December 15, 2023...'My Son Asked Santa Claus for a Messi Shirt. Now, he wants a Mo Babouli One Instead' (from York United FC website)

December 15, 2023...'My Son Asked Santa Claus for a Messi Shirt. Now, he wants a Mo Babouli One Instead'
(from York United FC website)

'MY SON ASKED SANTA CLAUS FOR A MESSI SHIRT. NOW, HE WANTS A MO BABOULI ONE INSTEAD'
The club's new owners have been speaking about how their love affair began many months ago.

ALL IN
It was July 14th when brothers Eduardo and Ricardo Pasquel quietly took their seats at York Lions Stadium and watched the home side pick up a much-needed point and clean sheet against Pacific FC. But, their love affair with the team had begun well before that and has gathered substantial pace ever since.

It was a Friday night in early October when Commissioner Mark Noonan was in Calgary to prepare to hand the CPL Shield to regular season champions Cavalry FC. His phone buzzed and he checked the incoming text message: a photo of the Pasquel brothers celebrating York United's 2-1 road win over Vancouver FC that secured their place in the play-offs.

For the longest time, they've been embedded in the fortunes of the club and that passion has extended to their young families back in Mexico.

UP FOR THE CHALLENGE
"My son had asked Santa Claus for a Messi shirt," said Eduardo Pasquel, York United FC's Chief Executive Officer.

"He called me about two days ago and told me, 'Hey Dad, is there any way you can tell Santa Claus to change the jersey for a Mo Babouli shirt, please?'" "That's an example of how excited my family and myself are for this journey."

The siblings watched every York United game back in their native Mexico City, and were especially glued to their screens for the playoff clash with Pacific FC at Starlight Stadium: the team having dug deep to win their final two regular season games to book their place in the postseason for only the second time ever.

"In the playoff game, we lost in the last minute. [Game Plan Sports Group's takeover] wasn't official at the time so we were watching as fans," said Miguel Pasquel, the club's Chief Commercial Officer.

"It was so heartbreaking. And that's how we felt back then - when we weren't officially part of this team. Although we are the management group here, we're also fans. And we want to share this enthusiasm with our fans. So, we're looking forward to putting something great together and getting into this game-by-game. It means the word to us and hopefully in the future we can have the cup with us. That will be another step."

Max Ferrari was present for the owners' official unveiling at York Lions Stadium last week and the rest of the playing staff have connected with the Pasquel family too as the construction of the 2024 roster continues feverishly behind the scenes.

"The team has great players," said Ricardo Pasquel, President and General Manager of York United FC.

"We probably have the best roster in the league. I don't want to take a shot at Bobby [Smyrniotis] and Forge and everyone there, but I don't think it will be as happy for them in the years to come. We're up for the challenge, I can tell you that."

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