Toronto FC Announces USL Pro Team, Toronto FC II
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New Toronto FC II team begins play during 2015 USL PRO season
Toronto FC announced Wednesday that the club has formed Toronto FC II, a professional team that will compete in USL PRO, a division of US Soccer below Major League Soccer.
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, Ontario, Canada. The team will train out of the club’s Kia Training Grounds.
“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 Toronto FC General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko. “This investment signifies our commitment to winning and preparing our young players, both Canadian and our draft picks to become professionals.”
“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.”
“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.”
“I am very grateful for this opportunity given to me by Toronto FC to continue my development as a coach,” said Toronto FC II Head Coach Jason Bent. “I look forward to working with these young men and aid in their growth as professional soccer players and leaders in the community.”
Toronto FC II will play 12 regular season home matches at the Ontario Soccer Centre in Vaughan. Season seats are on sale now for $96 (or $8/match). For more details, visit www.tfc2.ca or by calling (416)-360-GOAL (4625).
The Toronto FC II logo, unveiled for the first time Wednesday during a press conference at Vaughan City Hall, features the iconic Toronto FC MLS logo and brand, but differentiates itself with the II behind the crest. This allows every player within the organization from the U10 level all the way up to the first team to feel the collective value of ALL FOR ONE.