K-W United FC News Release – www.kwunitedfc.com
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
WATERLOO, Ont. – K-W United FC was formally presented to the public Wednesday afternoon as the newest PDL/W-League franchise to commence play for the 2013 season. The announcement was made at a press conference held at Core Lifestyle and Recreation Complex in Kitchener. K-W United FC is the new moniker of the former Hamilton FC Rage, which has been participating in the PDL and W-League since 2010.
“We are thrilled to bring a PDL and W-League franchise to the Waterloo Region,” said Barry MacLean, President of K-W United FC. “The sport has grown dramatically in this area and we expect these teams to be a springboard for our best local talent.”
An integral part of the club’s move to the K-W area was the enthusiastic support from the community. An official partnership was announced with Kitchener Soccer Club to coincide with the inaugural season of K-W United FC.
"The Kitchener Soccer Club is very proud and excited to have formed an alliance with the K-W United FC,” said Frank Hivert, President of Kitchener Soccer Club. “It aligns very well with our strategic vision and it will be key in our goal to provide better development programs for our soccer players and coaches for both our house league and competitive teams."
Wilfrid Laurier University will host training and game day operations out of University Stadium in Waterloo as well as provide administrative and marketing assistance.
"Laurier is proud to be the home of K-W United FC," said Director Athletics and Recreation Peter Baxter. "Our partnership marks University Stadium as the destination for high performance soccer; in the Summer with K-W United FC and in the Fall with the Laurier Golden Hawks."
In extending a warm welcome to the KW United FC, Kitchener Mayor Carl Zehr noted: “This news speaks directly to the strength of community support for this sport, the forward-thinking vision of the Kitchener Soccer Club and the tireless work the club does in this region. This alliance will offer exciting opportunities for the many talented – and budding – soccer players in our community.”
The men’s PDL team will include a 14-game regular season schedule and take part in the Great Lakes Division of the Central Conference. They kickoff their season with a three-game road trip commencing in Louisville, Ky. against the River City Rovers on May 23. K-W United FC Director of Football Brett Mosen will continue as Head Coach of the PDL side.
“I’m looking forward to building a team that this community will be proud of,” Mosen said.
The women’s W-League team is scheduled to participate in a 12-game schedule out of the six-team Central Conference. They begin their season at home against local rivals the London Gryphons on May 22. The formal appointment of a Head Coach will be announced next week.
Tim Holt, President of United Soccer Leagues, was delighted with the adddition of K-W United to both leagues.
"The launch of K-W United further strengthens what is already an exceptional representation of PDL and W-League teams within Ontario that features both our reigning PDL (FC London) and W-League (Ottawa Fury) Champions," Holt said. "Under the leadership of Barry MacLean and Brett Mosen, the club will immediately provide opportunities for elite, aspiring professional players in Kitchener and Waterloo to develop and perform on a North American stage. Not only will K-W United and its players entertain local soccer fans on the field throughout the summer, but through their involvement in the soccer community year-round."