Professional Soccer Comes to Barrie
Toronto FC II, the reserve side for Toronto FC, is set to relocate to Barrie, Ontario, beginning with the 2028-2029 season. This move is part of a new partnership announced by the City of Barrie, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), MLS NEXT Pro, and the Barrie Stadium Group. The collaboration aims to bring professional soccer to downtown Barrie and establish a new hub for sports and community activities.
The plans include the construction of a new soccer-specific stadium. This venue is designed to initially accommodate 3,500 to 3,800 spectators, with the potential to expand to 6,500 using temporary bleachers. The stadium’s design also allows for future capacity to reach up to 10,000. The City of Barrie will fund the construction of the facility, which will be located on land it owns near the Lake Simcoe waterfront.
Chris Shewfelt, Vice President of Business Operations for MLSE and lead governor for Toronto FC II, highlighted the significance of the partnership. He stated that the City of Barrie and the Barrie Stadium Group have shown considerable ambition and a clear vision for the future of soccer. This environment is expected to support player development and strengthen the Toronto FC pathway.
A New Home for Player Development
Currently, Toronto FC II plays its home games at York Lions Stadium on the grounds of York University in north Toronto. The team, which serves as a feeder for the MLS franchise, is one of 27 MLS reserve sides in the MLS NEXT Pro league. The team’s roster includes young talent such as Jahmarie Nolan, Antone Bossenberry, and Richard Chukwu, all youth internationals.
The new stadium in Barrie is intended to create a truly professional environment for the players. Shewfelt noted that while York Lions Stadium is a good venue, it does not allow for the consistent professional atmosphere desired for player development. The move to Barrie is expected to provide this opportunity, allowing players to live and train in the city.
The Barrie Stadium Group, led by President/CEO Peter Raco and Chairman Jamie Massie, will operate the new stadium and manage all off-field aspects, including future stadium costs. MLSE will maintain ownership and operation of the TFC reserve team. A permanent name, crest, colours, and brand will be unveiled at a later date.
Community Impact and Future Vision
Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall described the announcement as a transformational day for the city. He emphasized that the investment, alongside MLSE and the Barrie Stadium Group’s involvement, will not only foster professional sports growth but also create a vital community hub for youth sports. The new facility is anticipated to support various youth sports, including football, soccer, lacrosse, and rugby, while establishing Barrie as a host for professional and international soccer.
The stadium’s design incorporates features such as a covered stand on the west side, locker rooms, and team amenities in the south end. The top of the south building will feature a patio for fans. Additionally, the venue will offer suites, a video board, and a small broadcast compound. Peter Raco envisions the stadium becoming one of Canada’s most iconic small stadiums, capable of hosting concerts and other sporting events.
The backdrop of the World Cup, which is deciding a winner this week, was seen as a fitting moment for the announcement, underscoring the growing interest in soccer. Raco acknowledged the significant impact of Canada’s efforts to host a World Cup, suggesting that the project might not have materialized without it. This initiative is viewed as a long-term legacy of the World Cup’s influence on the community, potentially inspiring other municipalities to follow suit.
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Source: sportsnet.ca
