Vaughan's field of dreams becomes reality

Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment's Toronto FC II officially begin play at new home field in Vaughan

VAUGHAN, ON, July 9, 2015 /CNW/ - The City of Vaughan embarked on a new era as it welcomed professional soccer and Toronto FC II (TFC II) to their new home field for their first home game at the Ontario Soccer Centre yesterday. More than 850 people were in attendance to cheer on The Baby Reds as they hit the pitch against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.

To commemorate this milestone in Vaughan's history, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua participated in the official coin toss at the start of the game.

TFC II publicly announced they would make the City of Vaughan their home in January of this year. The team competes in United Soccer League (USL) and opened their inaugural season on the road against the Charleston Battery on March 21.

TFC II will play regular season home matches at the Ontario Soccer Centre in Vaughan. The initial stadium build can accommodate up to 2,000 fans.

QUOTES

"It is with great pleasure that I welcome Toronto FC II to Vaughan. Since becoming Mayor, I have had the dream of bringing a professional sports organization to Vaughan and now that dream is a reality for soccer fans in our city and beyond. As a very active community with a strong culture of sport, this announcement has generated interest and excitement. This marks an important milestone in the history of our growing city and I look forward to cheering on Vaughan's new team this summer and in the years to come."
-Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua

"Thank you to the City of Vaughan for the warm welcome and positive response to our decision to make Vaughan home for Toronto FC II. This is the beginning of a new chapter for Toronto FC and this investment demonstrates our commitment to preparing our young players to become professionals. We look forward to building a successful franchise here."
-Tim Bezbatchenko, Toronto FC General Manager

"The Ontario Soccer Association is thrilled to welcome Toronto FC II into this great facility. We look forward to it becoming a home for the team in the many years to come. With the opening of this field and the updates to our indoor facility, this solidifies The Ontario Soccer Centre as one of the premier soccer facilities in the province."
- Ron Smale, President of The Ontario Soccer Association

QUICK FACTS

• Toronto FC II was announced on Jan. 21, 2015 at a press conference in Vaughan.
• The Ontario Soccer Centre is located south of Highway 7 on Martin Grove Road in Vaughan.
• The 2015 season features the debut of 13 new USL clubs – seven of which will be owned and operated by Major League Soccer clubs – in Austin, Charlotte, Colorado Springs, Louisville, Montreal (Impact), New York (Red Bulls), Portland (Timbers), Saint Louis, Salt Lake City (RSL), Seattle (Sounders FC), Toronto (FC), Tulsa and Vancouver (Whitecaps FC).
• The Ontario Soccer Centre will have bleacher seats accommodating 2,000 spectators for the first game and will build a stadium in stages that will fit 5,000 spectators.
• The Ontario Soccer Association will host an official ribbon-cutting ceremony in August to celebrate TFC II's new home in Vaughan.
• Season seats are on sale now for $96 (or $12/match).

LEARN MORE

• Toronto FC II announcement
• Toronto FC II webpage
• United Soccer League homepage
• Major League Soccer homepage

ABOUT VAUGHAN: The City of Vaughan is one of Canada's fastest growing cities with a population of more than 315,000. Incorporated in 1991, Vaughan includes the communities of Concord, Kleinburg, Maple, Thornhill and Woodbridge. This culturally diverse municipality is located in the heart of York Region and the Greater Toronto Area.

SOURCE City of Vaughan

Image with caption: "TFC II home opener in Vaughan with TFC II and Mayor Bevilacqua. (CNW Group/City of Vaughan)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150709_C4705_PHOTO_EN_442062.jpg

Carmela Antolino, Corporate Communications, T. 905-832-8585, ext. 8077, E. [email protected]