Possibly one of the oldest soccer leagues in Ontario, the Sudbury Regional Competitive Soccer League’s Premier Division turns 100 this year and an August gala will celebrate that milestone anniversary.
On Aug. 17, the upper hall of the Caruso Club will be the place to be to mark the anniversary. The event starts at 5 p.m.
“There is a remarkable history here which goes back much further than most people realize,” said Cody Cacciotti, vice-president and league historian for the SRSCL, in a news release. “The history of this league is in lockstep with that of the city as it celebrates the industrial growth of the early 1900s with the rise of company teams as well as the successes of the ethnic clubs that organized in the post-war era, many of whom are still in existence today.”
The SRCSL dates back to 1907 when the first trophy, the Anderson Cup, was donated to the league by Copper Cliff businessman John Anderson.
“The first official season would take place in 1911 with Sudbury capturing the league title competing against the likes of Mond, Copper Cliff, Espanola and Garson,” the release states. “By the 1920s, the beautiful game had established itself as a popular pastime in the Nickel City and the sport flourished during the Depression years of the 1930s, capturing a slew of provincial titles.
“The postwar era saw new clubs organized along ethnic lines repopulate the league and continue the tradition of growing the sport in the Sudbury region.”
In 2024, the SRCSL’s Premier Division continues to operate, in addition to several senior recreation divisions in the Over 40 and Over 50 categories. The league also continues to host the annual Sudbury Star Cup, the longest running men’s invitational soccer tournament in Northern Ontario.
One of the highlights of the gala will be a short keynote from the “Atomic Ant” Sebastian Giovinco. The renowned soccer striker is a former player for Toronto FC and Juventus FC. In 2017, he helped Toronto to the Canadian Championship, the Supporters Shield and the MLS Cup.
Not only will Giovinco speak, he will also be available for photographs with attendees. The event will also feature a silent auction and showcase a number of historic trophies.
Single tickets are $110, while tables can be reserved for $880. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information on the gala and ticket information, contact the league at [email protected].
