Jarvis Football Club celebrates the success in keeping young people on the field for 33 years
By Harrish Thirukumaran
For 33 years, the founders of Jarvis Football Club (FC) have used the sport of soccer to give back to the Canadian Tamil community. Jarvis Football Club was established in 1986 as one of the first Toronto Tamil soccer clubs. Since its inauguration, Jarvis FC has been committed to the development of young Canadian Tamil soccer players, by encouraging a sense of community and pride. Jarvis FC believes in the power of sport and the importance of teamwork, resilience, and collaboration. To honor this noble cause, an event was held on Saturday, April 6, 2019 at the Estate Banquet and Event Centre in Toronto, Ontario.
Honouring the valuable contributions of the Jarvis Football Club Men’s Team;Standing (L-R): Vasanthan T, Nirun S, Jerrick N, Daniel R, Beeshmar A, Atchu S, Anuram A, Andrew R, NishanDuraiappah, Deputy Chief for Halton Regional Police
Bottom row (L-R): Jasheran J, Karthe T, Praveen B, Dillon S,
Not present: Pradeep S, Surya T, Sabeeno S, Brennon P, Yohan B, and Haran M
A trophy presentation was conducted for the current Jarvis men’s soccer team, who were champions of the Toronto Markham Indoor soccer league and CEYS annual Boxing Day Tournament. Those who tirelessly worked from the inception of the organization were also recognized with mementos at the event.There were several performances, singers, and a live band. These included DJ Jathu and MC Neru.
There were several dignitaries from federal, municipal, business, professional and soccer enthusiasts to support the community efforts of Jarvis Football Club. These attendees includes Gary Anandasangaree, Member of Parliament (MP) for Scarborough-Rouge Park, Jean Yip, MP for Scarborough-Agincourt, Mayor of Brampton, Patrick Brown, Cynthia Lai, Toronto City Councillor for Ward 23, Scarborough-North, Nishan Duraiappah, Deputy Chief for Halton Regional Police, Juanita Nathan – Trustee for Ward 7 and 8, York Region District School Board, Dr. Anu Sriskandarajah, Trustee for Ward 22 – Scarborough Rouge Park, Parthi Kandavel – Trustee for Ward 18 – Scarborough-West, and Quintus Thuraisingham, Candidate for Scarborough-Guildwood for the Conservative Party of Canada.
MP Anandasangaree had a few words of encouragement on the importance of extracurriculars and sports today. He also presented certificates of accomplishment to the founding members of Jarvis FC. Mayor Patrick Brown commended the success of Jarvis FC in inspiring young people in the field among the Canadian Tamil community. Councillor Cynthia Lai, City Councillor, Ward 23 Scarborough North also spoke on the achievement for continued 33 years. NishanDuraiappah also said a few words on the club and presented awards to the current men’s soccer players.
The current captain, Praveen Balakumaran, similarly commended Jarvis FC management and founders for the great work that has been done and continue to do for youth. He went on to note the importance of continuing to aid in building a multifaceted next generation through sports.
The club has been effective in making players like Mr. Balakumaran role models for the next generation of young people to get into soccer and sports as part of their progression in life.
The event was successful with more than 450 invited guests in attendance and enjoyed the sumptuous food plus drinks served as well as supported by sponsors and friends of Jarvis FC.
