Sudbury Wolves Sports and Entertainment (SWSE) is excited to announce in conjunction with League1 Ontario (L1O) that elite men’s soccer is coming to Sudbury.
SWSE is proud to bring back soccer to Northern Ontario, after acquiring the license to operate a men’s pro-amateur soccer team within the League1 Ontario pyramid for the 2024 season.
After four decades, the Sudbury Cyclones have re-emerged, filling a void in the soccer landscape of Northern Ontario.
The Sudbury Cyclones will join the SWSE family alongside the organization’s current sports clubs, Sudbury Wolves, Sudbury Five, and Sudbury Spartans.
“Joining the League1 Ontario pyramid with the Sudbury Cyclones is not merely a revival; it’s a testament to our unwavering commitment to the growth and enrichment of sports entertainment in Greater Sudbury” said SWSE Owner and CEO, Dario Zulich, in a press release.
“Soccer is one of the fastest-growing sports in North America, and we are poised to ride this wave, catering to a vast demographic that resonates with our values and mission. Together with the community, we’re not just bringing back a team; we’re reigniting a spirit and laying the groundwork for a vibrant, soccer-loving culture. The Cyclones will carry the pride and passion of a rich history, but will also inspire new generations to play, cheer, and dream of the beautiful sport.”
SWSE will also introduce Dayna Corelli as general manager of the Sudbury Cyclones and Connor Vande Weghe as the sporting director.
Dayna Corelli has a wealth of knowledge, administrative experience, and technical experience, as project manager professional (PMP) and professor at Cambrian College. Corelli played soccer for Team Ontario in 2005 and 2006, representing Sudbury and bringing home a National Gold Medal from the Rocky Mountain Cup.
While playing varsity soccer at Laurentian University, Corelli was selected for Ontario Soccer’s Female Mentorship program, as well as completing High Performance Coaching certifications through Canada Soccer.
Connor Vande Weghe brings experience working in the front office of the Vancouver Whitecaps of Major League Soccer (MLS). Vande Weghe also has a storied playing career in Northern Ontario, suiting up as the goalkeeper for the Laurentian University Voyageurs Soccer Team in the OUA (2015-2018) and the Thunder Bay Chill of USL League Two.
A two-time OUA all star during his time at Laurentian, Vande Weghe currently holds his Canada Soccer C level coaching license as well as his Goalkeeper Coach Certificate from Ontario Soccer. Vande Weghe will be overseeing the sporting side of the organization’s soccer operations.
“Just a few years ago, the idea of an elite soccer team in Sudbury felt like a distant dream,” said Corelli. “This announcement is a watershed moment for sport in Sudbury and in Northern Ontario. With the support of SWSE, the Sudbury Cyclones are ready to carve a new path for soccer players in Northern Ontario and generate a sense of pride and community for Sudburians. We sincerely look forward to welcoming you through the gates at a local match as we eagerly await the kickoff of the 2024 season.”
“The return of pro-amateur soccer in Sudbury is going to be an excellent and much needed addition to the Sudbury soccer community.” said Vande Weghe. “As a long-time member of the Sudbury soccer community, I am extremely excited to be a part in the revival of the Sudbury Cyclones and showcase the strong and thriving soccer community that exists here in Sudbury and in Northern Ontario.”
League1 Ontario has expanded their league structure for 2024 to three tiers, each connected by a promotion and relegation system with the league champions promoted to the division above each year. The Cyclones will join the new men’s third tier, League2, below the Men’s Championship (second tier) and Men’s Premier (top tier). The Men’s Premier winners will achieve a spot to compete in the Canadian Championship alongside professional teams currently playing in the Canadian Premier league and Major League Soccer.
