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The Simcoe County Rovers co-owner reflects on a successful season for the club, during which they were crowned the League1 Canada champions in Alberta.

The 2025 season was an enjoyable one at Simcoe and saw their women’s side crowned winners of the Premier Division for the first time, before coming out on top against League1 Canada’s best teams at the Women’s Inter-Provincial Championship.

The men’s team, who won the Men’s Premier Division in 2023, reached the semifinals of the L1 Cup and claimed a top-four finish in the league behind three strong sides. While there was no silverware this year, two stars on the pitch were selected in the CPL-U SPORTS Draft to join training at Canadian Premier League teams.

With two divisional titles and a national crown since their formation in 2022, co-owner David Zbar has been impressed with the club’s progress and, in an exclusive interview, described the season as a very positive one.

“It’s hard to say the season was anything other than a resounding success,” he said. “Our women’s team won the league for the first time in club history.

“They proudly represented Barrie and Simcoe County at the Inter-Provincial Championship, showcasing the strength and quality of League1 Ontario.”

Simcoe were aiming high heading into the season with the club continuing to improve both on and off the field. After a seventh-place finish in the Women’s Premier Division in 2024, improvement was required for 2025.

“We have a high standard at the club. Our goal each season is to win the division and the cup, and push players on to the next level at the end of the season.

“In 2025, our men fell a little short in a very competitive Premier division, but our women surpassed expectations.

“Several players on the men’s and women’s side had trials and opportunities at the next level during the season.

“We try and implement what has worked in the past, while incorporating new ideas each season. This extends beyond the pitch into the community, our partners and fans.”

Rovers’ women were well represented in this year’s L1ON end-of-season awards, after the likes of Ally Rowe found the net 24 times on their way to the title. Youngster Taegan Handley was a breakthrough star in the team, alongside several teammates who won awards for their respective positions.

Reshaun Walkes was a key part of the men’s side, scoring nine times in the league to help them finish in the top four.

“You know there is quality on the team and in the club when so many players are nominated for League1 Ontario Awards,” said Zbar.

“On the women’s side, it starts with striker Ally, who was Golden Boot winner, Forward of the Year and MVP. Midfielder Teagan was a Young Player of the Year finalist.

“Stef Young was a Midfielder of the Year finalist, Bryanna Caldwell was a Defender of the Year finalist, and Marilena Spagnolo was a Goalkeeper of the Year finalist.

“On the men’s side, Reshaun was a finalist for Forward of the Year. These players exemplified what it means to be a Simcoe County Rovers player on and off the pitch.

“The club is extremely proud of their accomplishments this season.”

It’s not just on the field where hard work matters; the staff at Simcoe are held to as high a standard as the players. Women’s head coach Zack Wilson secured the Coach of the Year award for his success in 2025, and Zbar recognizes the determination from those behind the scenes, as well as the fans in the stadium.

“This is a team effort, and it starts with the coaching staff. Women’s head coach Zack Wilson and men’s head coach Doneil Henry worked tirelessly to bring players into our environment and prepare them for the season.

“Assistant Coaches Jerry Pennant and Joao Victor played a large role in this, as did women’s Sporting Director Will DeVellis and men’s Assistant Sporting Director Derek Boakye-Yiadom.

“Our Game Day Operations staff worked hard, rain or shine, to ensure a great game day experience for the fans, and the support from Barrie Soccer Club has been phenomenal.

“Our fans are the best in the league and have supported us from the beginning. They bring energy and passion, which helps motivate the team day in day out.”

Looking ahead to 2026, the women’s side has two titles to defend, while the men’s team are aiming to push on and challenge for another trophy of their own.

“We will take the learnings on and off the field from 2025 and apply them for 2026,” continued Zbar.

“On the pitch, we want to win. Off the pitch, we continue to build relationships with our community, partners and fans and look for opportunities to grow the game in Barrie and Simcoe County.

“The men’s World Cup will provide new opportunities to showcase the beautiful game in our community. The tournament should solidify Canada as a legitimate soccer nation and create new opportunities to grow the game, starting at the grassroots level.

“Simcoe County Rovers will work closely with Barrie Soccer Club, Huronia District Soccer Association, League1 Ontario and Ontario Soccer to find meaningful ways to celebrate and engage with our community, partners and fans around the excitement of the World Cup and ensure the game moves forward in a positive manner.”