Professional soccer is returning to Hamilton.
The Canadian Premier League announced Thursday the identity and branding for Forge FC, the league's sixth inaugural member club. Sharing front office resources with the CFL's Tiger-Cats, Forge FC will make Tim Hortons Field its home.
Inspired by our home and its people.#ForgeFC | #CanPL pic.twitter.com/erbEkn1mpI
— Forge FC (@ForgeFCHamilton) July 12, 2018
“Almost every Canadian has played soccer at one time or another. Now we’ll have our own team to cheer for as well as our own professional league that our country’s best and brightest young stars will aspire to play in,” Forge FC co-founder Bob Young said in a statement. “The ‘Forge’ perfectly represents both Hamilton’s industrious history as well as our region’s ambitious commitment to continuous advancement. Our soccer club will mirror the fine qualities of our eclectic city as Forge FC integrates into the heart of the Hamilton community.”
Expected to kick off in early 2019, the CPL will be Canada's top tier men's professional soccer league. New teams in Winnipeg (Valour FC), Calgary (Cavalry FC), Halifax (HFX Wanderers), and York Region (York 9 FC) will join Hamilton in the league's maiden campaign, along with former NASL side FC Edmonton. A club based in Victoria, B.C., is expected to be announced next week.
In addition, it is widely rumoured that current USL outfit Ottawa Fury FC will join the CPL following the completion of the 2018 season.
Toronto FC, Montreal Impact and Vancouver Whitecaps will also be considered top tier teams in the Canadian pyramid while still playing in Major League Soccer.