History

The first significant wave of Punjabi people to the Edmonton area occurred in the early 1970s. These new Canadians looked for ways to support their social needs through religious, cultural and sporting activities. While early socialization centered around religious gatherings, community members also began to hold cultural and sporting events. One of the earliest recorded groups in organized soccer (football) was Punjab United Sports Club. This club was formed in 1979 by first generation young Punjabi youth from the homeland and another group from the UK.

It was the first Punjabi society to play in organized soccer competitions in Edmonton.By the early 1980’s the Punjabi community had become a vibrant and an established part of Edmonton’s multicultural mosaic. The arrival of the next wave of Punjabis led to a number of organizations being formed including the Punjabi Cultural Association of Alberta (1980), Sikh Federation of Edmonton (1985), and Punjabi Sports Association (1995). The past decade has seen the emergence and incorporation of art, literature and drama into the Punjabi mosaic.

Throughout the period from 1979 to today, Punjab United became the second home for many newcomers to Edmonton as they settled in the adopted country of Canada. Punjab United has the served the local community and commanded an iconic stature by helping to support and arrange sports tournaments for many other local Punjabi organizations.In 2004, to mark the 25th Anniversary of Punjab United Sports Club,the Founding Members consulted with community groups and elders to chart a new path for the Organization.

It became clear that the first priority should be a community owned, all-purpose sports complex which included facilities to serve the community’s recreational and social needs.Working with other like-minded community groups preliminary plans were drawn and local realtors were engaged to source a piece of land which would become home to the ‘Punjabi Community Village’ (what about ‘Sher-e-Punjab’?). Several suitable sites were identified but the project was put on hold as the hot Alberta economy made the venture unviable.

In addition to the above, Punjab United Sport Club has supported many community events such as langar (community kitchen) at Gurdwara and volunteers at Nagar Kirtans (Sikh Parades). The Club has been a big booster of promoting the youth and their participation in sports. This has included holding Summer Soccer Camps and helping the our top young player participate in National tournaments (e.g. Juventus Soccer Club).
Punjab United Sports & Heritage Association.

While Punjab United Sports Club served the Edmonton community for more than thirty years, it was never formally registered as a Non-Profit Society. This situation was corrected in July 2010 as the original vision from 2004 was resurrected and a new entity – Punjab United Sports & Heritage Association was officially registered with the Province of Alberta with the mandate to promote community sports and culture.

Throughout the period from 1979 to today, Punjab United became the second home for many newcomers to Edmonton as they settled in the adopted country of Canada. Punjab United has the served the local community and commanded an iconic stature by helping to support and arrange sports tournaments for many other local Punjabi organizations.In 2004, to mark the 25th Anniversary of Punjab United Sports Club, the Founding Members consulted with community groups and elders to chart a new path for the Organization.

It became clear that the first priority should be a community owned, all-purpose sports complex which included facilities to serve the community’s recreational and social needs. Working with other like-minded community groups preliminary plans were drawn and local realtors were engaged to source a piece of land which would become home to the ‘Punjabi Community Village’ (what about ‘Sher-e-Punjab’?). Several suitable sites were identified but the project was put on hold as the hot Alberta economy made the venture unviable.

At the inaugural meeting of Punjab United Sports & Heritage Association [PUSHA], Founding Directors were identified to develop the By-Laws of the Society and to manage its affairs.The first Order of Business of the new Society was to create a Reserve Fund. The Founding Directors committed to pay set annual dues and to act as Guarantors for specified commitments related to the purchase of land for the ‘Punjabi Community Village’.

Our Team

President – Iqbal S. Mahal

Vice President – Nirmal Herain

Treasurer – Harinder Mandair

Secretary – Sanjeev Saha

Director – Baljinder Banga

Director & Chairperson Advisory Board – Kashmir S. Gill

Director – Kanwaljit Sidhu

Director – Kulvir Banga

Director – Jashbinder Atwal

Director – Shamsher Dhadly

Director – Rajinder Bajwa

Associate Director – Jagjeet Khabra

Associate Director – Gurjot Sandhu

Associate Director – Harvir Dhaliwal