While the Clarke Stadium field is artificial turf and can deal with the wet weather, the grounds surrounding it are not. The large amounts of rain and snow Edmonton has seen over the last week have turned the area into a quagmire, and have caused severe construction delays.While the Clarke Stadium field is artificial turf and can deal with the wet weather, the grounds surrounding it are not. The large amounts of rain and snow Edmonton has seen over the last week have turned the area into a quagmire, and have caused severe construction delays.

FC Edmonton has taken its first step in developing the academy, and more strides are expected in the spring.

It’s hard to use the term “business as usual” for a club that played it’s first NASL game on Saturday, but FC Edmonton coach Harry Sinkgraven continues to put his team through the paces in Florida, away from the Alberta cold, as it prepares to try and make it two wins a row this Saturday against the Atlanta Silverbacks. The furthest thing from the minds of the club’s brass — and the players — is the current dispute between the Alberta Soccer Association and the Canadian Soccer Association. “No one from any body has contacted us,” said FCE spokesman Andreas Morse.

Two more Albertans highlight the four signings FC Edmonton announced Monday. The club, which is set to make its debut in the NASL and the Nutrilite Canadian Championship in 2011, has confirmed deals with Edmonton native Chris Lemire, Lethbridge, Alta. teenager Niko Saler, former Portland Timber Mutanda Kwesele and Dutch defender/midfielder Paul Matthijs.