Toronto FC is broadening its presence in southern Ontario.
The City of Barrie, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, MLS NEXT Pro, and Barrie Stadium Group announced a partnership on Tuesday that will bring professional soccer to downtown Barrie, Ont. by relocating Toronto FC II, starting with the 2028-2029 season.
The plan includes constructing a 3,500-seat stadium for the MLS Next Pro team, which serves as a development squad for the MLS franchise.
Barrie is located about 82 kilometers north of TFC’s training facility in north Toronto. This year, the team has been hosting home games at York University.
“This partnership represents an exciting next chapter for Toronto FC II and our MLS NEXT Pro franchise,” Chris Shewfelt, VP business operations at Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment and lead governor of Toronto FC II, said in a statement. “The City of Barrie and Barrie Stadium Group has shown great ambition, a clear vision for the future, and a strong commitment to growing the game. Together, we are creating an environment that will support player development while bringing professional soccer to downtown Barrie and strengthening the Toronto FC pathway.”
The organizations believe that the stadium will also draw other sports and entertainment events while serving as a hub for community programming.
“This is a transformational day for Barrie,” Mayor Alex Nuttall said in a statement. “This investment in our community from Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment along with Barrie Stadium Group’s backing of the new Barrie MLS NEXT Pro franchise will not only allow professional sports to flourish in Barrie but also create an essential community center where our youth can compete and learn.”
“From football to soccer, lacrosse to rugby, this new facility will help foster youth sports while making Barrie home to professional and international soccer. This is an exciting day for Barrie, MLSE, Barrie & Canada Soccer.”
The team’s name, crest, colors and brand will be revealed at a later date.
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