HISTORY OF THE SOCCER PLEX

ORIGINAL LOGO

NEW LOGO

The Thunder Bay Soccer Plex became a reality in November 1994. After many years of playing indoor soccer at Lakehead University’s C.J. Saunders Fieldhouse, the indoor game moved it’s operation to the C.L.E grounds – Claydon Building. The Soccer Plex formed to cater to all players of ages and abilities. The soccer specific facility was to ensure that soccer activity would be it’s main priority and all scheduling would be given first priority. The intent of the Soccer Plex is to increase awareness of soccer in the city and to develop the skills and fitness levels of those who participate. With the World Cup 94 being played in the USA that year, it was a perfect opportunity to add to the profile of soccer.

Tony Colistro, the owner/operator of the facility is responsible for the materialization of the project and the investment involved; however, not without the help and support of many volunteers. Colistro stresses that without those volunteers the Soccer Plex could never get off the ground. Expert tradesmen from the soccer community took ownership in this facility, which would eventually benefit all soccer users. The facility features an astro-turf surface that offers more cushion than wooden/hardwood floors and cuts down on injuries, a surface surrounded by boards eliminating the off-side rule and making for a faster, more exciting game, and the use of a leather ball specific to the outdoor game.

The Thunder Bay Indoor Soccer League will serve as a feeder system from one age group to the next. Indoor soccer is played between October and April, which is more than the outdoor season; therefore, the seriousness of the indoor game cannot be taken lightly. Although the facility is mainly used for soccer, it has also become the home of the Thunder Bay Lacrosse Club. With the popularity of the National Professional Lacrosse League and the success of the Toronto Rock, box lacrosse became very popular in Thunder Bay as an off-season choice for many hockey players. It became a great fit as indoor soccer moved outdoors and box lacrosse moved into the Plex during the months of May, June, and July.

Professional Box Lacrosse in North America Today

Jim Veltman, captain of the Toronto Rock Professional Lacrosse team visits the Soccer Plex every 2nd year to perform clinics.

The Thunder Bay Soccer Plex has also been the host to several other events and participants. The Plex annually hosts the Ontario Soccer Assocation Regional Program, Christmas and Spring Classic Events, and other functions such as the regional Karate championships, the annual Tradeshow, and the CLE Annual Fair. The Plex has also hosted big ticket coaches such as Bob Lenarduzzi, former Mens Canandian National Team coach, Bryan Rosenfeld, director of Player Development for Ontario and Pro Soccer Player, and Jim Veltman, captain of the Toronto Rock Professional Lacrosse Team.

1994 - THE THUNDER BAY SOCCER PLEX OPENS IN SEPTEMBER

 

Indoor Soccer at LU prior to Soccer Plex start up.                       Professional Indoor Soccer in North America Today