January 22, 2010

Hamilton Croatia Selected for 2010 CSL Expansion

RELEASE - After a formal review of competing bids, Hamilton Croatia has been selected to represent their city in the Canadian Soccer League.

Hamilton Croatia will be playing a senior professional team and an under-21 team in the upcoming 2010 season.

“The club’s significant heritage, longstanding success, and solid membership base were impossible to resist”, states CSL chairman Domenic Di Gironimo in making the announcement. “Hamilton Croatia is a fine example of the future of the CSL, with its strong community ties, and a commitment to youth development.”

In existence since 1957, the club’s recent successes include finishing the 2008 OSL South Region season undefeated, and ending on top of the OSL West Division table in 2009 during its first year of promotion to the OSL’s highest league. Ron Davidson, recently named OSL Coach of the Year, has been an instrumental part of Hamilton Croatia’s winning ways both on and off the field, leading the bid for promotion to the CSL.

The CSL team will be hosted at the new Croatia Sports and Community Centre in Stoney Creek, where the club intends to extend its rich history for many years to come.

“We plan to announce a few more expansion clubs for 2010 within the next few weeks as we conclude the reviews and negotiations with several prospective communities. By 2011, the CSL will complete its reach across Ontario, ensuring that the top young athletes in every region will have an opportunity to excel in the sport without sacrificing education or home life,” closed off Di Gironimo.