Honouring Brampton’s soccer legacy and talent leaving its mark on the world stage
The City of Brampton marked the conclusion of its Where the Game Grows campaign by honouring the homegrown athletes who have helped shape Canadian soccer. City of Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown presented the Key to the City to Brampton-born professional soccer player Cyle Larin. In addition, six sport fields have been named in honour of Team Canada players who began their soccer journeys in Brampton and represented the country on the world stage in 2026.
Cyle Larin receives the Key to the City
During a ceremony held at Brampton City Hall, Mayor Patrick Brown presented the Key to the City to Cyle Larin, recognizing his achievements and contribution to the sport. The Key to the City is Brampton’s most prestigious award and is a symbolic honour presented to highly valued members of the community or celebrated individuals who have made an impact on the lives of people living in Brampton.
Cyle Larin receives the Key to the City from Mayor Patrick Brown. Credit: City of Brampton
Born and raised in Brampton, Larin began playing soccer at age seven with the Brampton Youth Soccer Club before joining Sigma FC. He attended St. Edmund Campion Secondary School, where he helped lead the school to three Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) championships, before continuing his journey at the University of Connecticut and beginning his professional career.
His career has taken him across North America and Europe, while his success with the Canadian men’s national team has made him one of the country’s leading international scorers.
Brampton Honours Local Soccer Excellence
The City also unveiled six newly named sport fields honouring six Team Canada players with connections to Brampton who represented the country at the 2026 World Cup, celebrating their achievements on the world stage and contributions to Canadian soccer. The permanent tributes recognize Brampton’s homegrown soccer legacy and aim to inspire the next generation of athletes. The newly named fields include:
- Cyle Larin Soccer Field, located in Chris Gibson Park, in Ward 1(formerly Chris Gibson Park Soccer Field Senior 1)
- Promise David Soccer Field, located in Major Oaks Park, in Ward 1 (formerly Major Oaks Park Soccer Field)
- Jonathan Osorio Soccer Field, located in Morris Kerbel Park in Ward 2 (formerly Morris Kerbel Park Soccer Field)
- Liam Millar Soccer Field, located in Flower City Community Campus, in Ward 4 (formerly Flower City Community Campus Soccer Field Senior 1)
- Tajon Buchanan Soccer Field, located in Bramalea Ltd. Community Park, in Ward 7 (formerly Bramalea Ltd. Community Park Soccer Field)
- Jayden Nelson Soccer Field, located by Victoria Park Arena, in Ward 7 (formerly Avondale Soccer Field)
City of Brampton and Canadian soccer players unveil six newly named sport fields. Credit: City of Brampton
Continuous investment to build on Brampton’s soccer legacy
Brampton has a strong history of developing athletes who have gone on to represent Canada on the international stage. That success is supported by a grassroots soccer community, local clubs and leagues, recreation programs and spaces where young athletes can play and develop. Soccer remains one of Brampton’s most widely played sports, supported by the City’s extensive facilities and recreation programming, including:
- More than 34,400 hours of bookings at Brampton’s outdoor soccer fields in 2025, with over 31,700 hours dedicated to youth soccer.
- Over 12,000 registrations in the City’s recreation soccer programs during the 2025–2026 season, providing opportunities for residents of all ages and skill levels to get active and build lifelong connections through sport.
- 191 soccer fields across the city, with 139 junior, mini and tot fields and 51 senior fields.
Building on this foundation and following the opening of Canada’s first-ever fully lit soccer court, named in honour of renowned Canadian soccer player and Brampton native Atiba Hutchinson, the City has made a commitment to deliver five additional boxed soccer courts through the 2027 Budget planning process. One soccer court is planned for each ward pairing, with additional soccer nets at 10 locations across Brampton.
Through its Sport Tourism Strategy, the City is also building Brampton’s reputation as a destination for sport hosting and athlete development, supported by its recreation infrastructure, diverse sporting community and history of developing nationally and internationally recognized athletes.
Quotes
“This has been an incredible season for soccer in Brampton and an opportunity to celebrate the homegrown athletes who have proudly represented our city and Canada on the international stage. Congratulations to Cyle Larin and all of the players being recognized with these lasting tributes. Their achievements show young athletes what can begin on a local Brampton soccer field. We are also very excited to announce plans for five additional boxed soccer courts starting in 2027, along with new sets of soccer nets at 10 locations across Brampton. By continuing to invest in our parks, recreation facilities and community programs, we are building a healthy, active city where the next generation has opportunities to play, grow and pursue their goals.”
- Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton
“Where the Game Grows has been a celebration of the incredible soccer talent, community and passion that exists right here in Brampton. As we bring the campaign to a close, these field namings create a lasting legacy by recognizing the athletes who have represented our city and country while inspiring the next generation to dream big. We will continue building on that momentum by investing in accessible recreation, quality facilities and opportunities for residents to get involved in sport and stay active.”
- Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 and 5; Chair, Community Services, City of Brampton
“It is a tremendous honour to receive the Key to the City from my hometown. Brampton is where my soccer journey began, and I’m grateful for the family, coaches, teammates and community members who supported me along the way. To come back home and celebrate this moment with the people of Brampton means a lot to me, and I hope my journey can inspire young players in the city to pursue their goals and believe in what they can achieve.”
- Cyle Larin, Professional soccer player
