Vol 1 Issue 1

THE CRUST

FOR THE FANS BY THE FANS

Welcome to The Crust, a fanzine for and by York United Supporters. You could call me the founder of Northern Corridor, which started as a spur of the moment social media post in March of 2021. In the midst of the rebirth of the CPL's GTA club and stuck locked down at home, I was worried that the pandemic might rob us yet again of a local club in a domes�c professional league and decided I would try and do something, anything, to hopefully help prevent this.

Most football supporters my age started following the sport with English and European clubs either handed down to us by immigrant parents or, a�er discovering the sport on our own, chosen due the fact there were no real op�ons on North American soil. Yes, MLS decided to come here, but it's an American League and what we needed, and have always wanted, is a proper Canadian League. Now we have one and it's up to us to keep it here.

Since that post, what Northern Corridor has become is a space where GTA and York Region football fans from all walks of life can come together and be a part of keeping this dream alive. Whether you were here before York9 FC ever kicked a ball or you've just arrived finding out about York United FC, we're all here for the same reasons. To support the Nine Stripes, the Blue and Green and to make match day at York Lions something memorable. To make it a place that the opposi�on hates to play. But most of all a place we can come together and celebrate our shared love for the beau�ful game. This group may have started with my one post but it will take all of us to keep it going and make it truly great. A space where hopefully lifelong friendships are made all out of a shared passion for our beloved York United FC.

I can't wait to see you all soon at York Lions Stadium for some football and to catch up and have some laughs. And because I'm starving....

Our bal� pies! OUR BALTI PIES!!

Are be�er than yours!

ARE BETTER THAN YOURS!!

Our bal� pies are be�er than yours...

Chris Duffin Founder Member Northern Corridor SG

Photo Courtesy of David Chant

THE CORNER KICK

NF: If you could eat only one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

JW: Jerk chicken, rice and peas

NF: If you could have dinner with anyone alive or dead who would it be?

JW: Martin Luther King

NF: Worse teammate to sit beside on a bus or plane?

JW: Felix N’Sa, always has his camera out

NF: Who has the worst taste in fashion?

JW: Max Ferrari

NF: Who are you hiding the aux cord or bluetooth from?

JW: Nathan Ingham

NF: If football players had a walk out song what would yours be?

JW: X ‘Gon Give It To Ya- DMX

NF: Would you ever consider coaching?

JW: Absolutely, I’d consider coaching

NF: Would you ever change our goal song? What would it be?

JW: I would change our goal song to something that would have everybody dancing. Love Nwantiti- CKay

The Corner Kick is an interview series conducted by Nick Friend. For issue #1, Nick spoke with York United Midfielder Jordon Wilson.

Photo Courtesy of David Chant

NF: Who was your biggest supporter growing up?

JW: My Dad

NF: What inspired you to choose to play football for a living?

JW: It’s always been a dream of mine to play football for a living. I love it so much it doesn’t feel like work. The fact that it’s something I love with all my heart but not many people get to call it a career inspired me to make it.

NF: If you could choose one organization/charity for your fans to support, which would it be?

JW: The BlackNorth Initiative

NF: What has been the biggest hardship you have had to overcome to get to where you are now?

JW: The biggest hardship was getting that first pro deal. I heard about 7 No’s before I heard that one Yes over a year long period of trying to become a professional. I knew my quality but I had to move from failure to failure without any loss of enthusiasm.

NF: What motivational quote do you stand by?

JW: Be yourself. Comparison is the thief of joy. Believe in yourself. Work on your craft. Be obsessed with the details. Be Determined. You decide what can be done.

Motivational quote: every new beginning is difficult.

NF: Where would you like to see Canadian football as a whole in 5 years?

JW: We’re on the right path but an expanded league of 12-14 teams competing in the CPL. Better salaries and facilities to further promote this game up North. For the men and women’s side to continue trail blazing and putting Canada on the map in football.

NO TFC II AT PIELANDS

The Meaning of Football

By Will Tinsley

T

hroughout history philosophers have asked the question “what is the meaning of life?” But for me there’s a more important question to be pondered. What is the meaning of football? The reason it’s so popular. Why are so many people completely infatuated by it? I can’t pretend I’m the one and only expert, but I do have a few ideas. Even in its infancy as the new growing sport, football firmly cemented its roots in local communities up and down England and the rest of the United Kingdom. It quickly evolved to become the epicenter in many of these communities, helping to bring together friends and families with each generation passing it on to the next. Many of the early teams were formed by workers and their friends, supplying a brief escape from a life of working long hours to support their families. For a lot of people this has continued to the present day, with the start of the season or an important game being the highlight of the week. Is the meaning of football to bring a break from the monotony of the working week? Or is there more to it than that?

I grew up as a fan of West Bromwich Albion, as did my dad and his dad before him. But the first team I watched in the flesh was my local team, AFC Telford United. A team born out of the ashes of the original Telford United, which ceased to exist in the summer of 2004. This team was created by the people, for the people. Locals came together and raised the funds for a fan owned team The council even bought the stadium and leased it back to the club for practically nothing, and the fans turned up to support them even though they had to restart in a much lower division than they were used to. So, is this the meaning of football, the community spirit?

When I moved to Canada I didn’t know anybody apart from my girlfriend and her family. Football changed this. Through following York United I’ve met people who I can call my friends. These friends come from variety of backgrounds, from different corners of the world, but all of us were brought together by one thing, football.

This beautiful game has offered us an opportunity to share and discuss our interests and passions but most importantly it has allowed us to create memories. Whether it’s meeting up for few beers before kickoff, marching to the stadium with smoke bombs and flags in hand or catching a bus to Hamilton for the clubs first playoff game These are the times we will look back on with joy as we grow older. Is friendship the meaning of football?

Personally, I believe that football exists for all these things and more. It creates a common ground between people from different cultures and backgrounds. It brings people together and creates bonds that will last a lifetime. Everybody collectively sharing the rollercoaster of emotions for those 90 minutes each matchday. So, what is the meaning of football? I’m not entirely sure. An easier question would be what is the meaning of life? And the answer to that would be football.

Some�mes in our lives

We all have pain

We all have sorrow

But if we are wise

We know that there's always tomorrow

Lean on me

When you're not strong

And I'll be your friend

I'll help you carry on...

For it won't be long

Till I'm gonna need somebody to lean on

Please swallow your pride

If I have things you need to borrow

For no one can fill

Those of your needs that you won't let show

You just call on me brother when you need a hand

We all need somebody to lean on

I just might have a problem that you'll understand

We all need somebody to lean on

Lean on me

When you're not strong

And I'll be your friend

I'll help you carry on...

For it won't be long

Till I'm gonna need somebody to lean on

You just call on me brother

When you need a hand

We all need somebody to lean on

I just might have a problem that you'll understand

We all need somebody to lean on

If there is a load you have to bear

That you can't carry

I'm right up the road

I'll share your load

If you just call me

-Lean on me

By Bill Withers

LEAN ON ME BY

RONAN CORDELLE

If you have been to Pielands last season you may have no�ced during the game that one chant the sec�on 900 raises their scarves over their heads and proudly sings this song loud and proud.

Many clubs around the world are well know for their anthems Liverpool-Never Walk Alone, Ajax-Three Li�le Birds, Minnesota- Wonderwall for example. A great anthem should represent the club and even more the supporters that sing it.

The message of this song is tailor made for a song that unites both the Northern Corridor,Centre of the Universe and the York United faithful. The song is about a comradery bond where we will be there for one an- other and the team. Where we help out our YU family, where we make ourselves available for each other. Like a chain we are only as strong as our weakest link. Its our duty to lookout for each other, especially these days when the world is an ever changing place. The message of this song is just as important now then when Bill released it in 1972.

Its my dream that in the future that all across the soccer community of Canada when this song comes on the radio the first thing they think about is York United amazing fans.

So next �me you are at Pielands with your scarf alo� in the air, screaming out this song take a look to your le� and right and know that we are in this together and always know you can Lean on Me.

FOOTBALL AND FRIENDS

An Interview With Peter Galindo

Conducted by Namu Yoon

How did u first get into football or other sports?

I grew up playing football ever since I can remember. My father is from Peru, so he is the man responsible for introducing me to it.

I played basketball and baseball a lot, and I still enjoy both sports, but I felt that connection with football thanks to my dad, who was incredibly active in my life. He coached my teams, took me to Vancouver Whitecaps games and we’d spend weekends watching matches together, which grew my love for the sport.

Having played regularly during my youth, I developed a fondness for the tactical and statistical side of football, which I incorporate into my work to this day. Even now, I don’t think there is a moment when I’m not thinking about football. Thanks for the lifelong addiction, dad!

What are some of your favourite clubs or nations to support?

Being born in Canada, I will always support Canadian football and do my part to assist its growth in any way I can.

I also grew up watching the Vancouver Whitecaps in the old A-League and USL but as I started covering the sport for a living, your fandom eventually erodes. However, if the day ever comes that the Whitecaps win MLS Cup, I will be thrilled for my hometown, which has a deep-rooted footballing history that goes back decades.

Nowadays, I have developed a fondness for Celtic. My cousin, who I consider to be the brother I never had – we’ve known each other since we were three years old – is a diehard supporter and we both had the pleasure of experiencing an Old Firm game in 2017 at Celtic Park. I’ve been permanently hooked ever since.

How did you get into your current position/group related to football?

I’ve been at Sportsnet in some capacity since 2014 having landed an internship straight out of school. I had the joy of being mentored by John Molinaro, who remains a close friend to this day. I owe a debt of gratitude to John for helping my career blossom into what it is today.

I’m also grateful for Kristian Jack helping a then-17-year-old who had no idea how to pursue sports journalism as a career. A few months after he was kind enough to chat with me over the phone to offer advice, he helped me land my first-ever internship at theScore with The Footy Show (R.I.P.) which confirmed what I always felt: that I wanted to be a football journalist.

The seasons end seems long, But we are friends through shine and fog. We'll cry and laugh together, Even if we aren't here forever.

"This is for the green and blue!" We yell, un�l standing we are just a few. Because the fun never ends, When you've got football and friends.

-Marcella Hatmanu

Photo Courtesy of David Chant

How are you enjoying the rise of Canadian footy at the moment?

I feel like as a journalist who has covered Canadian football professional for seven years, who is also a proud Canadian, there are two sides to this.

Firstly, it is still surreal to be experiencing this in real time. But as Andy Bernard once said, “I wish there was a way to know you're in the good old days before you've actually left them,” and I think we are in the “good old days” right now. As fans, journalist or whomever, we have every right to enjoy this given what we have endured. I will point out, though, at least us media members were paid to watch those games!

As a professional, it’s led to a number of talented, under-the-radar journalists to come to the forefront, myself included. The Northern Fútbol Podcast has soared to heights I never thought it would reach, my work is getting top billing on Sportsnet’s website and the Canadian men’s national team is outdrawing the Toronto Maple Leafs on TV. I could get used to this.

How important do you think CPL and York United are to the development of football in the GTA and beyond?

They are both integral parts of Canadian football’s growth because there is no linear path towards a professional career. That is why we need multiple pathways for all players, and the CPL – along with York United, who have clearly grasped the message of developing young Canadians – is one of those routes.

When and where did you first hear about Y9/YU?

I feel like the CPL has been on the conscience of every in-tune Canadian football fan and journalist for a decade.

When I heard that it was York9 FC who would be the closest located market to the Greater Toronto Area upon its expansion announcement, I knew I had to check it out whenever I could.

What was your first impressions of Y9 or YLS?

I was pleasantly surprised at the quality on display having seen it in person for the first time. Obviously as the clubs enter Season 4, there is a greater sense of how to build a squad, which international players would be good fits and every other detail imaginable. Considering we were mere weeks into the first CPL season, though, it made me believe that the on-pitch product would suffice.

Who’s your fav YU player at the moment? Who’s your fav YU/Y9 player from before? Having spoken to him personally, Max Ferrari is a kid you can’t help but root for. Having started at Aurora as a teenager before landing at York and becoming arguably the best young player in the league, Ferrari has a bright future. His fearlessness, technique and vision could help him land in Europe one day. Hopefully York manage to keep him for a while longer, though, because he deserves to build on a solid first full season as a starter.

What do you enjoy or like the most about YU or YLS?

The fact it’s a Canadian league and good entertainment. The pricing is enticing, but that just adds to the experience. Where else can you get that sort of entertainment, food and beer at that price while supporting local businesses?

What’s been your favourite experience at YLS or with YU so far? Share a favourite story of YU/Y9 with us if you like.

There have been many fun experiences, but the Canadian Championship match against Montreal comes to mind first. Seeing an MLS team playing in front of a packed crowd at an intimate stadium is what cup football is all about. The fact that we saw some incredible goals and a scintillating 2-2 draw just added to the atmosphere. Entering the stadium was a pain from what I remember, though!

An honourable mention goes out to the first time I heard the “our balty pies are better than yours” chant. I can’t remember laughing that hard at a football song. But it’s funny because it’s true; Sharman’s Proper Pies are amazing and a staple of my York United matchday experience. No, Sharms did not bribe me to write this.

How do you think YU will do this 2022 season?

I think I was one of the few journalists who thought the youth revolution would work out, so I am glad I was proven right. Plus, York qualifying for the playoffs with the youngest squad in the league will only help the narrative of playing your kids. Given that the youngsters are a year older and wiser, not to mention they have a more settled squad compared to a year ago, there is no reason why they can’t qualify for the playoffs again, especially with Pacific getting siphoned after winning the league.

What is one thing you’d like to see different from YU or YLS?

Considering York was founded as York9 as an homage to the nine municipalities that make up York Region, the club could do more to target potential fans in each city. Just look at all of the players who grew up in the area as an example of why it’s a hotbed.

Surely there is a way to tap into a market of one million people to grow the brand and establish a stronger fanbase, especially when it is a relatively cheap day out for families and young adults.

What do you hope to see from YU in the near or long term future?

This almost assists my previous thought, but seeing York win the league would do wonders for its popularity as well. Success always attracts more attention, and it would further underline the importance of developing young players. If a club leans into it and wins trophies, others may follow suit.

So when is YU winning the microwave plate? Or, any last words you’d like to share with fellow YU fans?

Firstly, keep supporting local football and Canadian footy. It is nothing without fans. Finally, thank you to those of you who follow my work and interact with me on Twitter. I’m @GalindoPW if you want to fire off a tweet or DM in my direction.=

If you see me at York Lions Stadium this season, please do not be afraid to introduce yourself! I am always happy to chat football and life in general