The landscape in local soccer has taken an interesting twist.
Last week, the Owen Sound City Strikers confirmed they had applied and were accepted by the York Region Soccer League.
The Strikers are on an upward swing, essentially graduating from Owen Sound Minor Soccer to Southwest Region Champions in their first season and now onto the Y.R.S.L. in the Men’s Division.
The York Region loop has a distinct constitution whereby newcomers have to start on the ground floor and work their way up.
According to Rob Leonard of the Strikers, the game plan is to compete this year in the Men’s League, and then 12 months from now, hopefully take the next step up into the Premier Division.
Should that occur, it would suddenly give Owen Sound TWO teams in the Premier League; the Strikers and the long standing championship contenders, Owen Sound Grey Motors.
Lest anyone think a state of war exists in Owen Sound soccer, it sounds like it’s the exact opposite.
There is the potential of two teams, or one team could serve as a feeder to the other, or in tougher times, two teams could amalgamate into one.
There are lots of options here and for the short term, the 2009 York Region Soccer League will have an Owen Sound flavor in two divisions.
I’m Fred Wallace