The Nipissing District Soccer Club is hoping a new affiliation with an organization run by current and former national team members will help boost growth of "the beautiful game" in the North Bay Area.
The Simcoe County Rovers FC and Nipissing District Soccer Club (NDSC) have announced an expanded affiliation agreement aiming to provide North Bay and Nipissing District players and coaches a complete development pathway to professional soccer ranks.
The Rovers club is owned by Canadian national team members, including Atiba Hutchison, Cyle Larin Janine Beckie and Julian de Guzman.
“We wanted to expand our relationship and presence in Nipissing District to provide real opportunities for
players and coaches from this community," said Julian de Guzman, president and co-owner of Rovers FC.
"The North Bay area is experiencing a tremendous surge in the quality of football and it’s important the Rovers to contribute to this movement led by the Nipissing District Soccer Club and the Nipissing University Lakers.”
As part of the affiliation agreement, two “NDSC Rovers” reserve teams will be fielded by the Nipissing District Soccer Club at the U16 Women’s and U16 Men’s level. North Bay players and coaches will also have improved access to Rovers FC coaches for development support, and opportunities to train with Rovers FC reserve and first teams.
“NDSC is thrilled to expand our relationship with the Simcoe County Rovers and expand our competitive player pathway to the Rovers and onto League1 Ontario," said Rob Celebre, VP at NDSC.
The Rovers kick-off the 2023 preseason in February with the season starting in April.
More club and ticket information can be found at www.roversfc.ca, or on Instagram and Twitter @RoversFC_L1O
The Simcoe County Rovers FC is a newly formed professional soccer playing in League1 Ontario, the third division of men’s club football and top division of women’s club football in Canada.
The Rovers play their home matches at Georgian College in Barrie, Ontario.
