Professional soccer has officially returned to Winnipeg.
Wednesday afternoon, the Canadian Premier League (CPL) announced the official launch of Valour FC at Investors Group Field, the home stadium of the club.
READ MORE: Winnipeg’s professional soccer club name, colours expected Wednesday
“We are thrilled to bring back professional soccer to this province,” Wade Miller, President & CEO of the Winnipeg Football Club said.
“We’ve seen over the last few years the appetite for soccer in Manitoba, this is the world’s game, and this is our opportunity to make it our own in Winnipeg.”
The name
The Valour FC name and logo symbolize the story of three Winnipeg soldiers who demonstrated courage and heroism during the First World War. The men, who all lived on the same street near Sargent Park which was later renamed Valour Road, were awarded the Victoria Cross — the highest military recognition for honour and bravery.
The design
The Valour FC crest draws its inspiration from the Victoria Cross medal, with a ‘V’ emulating a folded ribbon wrapped by the circle of the maroon medal.
The ‘V’ also represents the geographical meeting point of the Red River and Assiniboine River — a location that has long defined the city. The right side of the ‘V’ also creates a ‘W’ for the city of Winnipeg.
The arc of wheat at the top of the crest symbolizes the thriving agriculture industry that has been a mainstay in the province and has grown into an iconic Manitoban symbol.
WATCH: This club promotional video explains the symbolism behind the team crest and colours
The team’s official colours are “Valour Maroon”, “Wheat Gold” and “Earth Black”, representing the honour and heritage commonly associated with the prairies.
READ MORE: Winnipeg soccer executive hopes new club will score with local youth
Valour FC joins inaugural CPL teams that already have been confirmed in Calgary (Cavalry FC), Halifax (HFX Wanderers FC) and York Region (York 9 FC), north of Toronto, along with other founding clubs that will be announced in the coming weeks, according to the league.
According to the news release, the average ticket price will be $20 per game for adults and $11 for youth.
Valour FC will begin play when the men’s professional soccer league kicks off in the spring of 2019.
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