Canadian Premier League kicks off with two CFL connections

CFL fans in Hamilton and Winnipeg will have a few extra sports outings to look forward to at their respective stadiums this summer, as the Canadian Premier League kicks off its inaugural season of professional soccer.

The league’s opening game is slated for this Saturday, with two clubs on the seven-team circuit featuring deep CFL ties.

Hamilton’s Forge FC are owned by Bob Young of the Tiger-Cats, and will be hosting the league’s first-ever match on Saturday at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton.

Just ran into a couple of footie hooligans 😂

Good luck to @ForgeFCHamilton and congrats to @CPLsoccer. Tomorrow it’s real. pic.twitter.com/sgbFvaSc78

— Hamilton Tiger-Cats (@Ticats) April 26, 2019

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers own Valour FC, which will play its home matches at Investors Group Field.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be unveiling some of our Honourary Founding Members, starting with Blue Bombers running back, Andrew Harris.@andrewharris33 is #ForValour, are you? Become a founding member today and reserve your spot in history.

➡️ https://t.co/xHERdOowxd pic.twitter.com/Mj2RJ7CIge

— ValourFC (@ValourFootball) September 14, 2018

Joining Hamilton and Winnipeg as the league’s founding members are teams in Calgary (Cavalry FC), Edmonton (FC Edmonton), Halifax (HFX Wanderers FC), Victoria (Pacific FC) and York (York 9 FC).

Best of luck to all seven competing clubs for the 2019 season!

Ticats fans can purchase Forge FC tickets here; Bombers fans can buy Valour FC tickets here.