After a four-year absence, semi-pro soccer returns to Hamilton beginning in May
Larry Moko, The Hamilton Spectator — Hamilton Croatia has been awarded an expansion franchise in the Canadian Soccer League. The club will field both a senior professional team and an Under-21 team for the 2010 season.
It was back in October 2005 the then-Canadian Professional Soccer League revoked Hamilton Thunder’s franchise for failure to meet financial obligations to the city and the league. That club, which had a four-year run, was locked out of Brian Timmis Stadium because of unpaid rent for its final four home games.
“We have no ties to that team whatsoever,” said Mark Vuksan, president of the Croatia Sports and Community Centre of Hamilton. “We have a long-standing relationship with the city. We’ve been well received.
“Our club is financially stable. We’re in our 53rd year. We’ve got a strong membership.”
Domenic Di Gironimo, the CSL chairman, says it costs the various clubs between $150,000 and $250,000 to operate. There is no franchise fee.
“Hamilton is an important city to have in the CSL,” he said. “We believe this is the right group.
“The club’s significant heritage, long-standing success and solid membership base were impossible to resist. Hamilton Croatia is a fine example of the future of the CSL with its strong community ties and a commitment to youth development.”
The league plans further expansion for the 2010 campaign. It includes teams based in London, St. Catharines, Brampton, Mississauga, York, Toronto and Trois Rivieres, Que.
“We expect to add six to eight teams in 2011,” Di Gironimo added. “We’re determined to become Canada’s elite development system.”
Croatia, founded as a club in 1957, was formerly a member of the National Soccer League. It went undefeated in the Ontario Soccer League South Region league in 2008 to earn promotion. And last season, moving up to Ontario’s highest amateur league, Croatia continued to be successful. It finished on top of the OSL West Division table.
Croatia also captured League Cup, Spectator Cup (the fourth time in six years) and advanced to the semi-final round of the Ontario Cup.
“We pretty much picked up all the trophies that we could,” Vuksan said.
Ron Davidson will return for his fourth season as head coach. He’ll be joined by assistant coach Jason Allen, goalkeeper coach Ante Culina and manager Mike Radencic. Allan Perin is the club’s director of soccer operations.
“We’ll be competitive,” said Davidson, last season’s OSL coach of the year. “I’m going to focus on local talent in Hamilton and the GTA.”
Depending on the possible additions of other teams to the CSL, Croatia expects to play 10-12 home games at Brian Timmis Stadium from May to October. Open tryouts will be held in March.
lmoko@thespec.com 905-526-2458
Larry Moko, The Hamilton Spectator — Hamilton Croatia has been awarded an expansion franchise in the Canadian Soccer League. The club will field both a senior professional team and an Under-21 team for the 2010 season.
It was back in October 2005 the then-Canadian Professional Soccer League revoked Hamilton Thunder’s franchise for failure to meet financial obligations to the city and the league. That club, which had a four-year run, was locked out of Brian Timmis Stadium because of unpaid rent for its final four home games.
“We have no ties to that team whatsoever,” said Mark Vuksan, president of the Croatia Sports and Community Centre of Hamilton. “We have a long-standing relationship with the city. We’ve been well received.
“Our club is financially stable. We’re in our 53rd year. We’ve got a strong membership.”
Domenic Di Gironimo, the CSL chairman, says it costs the various clubs between $150,000 and $250,000 to operate. There is no franchise fee.
“Hamilton is an important city to have in the CSL,” he said. “We believe this is the right group.
“The club’s significant heritage, long-standing success and solid membership base were impossible to resist. Hamilton Croatia is a fine example of the future of the CSL with its strong community ties and a commitment to youth development.”
The league plans further expansion for the 2010 campaign. It includes teams based in London, St. Catharines, Brampton, Mississauga, York, Toronto and Trois Rivieres, Que.
“We expect to add six to eight teams in 2011,” Di Gironimo added. “We’re determined to become Canada’s elite development system.”
Croatia, founded as a club in 1957, was formerly a member of the National Soccer League. It went undefeated in the Ontario Soccer League South Region league in 2008 to earn promotion. And last season, moving up to Ontario’s highest amateur league, Croatia continued to be successful. It finished on top of the OSL West Division table.
Croatia also captured League Cup, Spectator Cup (the fourth time in six years) and advanced to the semi-final round of the Ontario Cup.
“We pretty much picked up all the trophies that we could,” Vuksan said.
Ron Davidson will return for his fourth season as head coach. He’ll be joined by assistant coach Jason Allen, goalkeeper coach Ante Culina and manager Mike Radencic. Allan Perin is the club’s director of soccer operations.
“We’ll be competitive,” said Davidson, last season’s OSL coach of the year. “I’m going to focus on local talent in Hamilton and the GTA.”
Depending on the possible additions of other teams to the CSL, Croatia expects to play 10-12 home games at Brian Timmis Stadium from May to October. Open tryouts will be held in March.
lmoko@thespec.com 905-526-2458 