The presence of an elite-level women’s soccer team has been a dream for many in Guelph’s sporting community. In 2021, those who built the foundation for such a program will get their wish.

The Guelph Union is the latest entry in the semi-professional League1 Ontario women’s soccer league, which is currently the highest level of play for the sport in the province. With the schedule tentatively scheduled to begin later this summer, the Union will not only provide opportunities for high-end soccer players to continue their athletic careers, it will also act as the senior arm for Guelph Soccer’s women’s program.

“The Guelph Union is possible because of a team of people with a vision to offer something great for women and girls in our community,” says Sara Orrell, Guelph Soccer’s general manager. “Our existing program provides a great foundation to set this next level of women’s soccer up for success.

“The introduction of a League1 semi-professional women’s team is a compliment to all that we already offer and presents us with the unique opportunity to integrate high-level female athletes into our organization. They will act as role models for our young players.

“We need to see it to be it.”

League1 previously had 12 teams playing across Southern Ontario, though the exact number of those participating in the 2021 season is unknown because of the uncertainty of the pandemic. The players in the league are predominantly varsity athletes, who played soccer at Canadian and American universities and colleges, with a mix of senior women, and the odd elite high school player.

One theme in the sport is clear – women do not have enough opportunities to pursue soccer at a high level. League1 offers that chance for talented players who still want to compete in the sport they love.

There are three main objectives for Guelph’s new League1 entry: to reshape the expectations and improve the sporting landscape in the community; to provide those enhanced opportunities for women in the sport; and to provide a strong player pathway for Guelph Soccer participants.

“What we hear from a lot of players is that the sport quits them before they’re ready to quit the sport,” says Shayne Campbell, the head coach of the Guelph Gryphons women’s team, and the Union’s football director. “There are also women who do not necessarily play high-level sport but want to stay involved in some capacity. The Guelph Union can provide a place where a high-level player can continue playing and women interested in the sport can be a part of it off the field, as well.

“We want to affect change and provide opportunity.”

Open tryouts have not been scheduled yet, though it is expected that the Union will have a strong presence of potential players and coaches from the Gryphon women’s program. The team will also train and play out of the University of Guelph campus, which has the necessary facilities to host matches for an elite league.

Orrell says that when she came to Guelph Soccer three years ago, there was an emphasis on rebuilding by focusing on providing quality programs for youth in the city. The leadership team, the army of dedicated volunteers, and all the community supporters continued to make that a reality, she adds.

“This is an exciting moment for our Club and all the players that are part of it,” says Orrell. “I know our young athletes will be inspired by us offering the highest level of play for women in our province. There is nothing like this for young girls in the City of Guelph or the surrounding communities.”

Guelph Soccer was uniquely positioned to deliver a League1 team to the city. In addition to Orrell as a general manager, the program employs women in important roles, like recreation coordinator Caitlin Dunsmore, and development and competitive coordinator Nicole Lyon.

One of Guelph Soccer’s main goals is to get more girls and women staying in the sport. And having women in key positions is important for that objective. Orrell, who came to the organization after finishing her undergrad at the University of Guelph, knows women are underrepresented in every area. She distinctly remembers one of her first days after taking the general manager job and receiving an email from a Gryphon varsity player, who was excited there was a woman in the role.

“Representation matters,” Orrell says. “Our system will change for the better once we tap into the unrealized potential of women who silently leave or never consider working in the sports industry. This starts here, with the Guelph Union, by creating opportunities for women right here in our community.

“Research demonstrates that girls’ decisions to play and stay in sport are primarily influenced by social pressures and positive role models. Female leaders play a critical role in creating a welcoming and safe space for girls in sport.

“Having a semi-professional women’s team in the City of Guelph creates a perfect environment for increasing the number of role models for our young players at Guelph Soccer.”