break or after the competition.

• Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials or other players, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent is not acceptable or permitted in any sport.

• Work equally hard for yourself and/or your team. Your team’s performance will benefit, so will you.

• Treat all players as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of another player.

• Co-operate with your coach, team-mates and opponents. Without them there would be no competition.

Parents Code of Behaviour

• Remember that children play sport for their enjoyment, not yours.

• Encourage children to participate, do not force them.

• Focus on the child’s efforts and performance rather than winning or losing.

• Encourage children to always participate according to the rules.

• Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a game.

• Remember that children learn best by example.

• Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.

• Respect official’s decisions and teach children to do likewise.

• If you sign your child on to play, make sure he/she is available for all games. Children who simply do not turn up for games are letting everybody down. If you know you will be away, let the coach know in time to enable him/her to re-organize.

• Show appreciation of volunteer coaches, officials and administrators. Without them, your child could not participate.

Copyright © 2005 Akal Football Club. All rights reserved.