It was an exciting day at the brand new Service Stadium in Whitehorse today as FC Whitehorse Freezers was officially announced as the newest club in the Canadian Soccer League's top division. Team officials and executives from the club's owners, the recently revived JR Wellington Sports Management were on hand for the introductory press conference, along with CSL commissioner Jayln Guibault.
"It is always exciting to announce a new club into our league, and the Freezers will undoubtedly make an excellent addition" said Guibault during his brief address. "Everyone involved with the Wellington group were enthusiastic to bring a club to Whitehorse, and we are happy to see such a committed and historic ownership group in place here."
JR Wellington Group returned to the world of sport recently under the guidance of their CEO Geoffrey Wellington, grandson of legendary sports executive Gregory Wellington. The new CEO was excited to be on hand to launch their first football club in over 50 years. "I could not be happier with the team we have put in place here with the Freezers. Commissioner Guibault and everyone in the CSL have been excellent to work with, and we are looking forward to seeing our club kick off this season."
The Freezers introduced the individuals who would be in charge of the club as well. First was former longtime CSL midfielder, 68 year old American Jaheem Byam, who will serve as the club's President. Byam has served in a number of executive roles since his retirement, most recently as the director of player personnel for Ocean Grove FC in the US. Byam expressed his delight to return to Canada, where he spent much of his playing career. "It is an honour and a privilege to be here in Whitehorse. I have always loved the CSL and to get the opportunity to return here in this capacity really is a dream." Asked about his relationship with the Wellington Group, Byam's optimism carried forward. "Our team has been given the autonomy we need to make football-related decisions. Mr. Wellington obviously has high expectations of us to build a winning football culture here, and that is what we are going to work to do."
Finally, the club introduced Oros Bala is the Freezer's first manager. The 39 year old spent last year working as the manager of the U18 national team in his native Hungary, spending his prior 3 seasons as an assistant for the Hungarian club Királyi Turul Futball. Bala also has CSL experience, spending 11 years as a forward for Canadian Lionpack and the now defunct Rams clubs. Bala was short and to the point with his remarks, remaining focused on the task at hand. "Training is coming very soon, and there is work to be done to get ready for the season. This league can be overwhelming, and we are going to try best we can to hit the ground running."
FC Whitehorse Freezers kicks off their CSL schedule on the road against The Real Worker Footballers. Their first home match at Service Stadium takes place the following week as the Freezers play host to the powerhouse Canadian National Football Club.