December 30, 2024...Sudbury Cyclones and The Borough join the Men's Championship (from League1 Ontario website)
Sudbury Cyclones and The Borough join the Men’s ChampionshipToronto, ON – (Dec 30, 2024) – Sudbury Cyclones and The Borough will join the League1 Ontario Men’s Championship for the 2025 season, growing the second-tier division to 12 teams.
The two clubs, who fielded ‘A’ teams in the 2024 Men’s League2 Division, will take the places of division finalists Vaughan Azzurri B and Alliance United B who had earned promotion but opted to stay in the third tier. The 2024 season was the inaugural campaign for both Sudbury and The Borough. The Cyclones finished just shy of the postseason after 32 points from 14 matches in the Northeast Conference, while The Borough earned 15 points in the Central Conference. Playing in the second tier of League1 Ontario enables both clubs to field a ‘B’ team in the Men’s League2 Division and the opportunity to expand their player pathway. Dario Zulich, CEO of SW Sports & Entertainment who own Sudbury Cyclones, said: “Our inaugural season in League1 Ontario was a remarkable journey. Competing at this level for the first time was both challenging and rewarding, and it showcased the incredible talent and resilience of our players and staff. “It was also inspiring to see our community rally behind the team, creating an atmosphere that made every matchday unforgettable. Our community has been the backbone of our success, and I know they’ll be thrilled to see us competing at this higher level. “Moving up to the Championship Division opens a new chapter for the Sudbury Cyclones. We’re excited to embrace the challenges and opportunities that come with this step up.” Dayna Corelli, General Manager of Sudbury Cyclones, said: “We’ve already started planning for the new season by strengthening our coaching staff, expanding our player recruitment efforts, and securing top-notch facilities. Open Trials are set to begin in the New Year, please contact recruiting manager Evan Phillips. “Our ambition is not just to compete but to excel. We want to establish ourselves as a force in the Championship Division, build a pathway for local talent to reach their potential, and create a legacy that inspires future generations in Sudbury and beyond.” Andrew Ornoch, Owner and President of The Borough, said: “We hope our community will be proud and excited about this milestone. Our project is about more than just football – it’s about bringing people together, fostering local pride in Scarborough, giving back to the community, and highlighting the amazing culture, history and success stories that we need to celebrate. “Competing at the League2 level was a great entry point; we’re proud of how our players, coaches, and staff adapted to the demands of League1 and showcased the potential of our club. We feel we’ve only scratched the surface. “Being able to play in the Championship next season is a testament to the support we’ve received from the people around us, and we can’t wait to share this journey with them.” Chris Keem, Operations Manager at League1 Ontario, said: “Since our first conversations with both Sudbury and The Borough back in 2023, we have seen their strong ambitions to grow, improve, and become integral parts of their respective communities. “The matchday experience that they both achieved in 2024 was outstanding for the League2 Division and up there with some of the more established League1 Ontario clubs. They were obvious choices to replace the ‘B’ teams of Alliance and Vaughan who opted out of promotion to the second tier. “We are excited to award Sudbury and The Borough the opportunity to play at a higher level, and looking forward to what they will bring to our competitions in 2025.” Sudbury Cyclones and The Borough will also be joined in the Men’s Championship by Pickering FC, after Scrosoppi B opted out of promotion to the second tier following their Pro/Rel Playoff victory at the end of the 2024 season. Published On: 30 December 2024back to 2024 League1 Ontario menu
.
.