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The first game is slated for April.

FC Edmonton was originally founded in 2010 by brothers Tom Fath and Dave Fath, who wanted to give back to the community. FC Edmonton was a founding member of the North American Soccer League, a professional league with teams throughout the United States and Canada.

FC Edmonton spent seven seasons in the league before leaving once the NASL lost its Division 2 status in the United States, putting the future of the league in doubt.

It’s estimated the Fath brothers lost upwards of $1-million per season in the NASL — they were not ready to commit to a new all-Canadian professional league without community support.

But the support proved overwhelming and FC Edmonton was back in business shortly after leaving the NASL.

“When I came on board with the club, we had to work really hard to strengthen our relationships within the community with all different groups,” Ball said. “Those relationships have actually grown over the past 18 months as we finished off the NASL season in 2017 and this whole journey through 2018 and bringing the team back.

“I think we have a lot of cheerleaders out there. There are a lot of groups that are really pleased and proud that FC Edmonton stuck to it and were resilient and made the comeback, particularly in our minor soccer community and our sponsorship community and the charitable community as well for organizations that we supported.”

As has been the case in the past, FC Edmonton is working hard to be an integral part of the community, making efforts to have a presence at major events to help build the brand.

“I think it’s a different business model altogether, now,” Ball said. “The team has a different identity now, it’s a different brand and I think that’s based on the fact that we’re part of a brand new league and that’s the Canadian game.

“The notion that it’s a Canadian league and the rivals such as Calgary are all big game changers for the fans. It’s a completely different discussion and it’s just been an incredible journey.”

Email: dvandiest@postmedia.com

On Twitter: @DerekVanDiest