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After five seasons as a guest club in League1 Ontario’s reserve competitions, Richmond Hill are expanding to a full license for 2026.

Toronto, ON – (Sep. 2, 2025) – Richmond Hill Raiders will be competing in the Men’s and Women’s League2 Divisions next season after being a guest club in the League1 Ontario reserve competitions since 2021.

The club submitted a successful expansion application for the 2026 campaign, and will join Kingston Sentinels in making their debut season in the third tier of League1 Ontario’s promotion and relegation pyramid.

Building from their U20 League experience and talent pool is at the heart of their expansion, as well creating an engaging gameday experience for the community. That includes Roary the Raider, their new mascot, who was introduced at the club’s House League event in August.

Mirco Schroff is Richmond Hill’s General Manager & Technical Director and is spearheading the club’s leadership team. He was part of Darby FC (now Whitby FC) becoming an expansion team a decade ago and understands the impact that the Pro-Am game is having in Canada.

He said: “It’s an exciting time for us here at Richmond Hill Soccer Club because we’ve been accepted for expansion into the League2 Divisions, which provides our players with a clear pathway to senior competition.

“It’s also allowing us to strengthen the development model that we have from our grassroots levels and through the adult game. The club has always been committed to create those opportunities for the players within our community, and this step is important for us to ensure that the next generations can aspire to represent their hometown at the higher senior level.

“Before League1 Ontario arrived, opportunities for players were limited, so having seen that grow and mature as a system over the last decade – and now to promotion and relegation – has helped people realize what the standards are, and what to aspire for.

“To be awarded with a full League1 Ontario license is a milestone for the club. It’s definitely adding to the almost 60 years of history and tradition that the club has displayed in the community of Richmond Hill and in the GTA.”

Richmond Hill began as a volunteer-driven organization in 1968, providing regular recreational soccer for local children. The club has since grown to have approximately 5,700 annual registrations, and the expansion to the League2 Divisions reflects the reason why it was founded in the first place – to create opportunity.

“We want to continue that,” Schroff added. “Our strategic plan is geared to maturing the club further in many aspects, which also comes with development on future investment into facilities and other components that work towards the standards required.

“I’m glad that we’re over the finish line now with the successful application, presenting to the league what we have in mind moving forward.

“A lot of people are with the club for many years and see, not just themselves, but their kids go through the player pathway. We are investing money and club funding in the right areas, trying to build a full player pathway, and that’s why we look forward to having the community engaged at our home games.

“We want to make it a positive experience week in week out; the gameday should be an experience that people enjoy and makes them want to come back. The more people get exposed to it, the more it can grow, and the opportunities are endless from there.

“I would like to thank the mayor of Richmond Hill, the council and all the city staff who supported us in our bid, and obviously to all our parents, staff, and volunteers for really pulling together to make sure that we’re moving the club in the right direction.”

Chris Keem, Operations Manager at League1 Ontario, added: “Richmond Hill have been a valued guest club in our reserve competitions, and expansion to the League2 Divisions is the next step in this club’s long history.

“From their League1 Ontario reserves experience, Mirco and the club’s leadership understand how the Pro-Am game is evolving, and we are delighted that they share the same visions to build player pathways and connections with communities – both locally, and as part of the League1 Canada alliance.

“We’d like to congratulate the club on their expansion, and look forward to seeing the Raiders debut season in the League2 Divisions next summer.”