League1 soccer now has a home in the Barrie area and the athletic department at Georgian College says it's happy to bring an all-star cast to its “world-class” field.
During its inaugural season, the Simcoe County Rovers Football Club will play its home games at Georgian College’s J.C. Massie Field in Barrie.
The Rovers play in the third division of Canada’s football pyramid, in League1 Ontario, operating a men’s and women’s first team.
Rovers president Julian de Guzman says securing will help grow the game in the region.
“It’s a tremendous day for the city of Barrie, Georgian College and our supporters as we take another massive step forward in building the football culture in Barrie,” de Guzman said in a statement. “We are thrilled to announce J.C. Massie Field, a facility in the heart of Barrie, as our home grounds. We intend to make it our fortress and we will be bringing a brand of attacking football to Barrie that the soccer community will be proud of.”
The stadium has a total capacity of 1,200 people with permanent seating for 500.
Speaking with BarrieToday, Georgian College manager of athletics and recreation David Laliberte called J.C. Massie Field a “world-class" facility and was happy to see it chosen by the club as their new home.
“We’re very thankful that the Rovers chose us to be their home field as they open their first season in League1,” Laliberte said. “Our varsity teams would obviously have priority in field usage, but what works out well is that the Rovers season runs for the most part when the field isn’t being used a lot.”
The season runs from April to September. Home games will be played predominantly on Saturday evenings, with featured games on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons.
The Rovers's ownership group includes Cyle Larin, who has been a star player for Canada in the World Cup Qualifying matches and just became the nation’s top scoring men’s player of all time. He is a co-owner alongside de Guzman.
Janine Beckie, who plays for Manchester City in the FA Women's Super League and the Canadian national team, also signed on as a co-owner a couple weeks ago.
Rounding out the ownership group is former Toronto FC player and current men’s national team player Doneil Henry.
Laliberte says he's very excited to host the new club.
“Having Julian involved in discussion from Day 1 and him being such a decorated player in Canada was already great. But to see this team’s ownership grow the way it has just makes the whole partnership that much more exciting,” Laliberte said. “The potential for student and community engagement opportunities is such a big plus for Barrie and for Georgian College.”
The club has also announced the signing of the 2021 League1 MVP and Golden Boot winner Reshon Phillip to the men’s team, as well as OUA standout Trinity Esprit who will bring her talents to the women’s side.
The club will begin training this month with open trials Feb. 22-23 at the Aurora Sports Dome. Pre-season officially kicks off in March.
For more information on the team, click here.
