THE ASSYRIAN ATHLETIC CLUB

OF TORONTO

Proud Home of the Winged Bull Soccer Teams

In 1949, at the age of 16, the late Youra Eshaya joined the Employees Soccer Team in Habbanniah where he gained great experience playing with the great Aram Karam and making one of the best duos with Ammo Baba.

In 1953, he left for Britain after being scouted by Bristol Rovers of England.

After returning to Iraq in 1955, he joined the Iraqi Air Force Soccer Team and in time he was on the Iraqi National Team. He stayed with the Air Force Team until 1971 when he retired from playing. He was mostly known for his play making talent, speed and incredible stamina.

His great career with Assyrian and non Assyrian teams was highlighted with over 75 international games. 

Early History

Youra was born in Iran in 1933 to Eshaya Pera and Batishwa Benyamin. The family moved to Iraq in mid 1930s and settled in Maharatha Lines in Hinaidi, where Youra's father found work in a NAAFI canteen. In 1937 the family then moved to Habbaniya along with the rest of the Hinaidi Assyrian and Armenian civilians and the Assyrian Levies employed by the Royal Air Force.

When Youra was of age to begin his schooling at the late Raabi Yacoub's R.A.F. Union School, he also started kicking a tennis ball around and playing "football" with his schoolmates and the neighborhood kids. The boy had much love and energy for the game, and hardly was he into his teens when observant eyes began to notice him.