Semi-pro women's soccer team comes to Vaughan

YorkRegion.com
Jan. 30, 2015
By Michael Hayakawa

A women’s semi-professional soccer team will be coming to Vaughan in the upcoming season.

The Vaughan SC will be among six teams that will take to the pitch in a women’s semi-professional division that will be a part of League1 Ontario, the Ontario Soccer Association announced Wednesday.

The teams in the inaugural 2015 League1 Ontario’s women’s division were chosen through a standards-based application process with specific attention directed to the development of women’s soccer in Ontario.

“This is another proud day for women’s soccer in our province and in Canada,” Ron Smale, OSA president, said in a news release. “With the 2015 Women’s FIFA World Cup in Canada, the launch of a semi-pro women’s league in Ontario will provide more opportunities for our female athletes by providing a higher level of competition, and a pathway for soccer excellence.

“As a provincial body, this is another step in our ongoing commitment and dedication to improving the landscape of soccer in Ontario and Canada. I am looking forward to an exciting and rewarding season.”

Dino Rossi, League1 Ontario chairman, said since League1 kicked off last season with their men’s division, the creation of a women’s division was also a priority.

“Providing a vibrant and professional competition and training environment for the best female players in the province of Ontario will pay significant dividends for the growth of women’s soccer over the long term,” Rossi said.

Among the other teams to be in the league include: ANB Futbol, Durham United FC, North Mississauga SC, Pro Stars FC and Sanjaxx Lions.