Peterborough City U13 Girls Soccer Team Dubbed Kingston Jr. Gaels Cup Champions

Peterborough City U13 Girls soccer team returned from Kingston champions after winning the Kingston Jr. Gaels Cup on the weekend.

Top Row (L-R): Sydney Smith, Bridgette Powers, Kathryn Murphy, Grace Plunkett, Sophie Snajdr, Kayla Leeson, Elaina Wilson, Payton Rogers, Lily-May Borges, Brynne Bartleman. Bottom Row (L-R): Gabrielle Savoy, Charlotte Donaldson, Taylor Bidgood, Danika Jacobs, Ellie Lewington, Allie Hamilton, Lily-Elizabeth Papageorge, Lyla Simpson.

During round robin play Peterborough City went undefeated winning against Belleville 5-0, 2-0 over Sea Valley Blazers from Cornwall and drawing 1-1 against their future championship opponent Grimbsy Griffins.

In the Semi-Finals the team squared off against the host club Kingston Jr. Gaels and were victorious in a hard fought 1-0 win. Grace Plunkett broke free on a breakaway and scored the goal putting one past the Jr. Gaels keeper.

The Championship game ended in a 0-0 draw and went to penalty kicks.  Brynne Bartleman and Sophie Snajdr both scored on their penalty kicks.  Peterborough City Goalie and Tournament MVP Ellie Lewington made two penalty kick saves as Peterborough City went on to win 2-1 on penalty kicks.

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Peterborough & District Soccer Referees Association In Need Of Match Officials For The Season

The Peterborough & District Soccer Referees Association is facilitating a virtual community info session via Zoom for anyone in the community interested in becoming a match official, on April 6 at 7 p.m.

U-17 BOYS COMPETITIVE SOCCER EXHIBITION TOURNAMENT AT TRENT U APRIL 2019: BETH (MIDDLE) WITH HER ASSISTANT REFEREES LIAM WILLISTON AND JAMES MONTAGUE. (PHOTO BY PETERBOROUGH AREA DISTRICT REFEREE COORDINATOR, MICHAEL SMITH.)

This session is being held in hopes to address the the local match official shortage.

“Locally, we are at a crisis point, especially when it comes to recruitment of older youth and adults that can be eligible to officiate competitive matches,” said Beth McLelland, vice president of Peterborough & District Referees Association.

She notes that in 2019 Ontario Soccer registered over 9,000 Match Officials, while in 2021 they registered less than 3,500

The session will share what refereeing opportunities exist in Peterborough and surrounding area, the benefits of refereeing, and how to become a match official.

Anyone is welcome to attend the information session. There will be time at the end to ask questions.

To register for the session click here. Questions can be directed to ptbo.district.soccer.refs@gmail.com.

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Electric City Football Club Signs League1 Ontario All Star and OCAA Leading Scorer

Electric City Football Club has signed highly touted Canadian Premier League prospect and 2021 League1 Ontario All-Star Bradley Heath and OCAA-leading scorer and CCAA All-Canadian Kayla McQueen.

ECFC's two newest signings Kayla McQueen and Bradley Heath pose in ECFC gear after inking deals with the new League1 Ontario side. Photo courtesy of ECFC.

McQueen, a 23-year-old Striker from London, Ontario, led OCAA Women’s Soccer last season with 17 goals in 5 games for Fanshawe College. The Fanshawe College standout and team captain was also named OCAA Women’s soccer West Division Player of the Year and received CCAA All-Canadian honours for the 2021-22 season.

“Kayla is a very dynamic player that I’ve worked with in League 1 Ontario and at the Collegiate level for the past few years.” ECFC Women’s First Team coach Randy Ribeiro said. “Kayla brings a strong desire to win and has been a constant at the League1 Ontario and Collegiate level in helping the team win multiple championships over the past four years.”

McQueen helped lead Fanshawe to the gold medal at the 2021 OCAA Championships where she scored the winning goal as her side won 2-1. McQueen was also a part of the Falcons side that won the OCAA Championships the previous two years; making it 3 OCAA Championships in 4 years. McQueen also played with FC London in League1 Ontario Women’s Premier in 2021 and helped FCL to a first-place finish in the regular season.

“The fans can expect to see someone who is passionate about the sport of football and community outreach,” said McQueen, “I am excited to show the city of Peterborough what I have to offer as a player and as a person.”

New ECFC Women's signing Kayla McQueen dribbles the ball in an OCAA match for Fanshawe College. Photo courtesy of ECFC.

On the men’s side, ECFC has added 23-year-old Defender Bradley Heath from Markham, Ontario. Heath played for FC London in League1 Ontario Men’s Premier last season, where he was named a Western Conference All-Star. Prior to his two seasons in London, Heath had a brief stint in Sweden at Bodens BK FF and played one season for League1 Ontario side Unionville Milliken S.C.

“The opportunity to be a part of a project like this was hard to turn down,” Heath said. “I feel like this is the right move for me at this moment in my playing career. The club’s plans and goals, along with the community engagement was what really drove me to come here.”

In his first season with FC London, the defender was a key part of an FCL defence that conceded 18 goals in 15 matches. In 2021, he was once again a key part of a defence that ranked 3rd in the league for goals against.

On the collegiate side, Heath spent four seasons with the Fanshawe Falcons scoring 7 goals and was named OCAA West Defender of the Year in 2018 and 2021.

“Bradley is a physical and dynamic centre back who will pair well with Ellis-Hayden to form a strong back line for the team,” ECFC President Rob Jenkins said. “He is great at defending in 1v1 situations and is very comfortable with the ball at his feet. He is also a threat off corner kicks and we are excited to see him add some goals for Electric City FC this season.”

New ECFC Men's signing Bradley Heath dribbles the ball in a League1 Ontario match for FC London. Photo courtesy of ECFC.

Player announcements are expected to continue over the coming weeks as the team builds its roster leading to training camp in early April. Roster spots are still available and interested players are encouraged to attend open try-outs on April 2. Open Try-Out Registration, Season Ticket Vouchers, and Sponsorship Packages are available now at electriccityfc.com.

Peterborough Welcomes Electric City Football Club

Electric City Football Club is now officially part of the soccer scene in Peterborough and will be a part of League1 Ontario, the provinces Pro-Am, standards-based, senior soccer league.

Supporters and those involved in the club pose in the Electric City Football Clubs colours at Mondays announcement. Photo by Kirtus Evoy.

At a press conference held Monday at The Silver Bean Café the team announced its ownership group, a team name, and its first club President.

Rob Jenkins was officially announced as the Electric City FC President. Jenkins joins the club after being involved in the launching Cavalry Football club in the Canadian Premiere League (CPL) and Foothills Football Club of the United Soccer League 2, two of the most successful soccer clubs in Canada.

“I am really excited to be part of this adventure and have been blown away by the community of Peterborough and its people,” said Jenkins. “The support I have seen thus far leads me to believe that together we can achieve something really special.”

During the official announcement at the Silver Bean Cafe Jenkins introduced the Club’s local ownership group, including: Neil Morton, Kyle McDonald, Burton Lee, Mo Von Roeder, Beth McClelland, Jon Gillan, Richard Wood, Alex Bridal, Siam Grobler, Alvaro de la Guardia, Paul Bennett and majority owner Gregory Couch.

The team colours, yellow and black, were also shared on Monday.

Electric City FC plans to kick-off in 2022 playing in League 1 Ontario Men’s division and adding a Women’s team in 2023, pending approval. The club also has ambitions to reach the CPL in the future.

“For Electric City FC to reach the heights of the CPL and be considered by the League as a possible expansion club it’s going to take the whole community to get behind the project and show the rest of Canada why Peterborough deserves to be in the country’s top professional league,” said Jenkins. “From what I’ve seen so far from Peterborough and the passionate, hardworking, and talented people who live here, they are up to the challenge.”

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Q & A With 4 Local Youth On The Impact A Pro Soccer Team Would Have On Peterborough

The prospect of a professional soccer team possibly coming to Peterborough is exciting for many but the idea has four local youth completely inspired at the notion.

For Owen Hazeldine, Belle Onusko, Jordan Foss-Mills and Nathan Francisco, their passion for the game runs deep. Beth McClelland, a soccer match official, player and fan, originally from Peterborough, recently caught up with all four as they shared what sparked their love for the game and why they hope to see a pro team come to the city. Read her interview with them below…

Jordan Foss-Mills, a member of Peterborough City's U-16 girls soccer team, competing against an opposing team at Eastgate Park in Peterborough (Photo courtesy Beth McClelland)

BETH: Please tell us about yourself and explain the connection to soccer in Peterborough.

Owen: Soccer has been a part of my life for a long time. I started playing soccer when I was two years old and have continued to play up to now when I am 15. I’ve kept playing soccer throughout the years because I enjoy it and have made many new friends along the way.

Belle: I started playing soccer when I was five years old in the Peterborough house league, then began with Peterborough City Soccer when I was eight. Throughout all the years I've played, it has always given me stability, allowing me to escape other stresses or worries in my life. My dad has been my coach almost every year until now, and he has really shown me how to be a caring player—both on and off the field. I've made meaningful friendships with many teammates, who inspire me to keep improving my skills, in both soccer and collaboration.

Jordan: Since a young age, I have been involved in many athletic clubs/programs across Peterborough. I found my passion for soccer at age eight, and joined Peterborough City Soccer at 10 years old. I have been playing ever since. Soccer has played a huge part in my life in many aspects, as a person and as a player

Nathan: I’m 16 years old and I’ve played soccer for 7 years. Being a soccer player runs in my family. I’ve always played for Peterborough City and I’ve played house league on my off seasons. I have been refereeing for three years, and I really enjoy that too.

Belle Onusko playing for the Peterborough City U-17 girls soccer team at the Champions Showcase tournament in Ottawa (Photo courtesy Beth McClelland)

BETH: What does the Peterborough soccer community mean to you?  

Owen: The Peterborough soccer community means a lot to me. It has been a part of my life for a long time. It has brought enjoyment into my life and is a very positive community. Everyone that has helped me has taught me valuable lessons and formed me into the person I am today.  Without the soccer community, I don't know where I would be today. 

Belle: To me, the Peterborough soccer community embodies a passion for soccer, and the development of quality teammates. From both coaches and other players, I've learned that a truly great soccer player means being a kind and fair person. I have learned how to commit to a team goal, and prioritize collective success. I will take this with me when moving on past high school onto other teams and in future workplaces. 

Jordan: The Peterborough City soccer community has always been my second family. I think I have spent more time training and competing with my team than with my actual family. The club is there providing a place to leave the outside world behind to compete and play the sport we all love. 

Nathan: The Peterborough soccer community means a lot to me. I’ve been a part of it for a very long time and I would like the best experience possible for people who are just getting into soccer! 

Owen Hazeldine (bottom left) with the Peterborough CIty U-15 boys team at a tournament in Thornhill (Photo courtesy Beth McClelland)

BETH: What would a semi pro or pro club coming to Peterborough mean to you?

Owen: A semi pro or pro club coming to Peterborough would be awesome. I think it would be great for the city. I feel it would give a lot of exposure to Peterborough and could change the way people see the city. I think it would also be a good achievement for Peterborough. Overall, I'm very interested to see what happens with this club and how it influences change in the city.

Belle: I always love watching women's soccer on TV, and getting to see female representation in the game. I think having a semi pro or pro team in Peterborough would offer an even more personal and meaningful connection to the game. Seeing successful professional players right here in Peterborough, and showing that it's possible to continue on with soccer professionally past childhood would be really inspiring. I believe this would be a great motivator for myself and other young people to pursue their love for soccer in the future, as a player, coach, referee or more.

Jordan: When I first heard about a semi pro/ pro club possibly coming to Peterborough, I was immediately excited. I have been watching Toronto FC (MLS) since I began playing soccer and have attended multiple games. Each time I attend, it puts the game of soccer in a whole new perspective. This is an amazing opportunity not only to cheer for your hometown but to gain a better understanding of what it takes to play at that level. 

Nathan: A semi pro/ pro team coming to Peterborough would mean the world to me. It would encourage kids who are younger to strive for more now because they would have potential options to get into the pro leagues, which means they would be able to go farther in their soccer career.

—special guest post by Beth McClelland

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