Sudbury Cyclones (2023) Explained

Clubname:Sudbury Cyclones
Founded:2023
Stadium:James Jerome Sports Complex
Chrtitle:Owner
Chairman:Sudbury Wolves Sports and Entertainment
Manager:Giuseppe Politi
Mgrtitle:Head Coach
League:League2 Ontario
Current:2024 League1 Ontario season
Website:https://sudburycyclones.ca/

Sudbury Cyclones is a Canadian soccer club based in Sudbury, Ontario that competes in the men's division of League2 Ontario.

History

In August 2023, it was announced that they would join League2 Ontario, the third tier of League1 Ontario, as an expansion club for the 2024 season.[1] [2] The team is owned by Sudbury Wolves Sports and Entertainment, who also own Ontario Hockey League club Sudbury Wolves, National Basketball League team Sudbury Five, and Northern Football Conference team Sudbury Spartans.[3] The club's name comes from the first iteration of the Sudbury Cyclones, who competed in the National Soccer League from 1976 to 1980.[4] [5] The team will initially field a men's team and develop an academy with U14, U16, U18 boys and girls teams, as well as a U19 men's team to play in the reserve division.[6] The academy officially launched in December 2023.[7] The club hopes to add a semi-professional women's team in the future.[8] James Jerome Field will serve as the team's home field.[9] Dayna Corelli, a former Team Ontario player, was appointed as the first general manager of the team, along with Connor Vande Waghe being appointed as the sporting director.[10]

The club unveiled their logo and team colours in January 2024.[11] [12] The team colours of blue, green, and grey were chosen to represent the water and lakes around Sudbury (blue), the forestry around Sudbury (green), and the Big Nickel (grey).[13] Their first match occurred on April 20, in a league cup match against League1 Ontario Championship side FC London,[14] [15] where they were defeated 1-0 at home, in front of an estimated crowd of 500-600 fans.[16]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Elite men's soccer returning to Sudbury. August 16, 2023. CTV News. Chelsea. Papineau.
  2. Web site: Sudbury Cyclones to bring elite soccer back to Greater Sudbury. The Sudbury Star. August 16, 2023.
  3. Web site: A blast from the past as the Cyclones are back. Sudbury Sports. Randy. Pascal. August 18, 2023.
  4. Web site: Sudbury Cyclones to join League2 in 2024. August 16, 2023. League1 Ontario.
  5. Web site: SWSE Announces The Return of the Cyclones. August 16, 2023. Sudbury Wolves Sports & Entertainment.
  6. Web site: League2 Ontario Gets Its First Club: The Sudbury Cyclones. August 16, 2023. Northern Tribune. John. Jacques.
  7. Web site: 'High-energy soccer action' — Cyclones reveal brand, coaching staff, player signings ahead of 2024 season. Ben. Leeson. January 25, 2024. The Sudbury Star.
  8. Web site: Cyclones soccer returning to Sudbury after four-decade absence. Sudbury.com. August 23, 2023. Tyler. Clarke.
  9. Web site: Sudbury Cyclones return to soccer pitch next year. August 23, 2023. CTV News. Ashley. Bacon.
  10. Web site: Guerrette . Kayla . August 24, 2023 . Pro-amateur soccer to kick off in Sudbury this spring . November 23, 2023 . CBC News.
  11. Web site: Sudbury Cyclones Reveal Inaugural Branding. January 25, 2024. Northern Tribune. Nelson. Mahmoudi.
  12. Web site: Sudbury Cyclones unveil logo, jerseys. January 25, 2024. CTV News. Ian. Campbell.
  13. Web site: Sudbury Cyclones soccer team unveil logo, name coaching staff. Tyler. Clarke. January 25, 2024. Sudbury.com.
  14. Web site: Pascal on the Pitch: Cyclones set to kick off season Saturday. April 19, 2024. The Sudbury Star. Randy. Pascal.
  15. Web site: Semi-pro soccer blows into Sudbury with rebirth of Cyclones. Erik. White. April 20, 2024. CBC News.
  16. Web site: Cyclones see silver linings in close loss. Randy. Pascal. April 21, 2024. The Sudbury Star.