York 9 FC professional soccer team takes aim at York Region fan base

Club will begin play in new Canadian Premier League next spring

Yorkregion.com
May 10, 2018
John Cudmore

York Region’s newest pro soccer franchise has a magic number in mind.

Nine.

York 9 FC was unveiled May 10 at Vaughan City Hall as a founding franchise for the Canadian Premier League, which is set to kick off its inaugural season in 2019.

Backed by owner Carlo Baldassarra, the chairman and CEO of Greenpark Group, York 9 FC is the first official team unveiling in a one-by-one process across Canada for the domestic men’s league set to kick off less than a year from now.

In total, it is expected eight to 10 teams will compete coast-to-coast in the debut season of the Canadian domestic men’s league next spring. Franchises are approved for Hamilton and Winnipeg, although not yet formally announced. Soccer Canada has also approved Halifax, Calgary and Port City, B.C. for membership in recent days.

The soccer face of the York 9 franchise is Jimmy Brennan, the Newmarket-raised former Toronto FC captain who played most of his professional career in England. He also represented Canada internationally, with 49 appearances to his credit.

"I have spent my whole life here," said Brennan, York Sports and Entertainment vice-president of soccer operations. "The time is right for York Region to develop its own identity. This is a booming area that is diverse, youthful and passionate about football. It is our goal to ensure that when York 9 FC steps onto the pitch, it will reflect what our community is all about."

The naming concept references York Region’s nine municipalities, with each represented by a bar at the top of the logo. The logo design represents the shape created by the region’s borders.

Brennan had an ulterior motive in mind when he discussed the benefits of a domestic league and its impact on Canadian youth players.

"We’re looking toward the World Cup coming here in 2026," he said. "We have got to get a pro league and develop players. We have got to do a better job in Canada."