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Up until the 1960's the X-Men soccer teams consisted mostly of Newfoundlander's and players from abroad. Improvements to the local game have seen an increasing trend of players from the Nova Scotia, and specifically Antigonish. Many local players have contributed greatly to the game here at X. Many players have been recognized as high achieving athletes and scholars both by the AUS Conference and the CIS.
More recently the team has seen a very diverse international flavour to the men's soccer program. The current team now has players from 6 countries and 5 continents. The team has also seen an eastern migration luring away athletes from large urban centres like Calgary and Ottawa. However, the team still carries a strong Nova Scotian flavour.
Some players have even returned to their old stomping grounds to contribute to the campus community as a whole. One such local player is Dr. Sean Riley who spent four years at StFX in the seventies and finished his career as team captain. Dr. Riley was also the University's Athlete of the Year in his senior year. Dr. Riley is now the President of the school and can still be seen from time to time on the field with the players trying to instill his pride for both the school and the game. Trevor Reddick is now the Head Coach of the X-Women's soccer team. The team's head coach, Graham Kennedy, and assistant coach, Rob "Rice" Canning also had successful careers as players.
Other players have left their mark on the field of play and moved on to greater things. Glen MacDougall spent time with the Nova Scotia Clippers of the CSL. Trevor Riddick and Ian Bilek played briefly in the Czech Repludic's First and Second Leagues. Jorge Rodriquez was a member of the Olympic Team and was the CSL Rookie of the Year. Numerous players have been awarded AUS and CIS All-Star, MVP, Top Scorer, and Rookie of the Year Awards respectively.
CLICK BELOW TO VIEW X-MEN AWARD HISTORY
X-Men_Awards_History
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The Supporters Club has evolved out of an effort to raise funds for a scholarship to honour Lou Bilek upon his retirement as head coach after 39 years of service.
The momentum that was building during this fundraising effort made it obvious to those involved that this moment was just the spark that alumni and supporters of the team needed to pool their efforts and resources to form a Supporters Club that could help the X-Men soccer program develop into one that is envied nationwide.
The Supporters Club's legal name is Supporters of X-Men Soccer Society. The society was incorporated on March 24, 2009. You can review the incorporation documents by following these links:
Memorandum of Association
By-Laws
The current Directors and Officers are:
Directors:
Ian Bilek, Trevor Chisholm,Wayne Francis, Brad Thompson,and Eddie Thomson
Officers:
Chairperson Ian Bilek
Vice-Chairperson Wayne Francis
Secretary Brad Thompson
Treasurer Eddie Thomson
The first goal of the Supporters Club is to raise funds for the X-Men. We do not want to be competting with Coach Kennedy in soliciting support, but rather we hope to provide a mechanism to allow a larger number of supporters to contribute smaller amounts via our secure and easy to use website. Ultimately we hope to have as many perpetual pre-authorized payment members as possible.
The second goal is to provide a venue for alumni and former supporters to reconnect and for the current players to stay connected after graduation. With this goal front of mind, we have ensured that the website has features that allow excellent and frequent opportunities for people to chat. Make sure to check out the coaches blog and, when you become a member, enjoy chatting in our Supporters Forum.
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