To say it’s been a big week for the Simcoe County Rovers would be a massive understatement.
To kick things off, Rover’s captain Cloey Uddenberg became the 4th signing of AFC Toronto in the Northern Super League, a new Canadian women’s professional league scheduled to begin play in the spring of 2025.
At just 22, midfielder Cloey Uddenberg already brings a wealth of experience to the Northern Super League. Her stats are impressive and her leadership qualities will be welcomed by her new club in Toronto:
- U SPORTS All-Canadian & OUA MVP at the University of Guelph
- NCAA D1 standout at South Alabama and Purdue
- Captained the St. Kitts & Nevis U20 team
- 2023 League1 Ontario Midfielder of the Year with Simcoe Rovers FC and back-to-back All-Star honours
‘It means everything to me to be able to play professional soccer here in Canada," said an excited Uddenberg. "I always thought I would have to move away from home to achieve my dream of playing pro soccer because there was never a league here. To play in front of my family, friends, and girls I coach is what I am most excited about.
“The Simcoe County Rovers helped shape me into the person and player I am today. They helped me prepare for the next level. The club not only offered me an opportunity to play at a competitive level but also build a community around soccer. Gamedays weren’t just about playing, Rovers allowed me to connect with the community and give back to the youth.”
When asked what advice she would give to aspiring female players trying to reach the next level, Uddenberg provided a thoughtful response.
“My advice would be to dream big you never know when your opportunity will come but professional women’s soccer is here in Canada waiting for you. Keep working hard and keep dreaming.”
Simcoe County Rovers COO, and President of Barrie Soccer Will Devellis recognizes the significance of the moment for women’s soccer in Barrie.
“We are incredibly proud of our Captain Cloey Uddenberg," said Devellis. "From day one in a Rovers jersey, she has been nothing but a professional on and off the field. Cloey’s signing a pro contract with the new women’s Northern Super League in Canada is no surprise to anyone. Her commitment to the game has been exceptional.
"As a member of the Rovers, Cloey inspired young female players within the community. Those players now have an opportunity to follow in her footsteps. As a Coach & President at Barrie SC, I have personally witnessed the excitement of our female players during the last couple days and have fielded questions from many players in Barrie about Cloey’s journey and the pathway the club has created for them to do the same.
“I am proud of Cloey, but I am also proud of our organization. As the Simcoe County Rovers’ Sporting Director, I can attest to the numerous calls, meeting requests and emails we get about our players moving on professionally. In 3 years, we have now seen 6 female players sign professional contracts worldwide, with Cloey, likely being the first of many to come, signing in Canada’s new Super League. We are excited for the future of our young players in Barrie, thank you Miss Uddenberg for leading the way!"
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The Simcoe County men’s team has some exciting news to share as well.
First off, star midfielder Orlendis Benitez signed a 9-game contract with Hamilton Forge FC of the Canadian Premier League once the League1 season concluded. As one the best and most consistent players in League1 ON, it was a nice recognition for the Cuban-born maestro. Forge made it to the CPL Finals where they lost an exciting match to Cavalry FC 2-1.
On Thursday, December 5th, all eight Canadian Premier League clubs gathered for the sixth annual CPL-U SPORTS Draft. This year’s draft consisted of 16 total picks over two rounds — two selections each per club. Valour FC had the first overall pick for a second consecutive year, and they did not hesitate to select star Simcoe County Rovers striker Jevontae Layne. It’s a massive achievement for the League1 ON First team All-Star and Forward of the Year as he will now compete for a roster spot at Valour FC during preseason training.
“To be drafted number one overall and to be the first player in League1 ON to do so is an honour," said Layne. “I’m grateful to be a part of League1 ON history. Valour FC can expect a humble, hard-working, motivated player who wants to play his part in helping the team reach success.”
When asked how the Simcoe County Rovers environment helped him achieve his goals, Layne had this to say.
“The Simcoe County Rovers playing environment is the most professional in the league. The training sessions were top quality and extremely high-intensity. The coaching staff helped me daily to develop my game and prepare me for what it takes to reach the next level in football.”
Men’s Sporting Director Doneil Henry, himself a former pro player in England, MLS, and the CPL, in addition to playing for the Canadian Men’s National team, was ecstatic over the news.
“Jevontae Layne is Simcoe Rovers,” said Henry. “Having a player like Jevo go number one in the draft and make the transition from semi-professional football to the Canadian Premier League is what it’s all about. He’s been a pleasure to coach and work with over the past two years. Jevo possesses a trait that so few players have. The only way to describe it is a hunger for more. He’s a student of the game. He puts the time in and strives to be better.
"This is a win for the club in so many ways. It means our vision and pathway is proven. Jevontae is not only doing this for himself but for Barrie Soccer Club grassroots players as they aspire to be like him. Thank you, Jevontae, for being courageous and representing our club so well. You will be missed but I’m excited to see how you transition to playing at the next level.”
The Rovers will be conducting open trials for its League1 and League1 reserve men’s later this month. The men will practise Friday, December 27th at 6 pm and again Saturday, December 28th from 12-2 pm. Both trials will be held at the Aurora Sports Dome. The women’s League1, League2 reserve and U20 reserve teams will practise Sunday, December 22 from 5-7 pm and Monday, December 23 from 6-8 pm. Players can register at roversfc.ca.
For more information on the Simcoe County Rovers FC, including 2025 ticket purchase options and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.roversfc.ca.
Holiday Ticket Packages are now available for purchase by visiting: www.roversfc.ca.
