Sudbury Cyclones (1976–1980)

Professional soccer in Northern Ontario and in the city of Sudbury can be traced back to the mining boom of the 1930s where a procession of workers settled in the area, which led to the creation of a Northern Division in the National Soccer League (NSL).[2] The Northern Division would ultimately cease operating, but Sudbury managed to enter another franchise in the NSL in 1965 known as Sudbury Italia, which played for four seasons.[2][3] Further attempts were made in 1973 to organize another franchise in Sudbury, but the bid was rejected by the NSL ownership.[4] After a five-year absence, professional soccer returned to Northern Ontario with Sudbury Cyclones receiving an NSL franchise.[5][6] In the initial years, Sudbury competed in the Second Division of the National Soccer League.[7][8] The Cyclones secured a playoff berth in the 1978 season by finishing third but were eliminated in the semifinals to St. Catharines Roma.[9][10]

In 1979, the club was promoted to the First Division, and finished in the sixth position.[11] In the 1980 season, early reports of financial instability were becoming apparent with Sudbury, but the club managed to complete the season.[12][13] In early 1981, the club announced its departure from the league which marked the final time that a representative from Sudbury competed in the NSL.[14][15] A variety of factors such as travel expenses and failure to attract skilled players to the region contributed to the folding of Sudbury along with dwindling attendance numbers.[3][14]

In the club's fledgling years Sudbury occasionally imported players from Southern Ontario and abroad.[16][6] Later their roster recruitment policy shifted towards solely acquiring players from the local circuits.[17][18] The club ultimately adopted a developmental philosophy by recruiting local younger players due to economical reasons and issues stemming from player commitments and travel expenses.[19][20][21]