Fath earned the Claude Alston Award

Photo credit: Tony Lewis/FC Edmonton

Everything that is built needs a strong foundation.

Structures, businesses, relationships – tangible or intangible – require substantial groundwork if they’re going to stand the test of time.

FC Edmonton owner Tom Fath, who has been on the NASL Board since the league’s inception, knows this better than anyone.

Fath has spent his life building things – particularly roads – as a leader in the construction industry. As the President of the Fath Group, he is the owner of several businesses, including O’Hanlon Paving, a highly successful company that delivers services for the road construction industry.

On Friday, the beloved Eddies owner is being recognized for his work in the construction industry. Fath is the latest recipient of the Claude Alston Award, which is the Edmonton Construction Association’s highest honor. The award is given only when an individual demonstrates outstanding service and contribution to the Edmonton construction industry.

“Everyone who knows Tom won’t be surprised that he’s receiving an honor of this magnitude,” said NASL Interim Commissioner Rishi Sehgal. “The work that he has done in Edmonton – bringing a family-oriented club to the community – has been and will continue to be a joy to watch. It’s no coincidence that he is receiving an award that has to do with ‘building’ because he has been so incredibly committed to growing the NASL since day one. On behalf of the entire league, we would like to congratulate Tom on his award.”

Jay Ball, GM of FC Edmonton, also commented on the prestigious honor being awarded to the man who brought him to the club.

“I think that this award is a testament to Tom’s commitment to the industry and his commitment to the community,” Ball said. “It really is a true reflection of the impact he has made on the city of Edmonton as one of its leaders.”

Blessed with a knack for growing businesses, Fath didn’t add a professional soccer club to his “Things To Build” list until 2010. He wanted to create something that would give back to a community that has given him so much, and that’s where FC Edmonton came in.

Seven years later, Fath’s NASL club is making quite an impact. FC Edmonton has garnered plenty of attention in Canada and the U.S. for its vibrant academy system that has produced several first-team players and prospects that have moved onto MLS and European leagues. One of those promising youngsters is Shamit Shome, who recently became the first player to sign a Generation adidas Canada contract in MLS.

The Eddies have also seen a number of their players called up by Canada’s senior and youth national teams. Three FC Edmonton players were called into the senior side in 2016, including veteran Nik Ledgerwood, who has been a mainstay in The Reds side for years.

Last season, under the watch of well-respected coach Colin Miller, the Eddies put together their most successful NASL campaign yet. The Canadian side booked its place in The Championship, the league’s four-club postseason tournament, but bowed out in the semifinal round following a 1-0 loss to the eventual league runner-up, Indy Eleven.

For Fath, the building continues in 2017. Off the field, FC Edmonton has already doubled its season ticket holder number from last year, and interest and passion for the club is at an all-time high. On the field, the Eddies return a strong core from last year’s playoff side.

The action begins on Sunday, April 2, when the club kicks off the season with a road clash against Jacksonville Armada FC at Hodges Stadium.