The Simcoe County Rovers are pleased to announce Canadian international Doneil Henry has joined the club as a co-owner. Henry, the former Toronto FC (MLS) and West Ham United (EPL) centre back, has acquired a minority stake in Rovers Sports and Entertainment Group. As per club policy, financial details of the transaction are not disclosed. Doneil currently plays in the South Korean K-League for Suwon Samsung Bluewings.
Henry, U-20 Canadian player of the Year in 2012, joins fellow Canadian soccer icons Julian de Guzman and Cyle Larin as co-owners in the Rovers group, along with several other individuals. De Guzman is Canada’s second most capped senior men’s player and the first Canadian to play in Spain’s La Liga. Larin has scored a record 14 goals for the Canadian national team in 2021 with a total of 22 goals and over 44 caps total.
The Simcoe County Rovers were announced as a League1 Ontario expansion club in October 2021. The Rovers will play home games in Barrie and the season schedule to kick-off in April 2021. Season tickets and club merchandise is available at www.roversfc.ca. League1 Ontario is the third division in Canada’s soccer pyramid.
Doneil shared his thoughts on joining the Rovers’ ownership group, “It’s a dream to be involved in a project where you have a blank canvas to create a professional soccer team. These opportunities don’t happen often. Simcoe County and Barrie is an exciting location that has the potential grow into a successful soccer region. Especially when you’re partnered up with Athletes Institute Football Club, Aurora Football Club and Barrie Soccer Club.
I’ve gone to war with Julian and Cyle so it makes complete sense to roll up our sleeves and bring waves in a region that has an appetite for the beautiful game. Peter Raco and Will Devellis are supreme professionals in the game and it’s great to be involved with a solid circle of passionate and respected individuals. Having the opportunity to join forces with top players in the game attracted my interest in this once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Julian adds, “Adding Doneil to theleadership group is another important strategic move to build a long-lasting foundation for the organization. Doneil’s worldly experiences in football willbe a tremendous asset to the Rovers and players of Simcoe County. He is another high preforming individual we are bringing into the club.” With respects to2022 plans, de Guzman comments, “We will be rolling out big L1O player announcement, additional ownership and technical staff announcements, and avenue announcement in January and February leading up to pre season. Fans can continue to expect nothing but the highest standards from this club.”
About Doneil Henry:
Doneil Henry is a Canadian professional soccer player who plays as a centre back from Suwon Samsung Bluewings in South Korea and the Canadian national soccer team. Henry won Canada U-20 player of the year in 2012 and his represented Canada 41times at the senior level.
Henry joined Toronto FC in 2008 and made 70 first team appearance with the MLS club before being sold to West Ham United in the English Premier League. Following his seasons in England with West Ham United and Blackburn Rovers, Doneil returned to the MLS with the Vancouver Whitecaps in 2018. In 2020 Henry was transferred to south Korean K League side Suwon Samsung Bluewings.
A full international for Canada since 2012, Henry represented the nation at the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2019 and 2021 and is part of the 2022 World Cup qualifying team.
