BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Gina Libal
President/Chair
Established in 1978, our club has grown over the years, changing with the needs of our membership. More recently, International Eastside Soccer Club (IESC) had merged with Memorial Football club in 2013 forming into Eastside Memorial Football Club (EMFC) in order to be more accessible and meet the needs of our growing membership. We pride ourselves on providing affordable programs to the diverse community that makes up the Northeast Calgary. Our club has a very unique group of individuals, our strength is in unity. With the long history of the club, I am proud to say that our pattern is one of continuous growth, improvement and most of all dedication. I have always stressed personal involvement from the start, however we certainly had some ups and downs but we will always carry on to improve.
I can truly say that I could not be more proud of all the players on all the EMFC soccer teams on and off the soccer field. Truly a one of a kind group. This is all attributed to the passionate volunteers and professional staff who have dedicated themselves over many years in continuing to improve EMFC and creating a continuous culture of excellence. In addition, EMFC has established formal domestic and global soccer alliances and has recruited the required coaching and management expertise to provide the best possible development environment, and the best possible growth opportunities for our players and coaches. EMFC is organized in a manner to ensure a place for all soccer playing individuals whatever your age, skill or objectives are for playing this wonderful game. We are proud that we have grown to be one of the top three soccer clubs in Calgary and highest quality ranked soccer club in the Calgary and Southern Alberta area. Our high performance Academy development program is recognized, through its many achievements, as one of the very best in Alberta, and our development programs and relentless drive to be the best at soccer, attracts players from all of over Calgary and Alberta.
Having been immersed in the sport from a very young age and still today as I play, I am a true believer that we can change people’s lives through soccer and therefore have a positive impact in our greater community. I feel privileged to be part of EMFC and see our young players and teams flourish over the years. Our relentless pursuit for excellence and the joy that soccer brings will continue for the years to come.
Come and see for yourself the EMFC difference.
Gina Libal
President/Chair, EMFC
Vic Van Leeuwen
Treasurer
Vic retired at the end of 2023 after 32 years of service at a local HVAC supplier in Calgary as
the General Manager. After retirement, Vic offered to return to EMFC as Treasurer, a position he
held previously for over 8 years. Prior to volunteering at EMFC, he volunteered through the PSA Soccer Club as
Equipment & Coaches Coordinator.
During his time with EMFC, Vic was the lead on building the first Development Centre as well as
our current EMFC Training Facility. Over the years he enjoyed coaching his daughter Kyla and son Colin.
Both Vic's kids are still very active in soccer, Kyla plays with EMFC SWAT, coaches one of our girls teams and is a Technical Lead overseeing the EMFC Grassroots Program. Colin plays with Friends FC. Vic's wife Dolores is a long-distance instructor with SAIT.
"My objective in returning to EMFC was to assist the program continue to grow and provide an
affordable, well-constructed and inviting soccer program for the larger community. My hope is
my volunteering will assist in that objective by helping keep costs in alignment with affordability
along with bringing my years of experience to assist the new generation of volunteers."
Will Castaneda
Interim Secretary
Will is the Warranty Manager at Homes by Avi, and has been in the home building industry for 15 years. He is also a certified Moisture Control Specialist (MCS), specializing in residential moisture protection procedures and regulations. Will leads a team of 7 members in upholding warranty for Calgary and surrounding areas.
Will has been volunteering with EMFC since 2018 with a few different teams (u10 boys, u14 girls, and now u12 boys) and joined the board in 2022 to help with the EMFC Facility & building maintenance, this then developed into being the Interim Executive Director, overseeing the day to day operations of the club.
"I volunteer for EMFC because I love being involved in sports and helping kids learn, enjoy the game and grow. The emotion of being in a competitive game and watching the kids use the things that you have taught them in a game situation, and coming up with a win or a goal- the happiness that is expressed is indescribable."
Stella Duncan
Director
Stella brings over 24 years of experience in the oil and gas industry to her role on the EMFC board. Her deep commitment to the sport of soccer is fueled by her son's active involvement in the club. Passionate about supporting youth development, Stella is dedicated to using her skills and expertise to strengthen the club, build meaningful relationships, and prioritize the well-being of the young athletes within the community.
Mary Prasad
Director
Mary is the parent of four boys, all of whom were raised in the soccer community of Northeast Calgary. Each of her children had the opportunity to be coached by her at various points in their soccer careers. Her children's cultural upbringing has also contributed to their strong connection to the sport. In addition to Mary's active involvement as a coach, she has previously served on the board of another soccer club prior to this current appointment with EMFC. Soccer has been a central part of Mary's life, both in the past and present, and continues to play a significant role in her future.