King City Royals are seeking a three-peat.
The 2011 Vaughan Sportsplex mens indoor soccer champs won their second straight title, beating Toronto FC 13-9.
Team captain Adrian D’Orazio shared a few minutes about their victory in the league’s sophomore season.
For him it’s a chance to keep his 50-something bones active during the winter months.
“The first year we ended up winning because there were four teams and we were the most senior team,” he said, adding this season saw the league grow from four to 10 teams.
“There was everything from 16-year-old boys to university kids, and there was us, in our 50s,” D’Orazio said. “Anyway, we ended up winning it but the competition was definitely tougher.”
The final was held at the Vaughan Sportsplex, and the men’s league was created with a little help from Cal Falletta.
People involved in the Sportsplex’s charity work decided to form a soccer table.
“A cluster of people that sponsored wanted to get a team going, and I said, ‘Okay, let me ask the owner and let’s just coordinate’,” Falletta said. “It was more recreational but it became very competitive at one point.”
Throw in a little help from local real estate agent Robert Pulce, who contributed a championship trophy and referees for the games, and the league has blossomed in two years.
“Some guys want to get back into the game,” Falletta said. “They haven’t done it in years.
“They used to be soccer stars before, but they got married.”
Next season D’Orazio is hoping to have a two-tier structure so beginners can get used to their indoor digs.
“For us it’s about staying active in the winter,” he said. “We’re all limited in skills but we eat this stuff up.”
As for a three-peat, D’Orazio is bracing for an even tougher battle.
“I think it’s going to get a little tougher, not only because they’re going to get better but we’re also getting older,” he said with a laugh.