News release - Simcoe County Rovers FC
President and Managing Partner of the Simcoe County Rovers, Julian de Guzman, a Canadian soccer legend, national team player and the first Canadian to play in Spain’s La Liga, will be leaving the club to take on the Sporting Director role at New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer (MLS) effective immediately.
A Toronto native, de Guzman is a pioneer in Canadian soccer and as a professional played around the world in top leagues including the German Bundesliga, La Liga and MLS.
De Guzman will bring a unique perspective to the Red Bulls as a former player, executive and television personality with deep insight into the game and the ability to communicate well with players.
“This is a dream opportunity for anyone who’s lived and loved the game globally," said de Guzman.
"Red Bulls is a top and complete organization most people in the game would love to be a part of, and I’ve been chosen for the Sporting Director role which is an honour and a great representation for my country. This makes me proud and motivated to continue to do well for the game off the field as I’ve done on the field. My passion and commitment to football remains the same from the day I wanted to go pro."
De Guzman was instrumental in constructing a committed ownership group focused on delivering an exciting brand of football to the Simcoe County region and providing a pathway for male and female players with professional aspirations to develop. Joining League1 Ontario in 2022 was an important evolution for the football landscape in Barrie and the larger Huronia District.
In the team’s inaugural season, the men’s team made it to the playoffs before bowing out in the semifinals. The women’s team made the playoffs and lost in the quarterfinals. In 2023 the men’s team finished second in the league and defeated Scrosoppi FC in the League1 finals playing inspiring football throughout the season.
“Lifting the league’s biggest prize in just our 2nd season was quite an accomplishment”, said de Guzman. “It’s a testament to our football philosophy, our coaches and players and the executive leadership team that put it all together.”
As part of his new responsibilities at Red Bulls, de Guzman will cease his day-to-day involvement with the Simcoe County Rovers. Current CEO, and co-founder of the club Peter Raco will assume the President role and will be supported in the day-to-day running of the club by current COO and Co-Owner Will De Vellis and current CMO and Co-Owner David Zbar. Both bring a wealth of soccer and business experience to the club which should help ease the transition.
“The Executive Leadership team and the advisory group we’ve assembled is the best in League1.” said de Guzman.
“Our leadership is passionate about growing the game in Barrie and building on our initial success. We will continue to develop our relationship with the community and while I won’t be involved with the club on a daily basis, I will provide my point of view from both a technical and business perspective as required.”
Peter Raco is excited about the challenge.
“I'd like to congratulate Julian on his appointment at New York Red Bulls, one of the biggest clubs in North America. This is an amazing accomplishment for one of Canada's top football minds, and I am excited to see a Canadian with such close ties to our community step into this role. Not only is this an outstanding opportunity for Julian, but this may create further professional pathways for players across Simcoe County and the country.
“Over the past five years, we have spent countless hours building Rovers FC into one of the strongest community clubs in Canada. His legacy in Simcoe County will be carried forward by the excellent group of management, staff and athletes at Rover Football Club. As we turn our attention to the 2024 campaign and the Canadian Championship, we remain committed to building off the momentum from our 2023 championship season.”
In addition to the Executive Leadership Team, Canadian international and former Toronto FC (MLS) and West Ham United (EPL) and Halifax Wanderers (CPL) player Doneil Henry will step into a Technical Advisor role with the men’s team. Henry spent time assessing the squad last year, providing guidance and pushing the team during training sessions. Henry is excited about the opportunity to work the core returning players and the leadership team.
The Simcoe County Rovers Men’s and Women’s will kick off the 2024 season in April and will play their home matches out of J.C Massie Field at Georgian College, Barrie.
For more information on the Simcoe County Rovers FC, including ticket purchase options and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.roversfc.ca.
For Simcoe County Rovers FC media enquiries, please contact: media@roversfc.ca
Banner image via Simcoe County Rovers FC
