KELSSEK CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON 76 PREVIEW
Megan Woodwell [GK], age 24 (KSK)
Lori Garland [LB/LM], age 33 (CDG)
Melissa Gaudreault [CB], age 24 (KSK)
Ingrid Lambert* [D C], age 30 (KSK) C
Phillip Johnson [RB], age 25 (KSK)
Émile Robin [CDM], age 33 (KSK)
Rory Joseph* [RM], age 26 (KSK)
Nicole Gillam [LM], age 23 (KSK)
Minerva Emond [AM], age 31 (EFL)
Timothy Sapping* [AM/CF], age 28 (KOR)
Xek Sunsaber [ST], age 20 (CEN)
Eamon Mac Dùbhghlas [GK], age 21 (KSK)
Kaelyn Ianokis [LB], age 26 (KSK)
Iain Vergland [CB], age 22 (KSK)
Fredrick Kalmikov [CB], age 18 (KSK)
Emerald Loudain [RB], age 20 (KSK)
Titan Pogbacar [CM], age 18 (KSK)
Shaun Bradwell [CM], age 24 (KSK)
Yara MacEachinn [RM], age 19 (KSK)
Tios Pórmel Mufes [AM], age 34 (TIO)
Ketsia Ventura [AM/CF], age 21 (KSK)
Burnaby Sport Club
Home ground: Stadium Konueira (60,200)
Facilities: Ground ★★★★★ / Training facilities ★★★★★ / Youth system ★★★★★ / Youth recruitment ★★★★★
Main rivals: Coquitlam United, Kirkenes FC
Honours: KFL Championship (16): 4, 13, 16, 25, 29, 44, 47, 48, 50, 52, 54, 58, 64, 65, 68, 74; runners-up: 56, 63, 67
Coupe des Patriotes (2): 14, 23; finalists: 8, 11, 24
Fanzines: Altitude Sickness, Two O'Clock Gun, Blue Patch Boys
Notable former players: Phillip Lozic, Thamior Liadon, Bernard Despatie, Maiev Feidhlim, Kari Zücker, Pierre Vasseur, Nacuémiró Buené, Andreas Bjerk, Ikra Yonte, Oliver Crossley, Deni Cowler, Olaf Haabjörn
Manager: Ryan Potter, age 57
Potter built Shearwater into a consistent top-three team but wasn’t able to make further headway – then he was replaced by Olaf Jurtanen who almost immediately won back-to-back titles and the Champions League. He can’t have failed to hear the chatter about him lacking the ability to go from nearly there to actually winning things when he took the Burnaby job, and since then he’s proved a point by leading the Centurions to a league and cup double.
Asst. manager: Adrian Tremblay-Fillon, age 41
History and records – The most major trophies, the most league titles, the country’s biggest name in soccer, the most productive youth academy.
The Centurions faithful bid captain Nacuémiró Buené a fond farewell as the lifelong Burnaby player moved to his ancestral lands to seek a new adventure, a word especially applicable to Farfadillis. Watching other clubs lose key players abroad had them bracing for the other shoe(s) to drop, and indeed Oliver Crossley and Andreas Bjerk were soon the subject of tearful farewells, the latter for a new league record fee. Burnaby were not the only squad to be impacted by big departures, but arguably they have lost the league’s best player and the torrid experience of struggling to replace a number-one goalkeeper is still painfully fresh in their memories. On the bright side, they always have a promising pipeline of young talent – their U18 squad were Rising Stars Cup runners-up and some of those players could well see some playing time in the Championship this season – and so can be a bit more optimistic than their rivals about the unproven quality of players they have to charge for the championship.
Last five seasons: 3rd + Cup finalist, 1st + Cup winner, 4th, 6th, 3rd
Players in: Eamon Mac Dubhglas (Torbay, ϑ0.7m), Kaelyn Ianokis (Hamiltonian, ϑ0.4m), Fredrick Kalmikov (youth), Titan Pogbacar (youth), Yara MacEachinn (youth)
Players out: Oliver Crossley (Fontwell, ϑ0.78m/$2m), Emiliano Parodi (Alameda Desperados, ϑ 0.39m/$1m), Nacuémiró Buené (Mâ Âlâmëómë, ϑ1.76m/$4.5m), Gianni Esposito (Colbrook City, ϑ0.6m/$1.5m), Ikra Yonte (Draiewkum Boys, ϑ0.4m/$1.2m), Andreas Bjerk (Tanrısal, ϑ6.7m/$15m), Ashleigh Coles (contract expiry), Deni Cowler (Vogsphere United, ϑ2.7m/$6m), Stian Haukland (Brady City United, ϑ1.2m/$3m), Olaf Haabjörn (Langmere Green Rovers, ϑ0.7m/$1.5m)
Dimitrije Azar [GK], age 37 (MRC)
Frey Pelle* [D LC], age 23 (AUD)
Charles Favre [CB], age 21 (KSK)
Anthony Na [CB], age 26 (KSK)
Artem Baldov [RB], age 28 (KSK)
Imke Diskin [RB/LB], age 36 (NPH)
Karl Kagawa [CM], age 27 (KSK)
Alessandro Bella* [CM/AM], age 32 (SVG)
Inga-Lisa Jansson [RM], age 28 (NRH)
Raizen Saikyomono [RM/ST], age 35 (HIN) C
Sigrun Holgersdottir* [ST], age 33 (SVJ)
Olette Coleyn [GK], age 36 (BRE)
Brede Laxwell [GK], age 24 (NPH)
Joanna Rigby [DF], age 35 (QAD)
Tanner Malvin [DM], age 34 (KSK)
Patrick Phelps [CM], age 22 (KSK)
Nishant Gilam [M C], age 33 (KSK)
Rosalie Bourke [RW/LW], age 26 (KSK)
Donatien Csokonai [AM], age 31 (KSK/FFD)
Emre Massinen [AM/CF], age 20 (KSK)
Millie McGowan [CF], age 34 (TLI)
Kylia Vukcevic [ST], age 20 (KSK)
Luke Johnson [LW/AM], age 34 (KSK)
Clayquot City Football Club
Home ground: Kanard Park (32,600)
Facilities: Ground ★★★★ / Training ★★★★ / Youth system ★★★ / Youth recruitment ★★★
Honours: KFL Championship (2): 10, 26; runners-up: 53
Coupe des Patriotes (2): 10, 11; runners-up: 16
Notable former players: Seamus Wylten, Victor Clinton, Fabio Coimbra
Fanzine: Gold Star Republic
Manager: Margerie Pax [CMT], age 55 Asst. manager: Odveig Wheeler [STL], age 41; Coach: Eva Karven, age 34
History and records. A long track record where they’re usually in the top half but no better has bred a strange mix of frustrated ambition and fatalism. Margerie Pax has now brought them to the Challengers Cup for the second year in a row and fans were just starting to believe. It seemed like Clayquot City was building towards a real breakthrough in the last two years, but then two of the players that seemed pivotal to that project ended up being lured elsewhere. Kim Sang-Wook, Jesson Morrisson, and Rika Abganerova were key to getting them from mid-table into the top six. Their somewhat unexpected departures sees the team falling back on Raizen Saikyomono, the creative force of the team who was supposed to be passing the torch along.
Last 5 seasons: 4th, 6th, 10th, 8th, 10th
Players in: Brede Laxwell (Chenoworth Harriers, free), Patrick Phelps (youth), Anthony Na (Pembina, ϑ0.75m)
Players out: Erling Bolander (contract expiry), Teyo Echehun (Krsthaven, ϑ0.5m/$1.25m), Rika Abganerova (Grenadiers, ϑ0.6m/$1.5m), Jesson Morrison (Urrhed, ϑ1.2m/$3m), Kim Sang-Wook (Kingsbury United, ϑ2.3m/$6m), Cephas Lidston (Syneca, ϑ0.6m/$1.5m)
Destry Lefranc [GK], age 31 (KSK)
Wilsrë Quelausé* [LB], age 32 (FFD)
Milan Okumura [CB], age 21 (KSK)
Mikko Violette [CB], age 26 (KSK)
Kâyetá Jírraósôás [RB], age 31 (KSK/FFD)
Carl Gaudreault* [CM], age 25 (KSK)
Callie Powell [CM], age 23 (KSK)
Artem Paterson [CM], age 19 (KSK)
Adon Johnson [LM/CM], age 29 (KSK)
Pierre-Louis Laishram [AM/FW], age 35 (KSK) C
Maelle Sarada* [CF], age 24 (KSK)
Trìona Mercer [GK], age 21 (KSK)
Ciaran Black [LB], age 28 (KSK)
Janet Avila [CB], age 20 (KSK)
Maude Welsh [RB], age 23 (KSK)
Heidi Hopkins [M RC], age 33 (KSK)
Callie Ong [RM], age 21 (KSK)
John Parker [M L], age 34 (KSK)
Simon Barisstan [M R], age 33 (KSK)
Dusty Clement [CF], age 36 (BRE)
Tara Measley [CF], age 20 (KSK)
Coquitlam United Football Club
Home ground: Maillardville Park (20,300)
Facilities: Ground ★★★★ / Training ★★★★ / Youth system ★★ / Youth recruitment ★★★★
Main rivals: Burnaby SC
Honours: KFL Championship (1): 28; runners-up: 51, 52, 66
Patriotes Cup (1): 21; finalists: 14
Fanzine: Bear-Proof Bins
Manager: Rachel Schroeder [NPH], age 59; Coach: Mariano Lucio [TEQ], age 37
While bearing the name of only one of them, the club represents metropolitan Burnaby's eastern suburbs, and so are often nicknamed the Easties. Their ambitions of matching Burnaby SC have generally exceeded their actual ability to do so.
Coquitlam has certainly done some transfer business; whether it was good business remains to be seen. Rachel Schroeder may have been glad to move on an odd cast of players that will allow her to fully implement a counter-attacking style, or may be quietly grousing about not getting transfer market backing – which it is remains to be seen. Certainly Maelle Sarada fits the profile, but Pierre-Louis Laishram is unlikely to get much better at transition play and Carl Gaudreault has been a high-risk, high-reward calculation in midfield. IFCF football is in principle the goal, the reality is not likely to match it. They should be happy if they finish in the top half.
Last five seasons: 12th, 14th, 7th, 12th, 14th + Cup winners
Players in: Janet Avila (youth), Tara Measley (Arlingsdale City, ϑ0.35m), Karl Shutter
Players out: Joni Lindegaard (Crester Wanderers, ϑ0.4m/$1.3m), Elizabeth Blanc (Fontwell Rovers, ϑ1.1m/$3m), Luo Dan (Beian Rovers, ϑ0.5m/$1.35m), Morgan Miller (AS Couen ϑ0.4m/$1m), Alpár rue Pfáreliele (Clachonoch Rovers, ϑ0.3m/$0.7m)
Erica Perez [GK], age 23 (KSK)
Revan Gotte [LB], age 22 (AHR)
Trevor Cantwell* [LB/CB], age 21 (KSK)
Anette Faure [CB], age 35 (CMT)
Ian Paquin [CB], age 22 (KSK)
Anni Phelps [CM], age 20 (KSK)
Abdur Rahmaan Heather [CM], age 31 (EFL) C
Joncis Pataiere [M L], age 36 (OAM)
Aja Achilles* [D R/M RC], age 27 (EFL)
Oakleigh Carpenter* [CF], age 28 (EFL)
İlham Kazimov [ST], age 31 (TMR)
Brian Pool [GK], age 35 (KSK)
Coleen Brightley [RB], age 22 (KSK)
Colm Lumsden [CB], age 20 (KSK)
Richard MacEwan [M C], age 31 (KSK)
Pauline Chupryna [RB/RM], age 27 (KSK)
Rashid Habeeb [M L], age 31 (HTK)
Gervasio Maito [RW/ST], age 19 (KSK/FFD)
Hamiltonian Cambria Football Club
Home ground: B.A. Johnston Field (24,700)
Facilities: Ground ★★★ / Training ★★★ / Youth system ★★★★ / Youth recruitment ★★
Honours: KFL National Northern (1): 58
Rivals: Kirkenes FC
Fanzines: Dragon's Breath Mints
Notable former players: Dario Tule, Tomas Guisao, Roksana Koroleva, Anke Waechter, Mesi Klarlmas
Manager: Hannah Wilton [QUE], age 48 Asst. manager: Ren Fang [YZH], age 40; Coach: Ashton Moore [EUR], age 36
Like its post-industrial home city, Cambria clings to its blue-collar identity as a club even as its present-day reality is globalized, cosmopolitan, and services-oriented, down to the highly foreign coaching staff. And like its city, it has ambitions of proving itself against the bigger clubs while resenting its place in the global football player supply chain as a place where up-and-coming stars come to get final assembly for a few years before being sold on to a bigger, richer team. Such as the one made up of effete big-city folk from Kirkenes. Ugh.
Is it still a talent-farm strategy if you’re really bad at profiting from it? That’s the question that came up when it emerged that Hamiltonian was selling Silvi Amathir back to Jaglan Royals after 3 years for less than they paid for him, and has picked up even with the apparent successes when fans looked at the money being thrown around the global transfer market and feel they didn’t get the share they deserved. There’s also the issue of having too many starters leaving at the same time, which means a lot hangs on whether their understudies are ready for prime time and if they aren’t, it could prove a dangerous gamble. At least they still have the Eastfielders they can rely on.
Last five seasons: 11th, 11th, 11th, 13th, 11th
Players in: Trevor Cantwell (Redswyth Red Stars, ϑ0.25m), Coleen Brightley (New Scarborough, ϑ0.2m), Gervaiso Maito (youth)
Players out: Trey Dillon (Hawthorne Kickers, ϑ0.8m/$2m), Artyom Gradovic (Riuwee Utd, ϑ0.7m/$2m), Alex Salvaggione (ϑ0.7/$2m), Ashton Moore (retired), Silvi Amathir ($1.25m, Sporting Jaglan), Lucas von Wolfberg (Rosenpfleblatz City, ϑ0.8m/$2m)
Jenas Maraipu* [GK], age 26 (KSK/ARI)
Sêvêr Fâerçâlenh [LB], age 29 (FFD)
Bleke Durocher [CB], age 23 (KSK)
Brian Kilcullen [CB], age 25 (KSK)
Hannah Devore [CB/RB], age 36 (CDG)
Lor Starcutter [DM], age 20 (QAD)
Kyle dos Santos [CM], age 21 (KSK)
Satria Wiradarma* [RM], age 28 (PCU)
Jan Van Dijcke [LW], age 26 (CNR)
Sophie Hildebrand [AM/F C], age 34 (KSK)
Catheline Matthias* [ST], age 34 (NPH) C
Areke Shinra [GK], age 35 (HIN)
Allison Tucker [LB/CB], age 33 (KSK)
Natalia Konarik [CB/LB], age 25 (KSK)
Monica St.-Pierre [RB], age 23 (KSK)
Marietta Tesla [LM/LB/CM], age 35 (HIN)
Alberto Rendon [CM/AM], age 24 (KSK/FFD)
Bastian Wolff [LW], age 32 (STL)
Peter Markov [LM/AM], age 22 (KSK)
Cory Ferguson [RM/CM], age 33 (KSK)
Solveig Vedmark [ST], age 30 (SVJ)
Kirkenes Football Club
Home ground: Exhibition Place (38,400)
Facilities: Ground ★★★★★ / Training ★★★★★ / Youth system ★★★★ / Youth recruitment ★★★★
Honours: KFL Championship (5): 9, 18, 37, 42, 75; runners-up: 60, 70
Coupe des Patriotes (1): 19
Vilitan Cove Invitational (1): 14
Rivals: CF Outineau, Burnaby SC, Passerine
Notable ex-players: Darach Salthill, Victor Nyquist, Bors Warwick, Quinten van der Ven, Ceferino Audiol
Fanzines: Rubber Pellets Digest, Centre of the Universe
Manager: Daniel Archer (NPH), age 58; Assistant manager: Analor Avalor (KOR), age 49; Coaches: Irène Fekete, age 38
History and records. The biggest club in Kelssek’s biggest city, and also in the country if you go by paid-up members, the Red Firm has tended to hover near the top without getting the trophies they so desperately crave. As a study in contradictions it oozes old money and the liberal cosmopolitan outlook of its city, but harbours ultras with links to organized crime known mostly for fascist salutes and indiscriminate thuggery. If there’s one Kelssek club to base the villains of a sports movie for kids on, it’s this one. Also plays at Waterfront Dome sometimes.
Probably the most infuriating narrative, from the point of view of longtime Kelssek soccer-watchers, that the sports media in the country took up was the notion that Kirkenes’s title win was some kind of underdog story just because it’d been 33 years since the last one. That said, Jenas Maraipu’s emergence over the year into Kelssek’s number one goalkeeper followed by taking the number one jersey at the World Cup was genuinely compelling. Kirkenes briefly held the league record outgoing transfer fee when Ceferino Audiol decided to not elaborate, leave for Tumbra, and Quinten van der Ven is another big departure. So there’s lots of doubt whether defending the championship will be easy, but they do have probably still the best squad in the league.
Last five seasons: 1st, 5th, 6th, 4th, 5th
Players in: Alberto Rendon (Kawarthas, ϑ0.5m), Natalia Konarik (Mazinaw, ϑ0.75m)
Players out: Bors Warwick (Raven Thöni, ϑ0.3m/$0.8m), Andrija Hrvatin (Vantanoch, ϑ0.8m/$2m), Marek Fifeld (Carntyne Wanderers ϑ0.3m/$0.75m), Victor Nyquist (retired), Armin Station (Dinamo N-City, ϑ0.8m/$2m), Ceferino Audiol (Serrapince, ϑ5.7m/$12.5m), Quinten van der Ven (Ridgewell Rovers, ϑ3.4m/$7m)
Cassie Mrythe* [GK], age 36 (KSK)
Karon Murell [LB], age 23 (MRT)
Ross Vetrone [CB], age 27 (KSK)
Marc Wenger [CB], age 26 (KSK)
Cormac Ó Conneely [RB], age 36 (KSK)
Tessa Locke [CM], age 25 (CDG/QUE)
Neil Ferry [CM], age 22 (KSK)
Kieran McCurdy [CM], age 22 (KSK)
Enyinnaya Udegbunam* [RW/LW], age 28 (QUE)
Anke Waechter* [LW], age 25 (VAL) C
Aidan Caoidheach [CF], age 20 (KSK)
Alison Troczynski [GK], age 24 (KSK)
Iroha Irei [GK], age 35 (HIN)
Brette Hackett [LB], age 31 (EFL)
Brendan Crawford [CB], age 20 (KSK)
Nicole Boudrias [RB], age 29 (KSK)
Miles Gerry [CM], age 21 (KSK)
Chike Obident [RW/AM], age 21 (KSK)
Émîróînó Üjíkân [OM], age 30 (FFD)
Dominic Lee [LM], age 33 (KSK)
Lubruose Prape [LM], age 35 (TIO)
Kevin Joseph [AM], age 22 (KSK)
Ariana Coulter [ST], age 20 (KSK)
Latrobe Athletic and Football Club
Home ground: Macquarie Docklands (55,700)
Facilities: Ground ★★★★★ / Training ★★★★★ / Youth system ★★★★ / Youth recruitment ★★★
Rivals: Clayquot City
Honours: KFL Championship (7): 2, 14, 21, 24, 34, 53, 69; runners-up: 55, 64, 65, 74
Coupe des Patriotes (2): 4, 26; runners-up: 12
IFCF Champions League runners-up: 10; IFCF Challengers Cup runners-up: 6
Fanzines: That's Not the Try Line, Jamie Toohey's Pension Plan
Notable ex-players: Ruslan Demetriev, Aleksander Lukonov, Raïf Ducharne, Bridget Coombe
Manager: Obey Chidiebere (BNJ), age 48; Asst. manager: Reeve Sheehan [BRE], age 40; Coaches: Kristian Mashtian, age 38
Latrobe lifted the Patriotes Cup for the second time to put a glow of accomplishment on their season. From one point of view this was followed by a profitable time in the transfer market, but the magnitude of the departures has fans gobsmacked. Rumours were flying that Obey Chidebere is so frustrated about losing the core of his lineup that the Banijan could walk out, though the manager has put a positive face on this by hyping up his confidence in the youngsters who now have a chance to prove themselves. It seemed they had the deadliest strike force in the league and they still have a potent creative midfield, so maybe they think just anyone can slot in those chances. Big question marks loom – quick, put the captain’s armband on Waechter before the Vanorian gets any ideas about an overseas move.
Last five seasons: 6th + Cup winner, 2nd, 8th, 7th, 4th
Players in: Ross Vetrone (Pembina, ϑ0.5m), Brendan Crawford (St. David, ϑ0.5m), Ariana Coulter (youth), Miles Gerry (youth), Tessa Locke (Perce Town, ϑ0.5m/$1.5m)
Players out: Marc Westond (Chamberley City, ϑ1.6m/$4m), Bridget Coombe (Athletic Saint Eleanor, ϑ2.8m/$8m), Francisco Esquivel (Sanar, ϑ1.6m/$4m), Holly Howell (Couno Rangers, ϑ2.2m/$6m), Hermann Eld (Chalesm, ϑ4.5m/$12m)
Slaven Bajalica [GK], age 30 (KSK/FFD)
Kristie Fortnier [LB/CB], age 36 (CDG)
Julian Hendrick* [D C], age 34 (KSK)
Christina Grange [CB], age 23 (MRT)
Max Loganach [LB/RB], age 30 (KSK)
Ewan Vespertine* [CM], age 22 (CEN)
Geraldine Claw [CM], age 22 (KSK)
Klaus Larsson [OM], age 33 (FFD)
Sandrine McLeod* [LW], age 25 (KSK) C
Amber Docherty [RM/RW], age 35 (KSK)
Lily Witte [CF], age 20 (KSK)
Doug Magennis [GK], age 36 (KSK)
Bertrand Paré [D RC], age 33 (KSK)
Jordan Normand [AM C], age 34 (KSK)
Pherem Mutsuga [LM], age 36 (HIN)
Padraig Sielski [LM], age 21 (KSK)
Christophe Violette [AM/F C], age 32 (KSK)
Larissa Wijk [ST], age 36 (COR)
Trìona Smith [CF], age 19 (KSK)
Mazinaw Vanorian Football Club
Home ground: Crowchilds (18,100)
Facilities: Ground ★★ / Training ★★★★ / Youth system ★★★ / Youth recruitment ★★★
Rivals: Strathcona Internationals
Honours: Patriotes Cup (1): 19; runners-up: 66
KFL National South (1): 59
KFL National runners-up: 68
Fanzines: Tricky Trees
Manager: Tomás Fierro, age 46 [CEN/KSK]; Asst. manager: Annabel Curtis, age 46
There is no evidence of any historical link between Valanora and this club in the high plains city of Mazinaw. This club’s name instead certainly reflects the long-time popularity of that country’s league and national team among fans in Kelssek in the era when football was a niche sport and real fans watched the games on satellite from Atlantian Oceania. Vanorian climbed into the top flight around the same time as their provincial rivals Strathcona, but their fortunes have diverged somewhat as Mazinaw haven’t been able to crack the top tier and settled into a groove as a mid-table talent farm. It’s been a slog trying to make progress in an increasingly competitive mid-table group, but this season might shake things up a bit if it turns out their transfer business hurt the team less than it did their competitors.
Last five seasons: 16th, 13th, 16th, 14th, 13th,
Players in: Christina Grange (Point Guard, undisclosed), Geraldine Claw (Wickham Warriors, ϑ0.25m)
Players out: Sahwen Chao (Royal Emberton, ϑ0.7m/$1.6m), Clodio Noya (Straton, ϑ0.4m/$1m), Wei Yan Lin (All-Inclusive Haranguer, undisclosed), Kyra Mijancas (Iron City, ϑ3.7m/$5m), Katie Sherwin (Tanrısal, ϑ1.9m/$2.5m)
Maiya Ovidinjus [GK], age 32 (KSK)
George Nelson [LB], age 30 (EUR)
Dragan Djejić [D C], age 34 (ZRH)
Naira Akhatova [CB], age 21 (PYA)
Rosalie Laforest [RB], age 26 (KSK)
Derrick Bosch* [DM], age 26 (KSK)
Sven Gillard [DM/CM], age 36 (NPH)
Carthi Oskar* [LM], age 27 (NPH)
Ludovicus Dagnesses* [AM], age 33 (FFD) C
Andrew Liew [RM], age 29 (KSK)
Alain Germain [ST], age 25 (TFS)
Kevin Cannon [GK], age 36 (KSK)
Luke Harris [LB], age 23 (KSK)
Ross St.-Pierre [CB], age 22 (KSK)
Sandor Kilkenny [RB], age 20 (KSK)
Genzo Tawari [DM], age 35 (HIN)
Sasha Corbeth [CM], age 24 (KSK)
Mia Sadiq [CM], age 20 (KSK)
Samantha Young [LM/RM], age 20 (KSK)
Anna Krug [AM/FW], age 28 (KSK)
Antun Moherovcic [LW], age 18 (MYT)
Sean Thompson [FW], age 22 (KSK)
Ciorstaidh Flegkas [CF], age 30 (KSK)
Football Club of Novonaya
Home ground: Griffin Park (39,200)
Honours: KFL National runners-up: 61
Rivals: NGSA Ulyanof
Fanzine(s): The Grand Gallop
Facilities: Ground ★★★★ / Training ★★★ / Youth system ★★★ / Youth recruitment ★★
Notable former players: Anne-Marie Roux
Manager: Darach Salthill (age 63)
After years of bouncing between second and third division, FC Novonaya enjoyed a rise in attention, attendances, and ambitions after the refurbishment and expansion of their home stadium for the 12th Summer Olympics. The club have been putting in the investment and it’s shown some return in cementing their first-division status. Whether they can do much more is a real question: the ambition is to qualify for IFCF, but things hit a ceiling some time back. After a struggle to step forward they felling into being a develop-and-sell club that takes profit on transfer fees as its prize money, annual relegation battles, and finally actual relegation.
Novonaya has scraped its way back into the Championship division as playoffs winners but many will say the backroom and boardroom dysfunction that tipped them into the National in the first place is still bubbling away in the background. Darach Salthill was the kind of old-school mean-ager needed to whip the team into shape and really light a fire under them. But he’s been pretty mediocre in his last spells in the first division, so whether he’s learnt and adapted remains to be seen.
Last five seasons: 3rd (Natl), 18th, 17th, 17th, 15th
Players in: Sandor Kilkenny (youth), Rosalie Laforest (Racing Mistgwyn, ϑ0.25m), Mia Sadiq (youth), Antun Moherovcic (Energija-Nuklearna, free)
Players out: none
Michael Sveyn [GK], age 32 (KRY)
Lance Atkinson [D L], age 33 (KSK)
Timo Thomsen* [CB], age 27 (KSK) C
Putu Satria Wibawa [CB], age 21 (PCU)
Sorcha Cleeves [RB], age 22 (KSK)
Harun Farrow [CM], age 23 (EFL)
Jordyn Mah* [CM], age 29 (QUE)
Oskari Yamamoto [LM], age 22 (KSK)
Fioniann Baalbaki [RM], age 32 (KSK)
Roksana Koroleva* [ST], age 28 (CMT)
Denis Sjavopalov [ST], age 28 (SVJ)
Scotia MacDonald [GK], age 34 (KSK)
Aidan Dupuis [GK], age 21 (KSK)
Tessa Dryden [CB/LB], age 21 (KSK)
Norue Busokhu [CB], age 34 (TIO)
Tihomir Misita [DM], age 21 (KSK/FFD)
Eire Saint-Pierre [CM], age 20 (KSK)
Stéphanie Desharnais [RW], age 26 (KSK)
Sara Violette [LW], age 29 (KSK)
Chevalier Bay [AMF], age 32 (EFL)
James Kagawa [ST], age 21 (KSK)
Océanic club de football Langlois
Home ground: Stade des Pacifiques (38,251)
Facilities: Ground ★★★★★ / Training ★★★★★ / Youth system ★★★★ / Youth recruitment ★★★★
Main rivals: CF Saint-Richard, CF Outineau
Honours: KFL Championship (8): 5, 11, 17, 19, 30, 56, 57, 66; runners-up: 49, 71
Coupe des Patriotes (2): 2, 15; runners-up: 13
Fanzines: Coach-marde, Aux larmes salés
Notable ex-players: Kiera Weiram, Zilar Galharretborde
Manager: Brigitte Coppinger [NPH], age 46, Assistant manager: Davis Quintin, age 47, Coaches: Kiera Weiram [MRN], age 41
History and records.History and records[/url]. Serious football heritage, tactical innovations.
A mid-season managerial change sparked some optimism that Brigitte Coppinger can drag this club back into contention for the trophies. Central to that will be getting the midfield working much better than it had in their early season death spiral, and the merciless side of that was moving on players who’d been key to the club in the past but not much good now – though Océanic may well regret letting themselves be tempted by inflated offers for teenage prospects who were just starting to come into the team.
Last five seasons: 8th, 7th, 5th, 3rd, 2nd
Players in: Tessa Dryden (Lancaster Hill, undisclosed), Eire Saint-Pierre (Passerine, ϑ0.6m/$1.7m), Tihomir Misita (youth)
Players out: Kathy Eowins (retired), Zilar Galharretborde (contract expiry), Songwei Milosevic (Eikborg Club, ϑ1.8m/$3m), Zaur-Luka Igorić (Marthorpe City, ϑ0.3m/$0.75m), Colton Wynter (Portland Pirates, ϑ0.8m/$2m), Zack Sjöberg (CA Paulinthal), Jourdain Dupuis (retired)
Thimiscles Seanclair [GK], age 36 (YSP)
Tobert Usher* [RB], age 25 (KSK) C
Sonya Lau [CB], age 24 (KSK)
Errol Tellier [CB], age 22 (KSK)
Alain-Elric Sauve [LB], age 24 (KSK)
Ronin Otero [CM], age 22 (QAD)
János rue Belois [M LR], age 31 (KSK/FFD)
Molly Taylor* [LWB/LW], age 27 (EUR)
Götz Makatsch* [M/AM], age 31 (VAL)
Vanda Gerô [ST], age 33 (PAS)
Sebastian Ellex-Mar [ST], age 21 (CEN)
Maxime Carrieri [GK], age 21 (KSK)
Lourence Hupe [CB], age 19 (KSK)
Emmett Thackary [RB], age 35 (KSK)
Logane Nordet [DM], age 22 (KSK)
Saori Takahata [AM/F C], age 35 (HIN)
Laurie Rajic [LM], age 20 (KSK)
Tomás Guisao [M R], age 31 (KSK/FFD)
Mint Leaf [RW/AM], age 30 (CRY)
Phillippe Lavoie [CF], age 23 (KSK)
Pierre van der Winkel [AM], age 27 (KSK)
Club de football Outineau
Home ground: Stade Olympique (58,600)
Facilities: Ground ★★★★★ / Training ★★★★★ / Youth system ★★★★ / Youth recruitment ★★★★
Rivals: Kirkenes FC, Langlois Océanic, CS Saint-Rémy, Les Castors
Honours: KFL Championship (10): 12, 15, 27, 33, 41, 50, 60, 63, 67, 73; runners-up: 59, 75
Coupe des Patriotes (5): 5, 13, 16, 17, 22; runners-up: 21
Ad'ihan Challenge Trophy (1): 18
Notable former players: Blake McDonagh, Gabriel Lapierre, James McDonald, Loïc Maçon-Petrault, Brigitte Coppinger, Adam Corvin, Ashley Douglass, Jean-Phillippe Auiloquet
Fan channels: Tourtière congelé, Ignoble, Latte-Sipping Cock Muncher's Quarterly
Manager: Romain Dupuis, age 55 Coaches: Jean-Marc Arndeau, age 40; Sean Clarke, age 39
History and records. One of Kelssek football’s traditional powers, they hold the record for the most Patriotes Cup wins and are one of three clubs to have won a domestic double. The club’s Anglian fanzine references an infamous hot-mic incident when a KBC pundit dismissed the passion of the club’s supporters with a colourful reference to the city’s pretentious coffee preferences and social liberalism. A big part of the matchday experience is the singing and banners of its long-standing supporters group Les Ignobles.
The indignity of basically handing the title to Kirkenes at home stings painfully for the fans and what might otherwise have been a decent season will be looked back upon with a grimace because of those 20 disastrous minutes. The Rouge-et-bleu were not untouched by the transfer frenzy but, crucially, managed to fend off the offers for Molly Taylor despite whispers of seven million thalers and things of that nature. There was one key player lost as Mesi Klarlmas was supposed to be the team’s creative future, but after checking the bundles of cash carefully for the right watermarks and holograms (one imagines) Outineau seemed to shrug and decide it was just an offer too good to refuse. Having added talented midfielder Ronin Otero, they can maybe claim it was all a wash or more tendentiously to have improved the squad, but most pundits see finishing second again as a good outcome for them.
Last five seasons: 2nd, 1st, 5th, 6th
Players in: Ronin Otero (Passerine, ϑ1.1m/$2.5m), Laurie Rajic (youth)
Players out: Rhys le Besco (Chamberley City ϑ2.6m/$6m), Drystan Tudor (Capitol Ath, ϑ1.7m/$4m), Mesi Klarlmas (Dartford City, ϑ3m/$8.5m), Afrim Degirmen (Flania Zarss, ϑ0.48m/$1.1m)
Malone Newport [GK], age 36 (GTK)
Jaya Hadi Gunawan* [RB], age 20 (PCU)
Sang-Hun Noel [DF], age 27 (QAD) C
Justine Bixby [CB], age 35 (KSK)
Lewis Brockton [LB/RB], age 32 (KSK)
Agapeto Licea [CM/DM], age 19 (KSK/FFD)
Guilliame Honoré* [CM], age 21 (KSK)
Eire St.-Pierre [CM], age 20 (KSK)
Angéline Ibanez [LW/LF], age 23 (KSK)
Martinius Enge [AMC/ST], age 18 (VAL)
Drî Tòr* [F C], age 28 (KSK/FFD)
Zara Ishizaki [GK], age 21 (KSK)
Nathaniel Williams [GK], age 26 (KSK)
Stéphanie Kouam [LB], age 19 (KSK)
Sandy Fisher [LB], age 24 (KSK)
Taras Paulkin [CB], age 17 (PYA)
Guilliame Magill [RB], age 21 (KSK)
Roy Jenkins [M C], age 34 (KSK)
Risteárd McGregers [MF], age 28 (EQS)
Xaviér Lacroix [LM], age 33 (KSK)
Kimiko Koizumi [M RLC], age 36 (HIN)
Luca Jenmarsh [M R], age 34 (KSK)
Markus Oyvind [AM C], age 32 (KSK)
Passerine Football Club
Home ground: Portedowns Park (26,400)
Facilities: Ground ★★★ / Training ★★★ / Youth system ★★★ / Youth recruitment ★★★
Rivals: Kirkenes FC
Honours: KFL National (3): 60, 66, 68
Fan media: Abusive Tweets, Pitchside Hops
Notable ex-players: Zoé Goh-Lemaire, Ronin Otero
Manager: Tyler Shrub, age 41, Asst. manager: Brayden Welland, age 38
Records and history. Has fashioned itself into a football club for those who like to sip an IPA (now supplied by the Terembev conglomerate) from a plastic cup at the stadium and don't mind finishing tenth being considered an accomplishment. Hey, it's better than being one of those mainstream Kirkenes FC supporters.
Brigitte Coppinger moved on to a bigger club, and Passerine have turned to Tyler Shrub to try and keep them in the comfortable mid-table lifestyle to which they’ve become accustomed. Perhaps one of the few teams that may have legitimately improved through through overall transfers this close season, they’ve poached Drî Tòr from Star of Confederation just to show they are massive. A mid-table finish is what they expect and probably what they’ll get.
Last five seasons: 13th, 10th, 12th, 16th, 16th
Players in: Taras Paulkin (Pyazhnyy Futbolni Akademiya), Agapeto Licea (youth), Drî Tòr (Star of Confederation, ϑ0.5m)
Players out: Ronin Otero (CF Outineau, ϑ1.1m/$2.5m), Sha Jian (Colbrook City, ϑ0.47m/$1.2m), Wiktor Nebojsa Dassow (contract expiry), Gabriel Davies (retired), Demetrius Paschalakis (Viathyn Park, ϑ0.2m/$0.5m)
Samuel van Buren [GK], age 26 (KSK)
Noémi St-Germain [LB], age 29 (KSK)
Hugh Lee [CB], age 24 (KSK)
Emre Wark [CB], age 30 (KSK)
Yunus Baluch* [RB], age 29 (SRS)
Lynne Gaudreault [DM], age 30 (KSK) C
Goulwen Baudrillart* [CM], age 25 (OAM)
Amandine Bélanger [AM], age 26 (KSK)
Abhilasha Suntil* [ST], age 26 (SRS)
Derrick Mercier [RW], age 27 (KSK)
June Kapotsis [LW], age 23 (KSK)
Mark Bhàsa [GK], age 20 (KSK)
Brodie Ling [LB], age 27 (KSK)
Troy Painter [CB], age 21 (KSK)
Cadman Thomsen [RB], age 30 (KSK)
Katherine Noro [CM], age 31 (KSK)
Rosalie Anderson [CM], age 27 (KSK)
Rosalie Nord [LM], age 26 (KSK)
Julius Fournier [RM], age 19 (KSK)
Laura Millclef [AM/CF], age 35 (KSK)
Eoin Rathais [ST], age 31 (KSK)
Pembina City Football Club
Honours: KFL National (1): 75
Home ground: Boulevard Road (11,528)
Facilites: Ground ★★ / Training ★★ / Youth system ★★ / Youth recruitment ★★
Rivals: Sitka Valley
Based in the capital of Wenerdere, where football is a distant third-favourite sport to hockey and rugby. More than one young fan has been bullied by their replica jersey being taken and part of the P in the sponsor’s logo getting coloured in with a marker so the shirt says “Fartsource”. Their intra-republic rivals Sitka Valley have struggled to come even close to a return after their last relegation and Pembina’s recent success is a great way to rub their noses in it.
It was a frantic final day in the National division and when the dust had settled Pembina had won the second division on goal difference to mark an immediate return to the top flight after their meek last-place relegation effort in 194. They’d love to make their third stint longer than one season, but it remains to be seen if their high-tempo style that bamboozled so many in the National will be a liability against more skilled opposition. Big point of worry: their two first choice centre-backs got poached, ironically going to two different sides of the Battle of Etnier.
Manager: Jordyn Fascher, age 40
Last three seasons: 1st (Nat), 20th, 3rd (Nat)
Players out: Ross Vetrone (Latrobe, ϑ0.75m), Anthony Na (Clayquot, ϑ0.75m)
Players in: Troy Painter (West Haligonia Spartan, ϑ0.3m), Laura Millclef (Strathcona, free)
Mia Hinam [GK], age 29 (KSK)
Christine Faubert* [RB], age 24 (KSK)
Maya Shayilan [CB], age 21 (KSK)
Lucian Wright [CB], age 30 (MUR)
Daniel Vergland* [LB], age 32 (KSK) C
Sonya Verenichnaya [CM], age 22 (PYA)
Peadar Smythe [CM], age 32 (KSK)
Guilliame Laganière [M RC], age 33 (KSK)
Stefan Curtiz [LM], age 35 (NPH)
Hazmar Roger* [AMF/CMF], age 22 (EFL)
Caleb Greening [F C], age 30 (KSK)
Jeanne Dutronc [GK], age 35 (HIN)
Fredrick Angelini [CB], age 21 (KSK)
Angela Dupuis [LB], age 35 (KSK)
Milislav Gucetic [LB/RB], age 18 (MYT)
Harold Archer [RB], age 32 (KSK)
Nicholas Knox [RM], age 32 (FVA)
Dylan Buday [CM], age 21 (KSK)
Tatiana Breathnach [LW], age 31 (KSK)
Benjamin Miyamoto [LM], age 30 (KSK)
Kerry Abermein [CF], age 21 (KSK)
Dylan Corbeth [CF], age 35 (KSK)
Saintsport Heath Football Club
Home ground: Admiralty Terrace (7,600)
Facilities: Ground ★★★ / Training ★★★ / Youth system ★★ / Youth recruitment ★★
Fanzines: Sacred Sheep
Honours: KFL National (2): 65, 73; runners-up: 63, 71, 75
Notable former players: Joni Lindegaard, Tom Sloan, Liang Wei
The pride of the rusty port city that gets between the city of Redswyth and the open ocean. Well, pride of the soccer fans at least; metropolitan Redswyth is rugby country and round balls are looked upon with suspicion and disdain. Their rise to the level of a Championship-ish club has gotten them a lot of attention in the region, especially as the Redswyth area’s younger population gets more football-curious.
Manager: Cory Greenwood, age 44; Asst. manager: Giorsal Ó Connaíl, age 41
Last five seasons: 2nd (Natl), 19th, 1st (Nat), 19th, 2nd (Nat'l)
Players in: Milislav Gucetic (Liria Prizren, free), Sonya Verenichnaya (Ridge Raiders, free)
Players out: Carey Mason (retired), Hayden Prince (retired), Madison Korrbs (retired)
Ruslan Fermier [GK], age 22 (KSK)
Hipolito Cegarra [RB], age 30 (KSK/FFD)
Lio Turnau* [CB], age 33 (STL)
Osman Bennouna [D C], age 33 (KSK)
Sarafine Latendresse [LB], age 23 (KSK)
Cherita Sheikh-Renard [DM], age 33 (EFL)
Charles Linton-Arbour* [M C], age 32 (KSK) C
Madison Longstaff [MF], age 18 (CDG)
Bruno Silva [RW], age 34 (DRP/HIN)
Corrine Bourquette [LW/CF], age 21 (KSK)
Florian Berkut* [ST], age 29 (NPH)
Liam Wallace [GK], age 30 (MUR)
Jérémie Chasseur-Ardenne [RB], age 35 (KSK)
Rodney Bright [D RL], age 31 (KSK)
Tenmu Tsu'umutapoa [CB/DM], age 37 (HIN)
Jôs Ôsgân [CB], age 21 (KSK/FFD)
Milan Linden [DM], age 25 (KSK)
Sydney Pouliot [CM/LM], age 18 (KSK)
Alain Chan [RM], age 27 (KSK)
Arsène de Saintyon [ST], age 36 (OAM)
Avril Lapierre [ST], age 23 (KSK)
Kaja Hekkert [ST], age 36 (KOR)
Club sportif de Saint-Rémy
Home ground: Stade Intersat (36,900)
Facilities: Ground ★★★★ / Training ★★★★ / Youth system ★★★ / Youth recruitment ★★★
Honours: KFL Championship (5): 8, 23, 55, 61, 62; runners-up: 57, 58, 72
Coupe des Patriotes (1): 3
Rivals: CF Outineau
Fanzine: Ceux qui mange tous les pogos, Carte-cadeaux de Dieu
Notable former players: Ian Sinclair, Brayden Custworth, Adrian Tremblay-Fillon, Greta Enger, Faragó Aranya, Aneurin Wakering
Manager: Jonathan Dubois [KSK], age 44; Asst. manager: Dening Regnault [OAM], age 40; Coach: Gabriel Davies, age 37
History and records. The club of a large industrial city that fancies itself as more down-to-earth and friendly in contrast to their self-conceived stereotype of people from Outineau. A formidable set of players in defence and midfield, but with Aranya leaving for Banija and no direct replacement, they are likely to be heavily reliant on Wakering and Berkut to produce on offence. A decade on from the “deux glorieuses” league titles, CSSR had just about resigned themselves to the idea that making the Challengers Cup occasionally was the best they could hope for when they had a resurgence, three years of a real title shot, and then a disaster of a start to season 75 that saw Calen Reamsey get sacked.
Saint-Rémy dropped off badly after losing key players last season and now they’ve lost another big one, as Aneurin Wakering has been sold for an eyewatering club record fee. Dubois will be expected to build rather than win now, but he might quite justifiably wonder what materials he’s supposed to rebuild with. He’s been handed a squad with no significant signings, key players on the wrong side of age 30, and a lot of raw youngsters that will test his development abilities. But arguably there’s no Kelssekian manager better placed to make hay with that.
Last five seasons: 7th, 3rd, 3rd, 2nd, 8th
Players in: Sarafine Latendresse (CF Mirabelle, ϑ0.25m), Sydney Pouliot (youth), Jôs Ôsgân (youth)
Players out: Aneurin Wakering (Serrapince, ϑ6.7m/$15m), Richie Muguzera (Mieteng City, ϑ0.7m/$1.6m), Maiev Feldhlim (Stanmorn, ϑ0.2m/$0.5m), Megan Walker (Southend Ladies, ϑ0.9m/$2m)
Jeanne Makarniz [GK], age 23 (KSK)
Justin Gollander [RB], age 28 (KSK)
Myriad Yang [CB], age 31 (KSK)
Callie Troulos [CB], age 21 (KSK)
Yara Mearns [LB/LM], age 32 (KSK)
Anne-Marie Lamoureaux [CM], age 31 (KSK) C
Raïf Ducharne* [CM], age 36 (KSK)
Kaiden Pépin* [CM/AM], age 24 (KSK)
Karla Marx [LM], age 24 (CMT)
Antonina Kazankova [RM], age 21 (PYA)
Théo Esposito* [CF], age 23 (KSK)
Jade Houpert [GK], age 18 (KSK)
Jason McGwire [D/M L], age 32 (KSK)
Aaron Dupuis [RB], age 24 (KSK)
Patrice Morin [D LR], age 28 (KSK)
Alisse Duclair [CB/DM], age 27 (KSK)
Timothée Boisvert [CM], age 21 (KSK)
Louise Tremblay [CM], age 35 (KSK)
Olivier Lee [CM], age 23 (KSK)
Noah-Elliot Robins [LM], age 23 (KSK)
Juan Marc Valdéz [F C], age 34 (KSK)
Club de football Saint-Richard
Home ground: Stade Michel-Beaulieu (19,400)
Facilities: Ground ★★★ / Training ★★★★ / Youth system ★★★★ / Youth recruitment ★★★★
Honours: KFL Championship (1): 35
Coupe des Patriotes (1): 9
Rivals: Langlois Océanic
Fanzines: Moules frites
Manager: Maude-Louise Arsenault, age 40; Coach: Mortéza Fadel, age 37
Les Navigateurs pride themselves on the ethos of being close to the community, and a squad primarily made up of gars de chez nous, youth players from the local area who came up through its academy. The sentimental second-favourite club of many, whose presence in the first division and commitment to its identity confirms the romance of sport is not dead. For a long time they were solid mid-table mainstays, but it just takes a bad year or two and they suffered the indignity of a shock relegation. And it came at the hands of their derby rivals Océanic on the final day of season 70.
In what’s become something of a career path trend, manager Jonathan Dubois has left to become the next of CF St-Richard’s personnel to move to one of the bigger Beaulac clubs. We can’t quite decide if promoting his assistant to take the job is bold and risky or safe and boring. They’ll be there or thereabouts in the middle of the table barring something really weird happening.
Last five seasons: 15th, 12th, 15th, 2nd (Natl), 3rd (Natl),
Players in: Jade Houpert (youth)
Players out: Kenzo Harrison (Rosenpfleblatz, ϑ0.4m/$1m), Mavrik Rowland (Shearwater, ϑ1.2m/$3m)
Cathal Gallagher [GK], age 38 (KSK) C
Aya Kawasaki [LB], age 25 (CMT)
Martín Ferrari* [CB], age 27 (VLD)
Sarah Pritchard [CB], age 20 (KSK)
Kurispin Moloses* [RB], age 28 (FFD/KSK)
Cory Grossman [M C], age 34 (KSK)
Aaron Lyybeck [AM C], age 28 (KSK)
Timurdogan Yerli [MC/AMC], age 35 (TMR)
Kai Fukushima [M R], age 34 (KSK)
Manda Iara [LM], age 32 (CMT)
Larissa Campanella* [FW], age 31 (VLD)
Mavrik Rowland [GK], age 25 (KSK)
Tzevaada Muir [D L], age 36 (MRN)
James Jouppi [LB], age 20 (KSK)
Russell McDougal [RB], age 31 (KSK)
Alexandre von Mertens [CB], age 35 (KSK)
Eoin Mac Dùbhghlas [CB], age 21 (KSK)
Julius Martineau [CM], age 20 (KSK)
Christine van Dusen [LW/RW], age 19 (KSK)
Brandon Soinen [ST], age 23 (KSK)
Claire Glass [ST], age 23 (KSK)
Tatjana Pistor [F C], age 33 (KSK)
Shearwater Football Club
Home ground: Kingswharf (40,500)
Facilities: Ground ★★★★ / Training ★★★★ / Youth system ★★ / Youth recruitment ★★
Rivals: Port City, Langlois Océanic
Fanzines: Southwest Stand Dispatch, Yellow Brick Road
Honours: IFCF Champions League (1): 11
KFL Championship (4): 36, 40, 70, 71; runners up: 69, 73
Coupe des Patriotes (1): 21
Notable former players: Shaheen Taleb, Karen, Damien Halliger, Loisé Camserhe, Tara Kreidel, Brion Steinno
Manager: Olaf Jurtanen, age 54 (SVJ); Asst. manager: Jacquéline Lapierre, age 40 (KSK)
History and records. Founded as a sports club for the personnel of a Kelssek Navy base, the club no longer has formal links to the military but does reference this history the club crest’s resemblance to a ship’s badge. Quietly built itself into a top-three powerhouse under the management of Ryan Potter, but didn’t win anything until they sacked him and brought in Olaf Jurtanen, who won two league titles, the Patriotes Cup, and the IFCF Champions League.
Shearwater lurched from sub-standard to bad and Olaf Jurtanen leaned heavily on his credit in the bank to stave off debate about his position. The midfield was a serious weakness, and with Zara Wheals leaving after just one insipid season and no real quality coming into via the transfer market, fans are grousing that Jurtanen is being set up to fail. How long the manager will retain this goodwill could depend on whether he can find a formula to compensate for the team’s glaring weaknesses.
Last five seasons: 9th, 4th, 2nd, 9th + Cup winners, 1st
Players in: Mavrik Rowland (CF Saint-Richard, ϑ1.2m/$3m), Julius Martineau (youth), Christine van Dusen (West Haligonia, ϑ0.5m)
Players out: Kardos Szûcs (Club Stein-los, ϑ1.7m/$4m), Zara Wheals (FC Conton, ϑ1.3m/$3m), Nikolai Seabury (Strathcona, free), Shane Reilly (retired)
Ross Soderling [GK], age 27 (KSK)
Behai Griffin [RB], age 21 (CMT)
Oregon Lévesque [CB], age 30 (KSK)
Karina Wilkinson* [CB], age 29 (HAN)
Rhys Remillard [LB], age 20 (KSK)
Gunner Martikainen [DM C], age 29 (KSK/FFD)
Girolamo Alcides* [CM], age 31 (MRC) C
Irfan Hakemi [CM/AM], age 29 (KSK)
Lara Crist [LM], age 32 (CMT)
Annabel Eakins [RM], age 21 (KSK)
John Polito* [ST], age 26 (KSK)
Robert Breacher [GK], age 20 (KSK)
Vasily Luzin [RB], age 24 (KSK)
Garrett O'Shea [CB], age 31 (KSK)
Lucy Elton [LB], age 35 (KSK)
Theo Capella [LB], age 33 (CAD)
Jonathan Vauhkonen [CM], age 35 (KSK)
Colm Jenkins [AM], age 20 (KSK)
Joseph Denham [AM RC], age 32 (KSK)
Vincent Price [F C], age 35 (KSK)
Jan Kabanov [ST], age 21 (KSK)
Star of Confederation
Home ground: The Domain (22,565)
Honours: KFL National runners-up: 66
Facilities: Ground ★★★ / Training ★★★★ / Youth system ★ / Youth recruitment ★
Fanzine(s): Das Kapital
Manager: Bryce Graughan, age 39; Asst. manager: Ryan Dumont, age 41
The club from the federal capital Neorvins is a relatively recent entrant to the top flight and much of this has been a result of adopting a highly professional sporting and performance staff as well as smart scouting of players. While many residents of the capital move there from elsewhere with existing allegiances to clubs in the bigger sports of rugby and ice hockey, these are less entrenched in football so SoC is working hard to win over new fans.
New management did not meaningfully move the club forward, though pundits and media are preaching the need for patience and the club executives have been vocal in backing the coaching staff. A big churn in the squad has met with some fan approval and hopes new faces will help to push the team up the table. Avoiding relegation is obviously job one, but if you’re hoping for them to do something beyond that it’s likely to be another long, hard season in the federal capital.
Last five seasons: 17th, 16th, 14th, 13th, 15th
Players out: Drî Tòr (Passerine, ϑ0.5m), Marcus Aurelus (Portland Pirates, ϑ0.5m/$1.3m), Antony Hangman (Stilinkeep, ϑ0.4m/$1m), Benoný Ísarrsson (The Grenadiers, ϑ0.4m/$1m), Lyall Murphy (Zenit Attawapiskat ϑ0.2m/$0.5m), Amandine Radjen (NGSA Ulyanof, free)
Players in: Gunner Martikainen (Jutland, undisclosed), Colm Jenkins (Colwynian Vale, ϑ0.3m), Vasily Luzin (NGSA Ulyanof, ϑ0.25m), Robert Breacher (youth)
Ellen Underwood [GK], age 24 (KSK)
Stuart Markov [LB], age 20 (KSK)
Emma Beaudry [RCB], age 26 (CDG)
Trifonas Tolakis [CB], age 30 (VDR)
Waleeda Hollis-Park [RB], age 30 (EFL)
Stéphanie Wang [CM], age 21 (KSK)
Mhara Vera* [CM], age 28 (NYK)
Doner Grrhonomó [AM C], age 30 (KSK/FFD)
Preston Treadwell [ST], age 30 (CDG) C
Amy Freeman [CF], age 21 (EUR)
Tyoasi Klipark* [ST], age 27 (VIL)
Joe Schlosser [GK], age 36 (KSK)
Tyler Anderson [GK], age 18 (KSK)
Kelsey Lore [D RC], age 31 (KSK)
Astrid Lodgen [LB/RB], age 35 (KSK)
Efra Soke [LB], age 32 (FFD)
Nicolas Michel [LB/CB], age 31 (KSK)
Geoff Prouse [RB], age 20 (KSK)
Rhys Dadit [M C], age 33 (KSK)
Ashton McCulloch [LM], age 20 (KSK)
Laura Millclef [AM/F C], age 34 (KSK)
Tom Carrieri [RM/CM], age 19 (KSK)
Russ Shaw [CF], age 23 (SNL)
Chung Seo-Yeon [LW/CF/ST], age 33 (HIN)
Strathcona Internationals
Home ground: Bowreach (34,900)
Facilities: Ground ★★★★ / Training ★★★★ / Youth system ★★★ / Youth recruitment ★★★
Rivals: Mazinaw Vanorian
Honours: KFL Championship (2): 59, 72; Runners-up: 68
Patriotes Cup (1): 12; Runners-up: 7, 16
Vilitan Cove Invitational (1): 11/KFL66; Runners-up: 12
KFL National South (1): 53
Notable former players: Bratislav Rukavina, Bryan Hartpoach, Laurel Tinker-Witt, Lynne Crossley
Manager: Niall Jenkins, age 63; Asst. manager: Laurel Tinker-Witt (ZWZ)
Fanzines: To the Ends of the Earth, Mosh Pit of the Bourgeoisie
Wiki article. Based in Vickery, the capital of Conryia, the club was founded by a group of expatriate workers, and took the name of the industrial quarter south of central Vickery. Nicknamed "The Globalists", originally a piss-take by fans of other clubs over a former club president allegedly saying UICA becoming defunct (causing Strathcona to miss out on its first chance at international club competition) was a conspiracy against them.
The Jenkins era is finally showing promising signs as Tyoasi Klipark’s hot scoring run helped Strathcona into the Challengers Cup spots. Arguably the most feared striker in the league, the key issue will be getting him the ball and the defence not falling apart, if those two factors are consistently taken care of everything is possible.
Last five seasons: 5th, 9th, 11th, 1st, 4th
Players in: Nikolai Seabury (Shearwater, free), Heldon White (Kingstown Athletic, ϑ0.25m)
Players out: Joe Schlosser (retired), Emma Beaudry (Arrowsmith, ϑ0.8m/$1.8m), Honorio Menez (Newark Argyle, ϑ2.7m/$6m), Laura Millclef (Pembina City, free)
Vladimir Perunovic [GK], age 31 (KSK/FFD)
Micah Hackney [LB], age 30 (XAN)
Jura Weiss-Mescat [CB], age 29 (KSK)
Nediljko Brajković* [CB], age 26 (PAS)
Brynn Satterfield [RB], age 23 (XAN)
Ronaldo Kaber [CB/DM], age 20 (EFL)
Colin Na [CM], age 27 (KSK)
David Geoffrion* [CM], age 28 (OAM)
Vanessa Weger* [AM], age 25 (KSK)
Jeremiah Garland [LM], age 26 (BOL)
Nayla Culloch [CF], age 22 (KSK)
Evan Peterson [GK], age 20 (KSK)
Nene Shibata [D C], age 36 (HIN)
Jamie Bastien [DM], age 21 (KSK)
Miller West [CM], age 34 (BRE)
Adam Callaghan [M C], age 35 (KSK)
Simon Grilli [AM], age 23 (KSK)
Shaheen Taleb [AM/RW/CF], age 37 (KSK)
Girie Mantou [CAM/LM/RM], age 17 (AUP)
Neil Murphy [CF], age 36 (KRY) C
Torbay Thunder
Home stadium: Armidale Plain (10,300)
Facilities: Ground ★★★ / Training ★★★ / Youth system ★★★ / Youth recruitment ★★
Fanzine(s): (Thor Pun Here)
Honours: KFL National (1): 61
Vilitan Cove Invitational (1): 17/KFL72, 18/KFL73
Notable former players: Dan Antoninsson, Eoin Bream, Julius Heer
Torbay definitely moved forward last season as they gained some much needed cohesion thanks to Shaheen Taleb’s on-field leadership presence and all-round technical class, helping them jump into tenth place. Lionel an Deòir’s stellar season got him a Kelssek call-up to the World Cup squad and a fat transfer to Eura. With a big departure of Huang Han in the defence meaning some big changes in the first eleven, manager Blake McDonagh has been experimenting with a back three in pre-season, unbalanced formations, and other general weirdness.
Manager: Blake McDonagh, age 46, Asst. manager: Hildur Eiríksdóttir, age 42
Last five seasons: 10th, 15th, 11th, 9th, 7th
Players in: Evan Peterson (youth), Jamie Bastien (Sitka Valley, ϑ0.25m), Girie Mantou (Alexia Academie),
Players out: Huang Han (Aries Chariots, ϑ2.7m/$6m), Lionel an Deòir (Spartangrad, ϑ3m/$6.7m)
Denise Witt [GK], age 32 (KSK)
Dimitri Thomas [RB], age 26 (KSK)
Guilliame Rocchi [CB], age 29 (KSK)
Eamag Orgg [CB], age 28 (KSK)
Seosamh Mac Ceallach* [LB], age 29 (KSK)
Rónán Mac Murchú [CM], age 34 (KSK)
Lucas Baird [CM], age 31 (KSK)
Roland Shields [DM], age 32 (KSK)
Conan Batori [RM], age 27 (KSK)
Colm Ó Tuathail* [LW/AM/CF], age 38 (KSK) C
Ciorstaidh Pinard* [FW], age 22 (KSK)
Donnach Ó Ceanndubháin [GK], age 36 (KSK)
Melanie Fowler [D RC], age 32 (KSK)
Brendan Bough [CB], age 19 (KSK)
Cathy Payne [CB], age 36 (KSK)
Adeliz Daussy [CB], age 18 (GVN)
Jonathan Spencer [LB], age 29 (KSK)
Brian Spalding [DM], age 22 (KSK)
Jack Samuelson [RM/LM], age 30 (KSK)
Diego Ortega [RM], age 25 (TFS)
Cúan Ó Corráin [LM], age 30 (KSK)
Carrie Buchanan [AM], age 33 (KSK)
Luke Mansbridge [CF], age 22 (KSK)
Wynleth Flyers
Home stadium: Cathysceau (cap. 16,300)
Facilities: Ground ★★ / Training ★★★ / Youth system ★★★ / Youth recruitment ★★★
Fanzine(s): Plastic Cup Report
Honours: KFL National (2): 70, 74; runners-up: 67
Notable
Manager: Daffyd Jenkins, age 48; Assistant manager: Stephanie Grubling, age 39
Located in Noua Cymru’s ancient capital Wynleth-an-Glyndwr, a picturesque historic city of Gothic spires, civil servants, and harried university students. Living legend Colm Ó Tuathail is going to retire any day now, but the club have been doing to work to make sure they’ve got a good squad to make the most of this temporary halo effect for when he inevitably calls time on his career.
Last five seasons: 14th, 1st (Nat’l), 18th, 15th, 17th
Players in: Adeliz Daussy (Akademiezh Mell-Droad Gouvanarch), Brendan Bough (youth)
Players out: Andrew Everingham (Colbrook City, ϑ0.4m/$1.5m)