February 13, 2007 CSL expansion plans for 2008 (from CSL media release)
CSL EXPANDS
Quebec City and African Icons for 2008
TORONTO - Tuesday, February 13 - Expansion beyond Ontario and more teams in the newly-launched International Conference were seen as top priorities when a new-look re-branded Canadian Soccer League was unveiled in 2006.
Canada's only professional loop has taken the first steps in this direction by awarding a CSL franchise to FC Quebec City and to Toronto-based African Icons to kickoff in 2008.
CSL commissioner Cary Kaplan made the announcement this morning in what is expected to be the first of a series of similar bulletins over the next 12 months as discussions continue with existing team applicants, or new groups that have already shown interest.
FC Quebec City will enter the CSL's National Conference next year, to be the second Quebec-based club following last month's entry of Trois-Rivieres Attak, The Attak will kickoff this coming May.
The Quebec entry has Mexican interests and connected to the popular Cruz Azul FC of that country's Premier Division. Ramon Corona represents the 8-time champions of Mexico in Canada and Angelo Perrotta of Can-Tex Protective Systems of Guelph is also a principal owner of the team. Quebec City was one of several communities in that province considered for the franchise.
Carl Wilson, originally from Ghana and caught up in soccer's popularity on a continent that has produced some of the world's best players in recent years, has joined with Gary Miller and Stan Mossop to enter African Icons in the CSL's International Conference. These are Toronto area teams representing their country of origin and attracting large attendances in the division's inaugural 2006 season. Miller heads Bryst International, one of the top training academies in Canada and was formerly director of high performance for the Canadian Soccer Association. His company will be the feeder system for the African team.
Kaplan explained the announcements followed weekend meetings that finalized the membership agreements. "We are ecstatic to welcome not only two strong franchises, but two ownership groups with vision, passion and strong business plans. With Quebec City joining Trois-Rivieres, our commitment to a Quebec division is beginning its realization. Similarly, the African Icons will add flair and strength to an already vibrant International Division. The Canadian Soccer League is beginning what will surely be an exciting march across the country over the next several years," he said.
The CSL will kickoff its 2007 season mid-May to include more than five months of regular season competition, its popular Open Canada Cup, to be following by the championship playoffs at the end of October.
Please refer: Stan Adamson
Canadian Soccer League Inc.,
The Soccer Centre, 7601 Martin Grove Road, Vaughan, Ontario L4L 9E4
Tel: 905 856-5439 Fax: 905 856-9325
e-mail: canadiansoccerleague@csl.ca www.canadiansoccer league.ca
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