High-level soccer is coming home to St. Thomas this weekend as Railway City FC hosts its first-ever League1 Ontario matches at 1Password Park.
The men’s League2 team will take the field Saturday, May 10 at 7:30 p.m. against Windsor City FC, followed by the women’s home opener on Sunday, May 11 at 4 p.m. against Oakville SC. Both matches promise fast-paced, competitive action as the new club brings pro-amateur soccer to the community for the first time.
At the club’s Media Day event back on April 27th, co-chair Abbi Lezizidis shared how excited they are to get going.
While speaking with Lezizidis, you couldn’t help but notice the dozens of children in attendance, playing and interacting with the team members.
Something Lezizidis said was a “full circle moment” for him.
Railway City FC was formed through a partnership with Whitecaps London, a youth development program affiliated with the Vancouver Whitecaps of Major League Soccer. The club is fielding both League2 and U20 teams for men and women, offering a platform for local players to grow and gain exposure.
Lezizidis says the goal is simple: build a strong community club that develops talent and ignites passion for the sport locally. “We want the stands full,” Lezizidis said. “This is about creating something the whole city can get behind.”
The team will play all home games at 1Password Park, a state-of-the-art facility that’s already drawing praise from visiting clubs. With support from city council and Mayor Joe Preston—who even suggested the club’s name—Railway City FC is positioning St. Thomas as a serious destination on Ontario’s soccer map.
Tickets for the season are available now, and fans are encouraged to come out, sport the Railway City logo, and bring their voices to cheer on the new hometown teams.
For more information and to stay up-to-date with the club, follow them on Facebook and Instagram or visit RailwayCityFC.com.
Written by: K. Freeman
