FC LONDON ANNOUNCES CLUB AFFILIATION WITH MLS TORONTO FC

London, ON – FC LONDON is proud to officially announce its affiliation with Toronto FC of the MLS. The 2012 North American PDL Championship organization has been accepted as a “CAP” club (club affiliate program). FC LONDON joins a select group of elite youth clubs throughout the province of Ontario with this status.

The Toronto FC "CAP" Program is an Academy-led initiative to partner with like-minded youth clubs across Ontario and Canada who meet Toronto FC standards for elite play and are similarly dedicated to soccer and athlete development. Through these "CAP" partnerships, the clubs and TFC work together to provide a structured environment of excellence for the players. The objectives of the program are to build a mutually beneficial partnership based on technical education and experiential opportunities with youth clubs across the Province. Players recognized through the CAP program may have an opportunity to be accepted as full time students of the Toronto FC Academy program that runs in the $21 million dollar TFC Training Ground in Downsview Park in Toronto.
“This affiliation means that FC LONDON now has access to TFC coaching, curriculum, special ticketing and MLS players for future promotions,” says Ian Campbell, FC LONDON president and CEO. “In return, London and area players will now have a direct channel to the programs and facilities with the Toronto FC club.”
Last weekend, FC LONDON and Toronto FC collaborated on such an event. The Danone Nations Cup Selection Camp that took place this past Sunday had over 200 local boys and girls show their skills to TFC Academy coaching staff for a shot at moving forward in the selection process for the U11 tournament to be held in 2014. 

Although FC LONDON will not be a direct farm club for Toronto FC’ MLS team, the affiliation does present the opportunity to point exceptional players towards their academy program for further development.

With the upcoming implementation of the OPDL by the Ontario Soccer Association, the affiliation with the CAP program enhances the opportunities for youth players to grow their skills.