The Ontario Soccer Association, the City of Vaughan and Toronto FC have formed an exciting new partnership that will see a new soccer team coming to the region as well as a new stadium coming to the Ontario Soccer Centre.
Toronto FC II begins competing in USL PRO during the 2015 season and plays their home games at the Ontario Soccer Centre located in Vaughan.
"This agreement further enhances our ongoing relationship and strong partnership with Toronto FC and the city of Vaughan. More importantly, the investment in a facility such as this on the existing OSA complex will provide a significant boost not only to the soccer community but also to the area as a whole for years to come.,” said Ontario Soccer Association President Ron Smale. “Beyond TFC’s USL Pro team, we will be able to host high-level soccer competitions for League1 and the Ontario Player Development League at a first-class facility—a facility which can also be utilized by the City of Vaughan for other community events as well. This is a true partnership that will benefit everyone."
Toronto FC General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko echoed those statements.
"I would like to thank MLSE for the continued support of Toronto FC. I believe that MLS clubs with their own USL PRO teams’ in-market will be able to close the gap between academy and our first team on a number of levels,” said Bezbatchenko. “This investment signifies our commitment to winning and preparing our young players, both Canadian and our draft picks to become professionals."
Mayor of Vaughan Maurizio Bevilacqua could barely contain his excitement on the day.
"I have been working to bring a professional sports organization to Vaughan since becoming Mayor and today my dream has become reality," said Mayor of Vaughan Maurizio Bevilacqua. "On behalf of Vaughan Council, I would like to thank MLSE, Toronto FC, Tim Bezbatchenko, OSA and Ron Smale for making it happen– it's been an honour to work with them to bring this new team to Vaughan. This is fantastic news for our city and bodes well for our mission to become world class. As someone who has loved and played soccer my entire life, I am pleased to say that I have purchased the first four season tickets and am looking forward to cheering on Vaughan's new team this summer."
The stadium, which will have a 5,000 seat capacity when fully completed, will be ready for play on Canada Day, July 1, 2015.
League1 Ontario, the Ontario Soccer League, OPDL and a number of other community groups will make use of this new field that will be a hub of activity for the game in the province for years to come.
Click here for more photos from the announcement
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