Pictured above (l-r): Edwardsburgh-Cardinal Mayor Tory Deschamps, South Dundas United President Phil Blancher, Port of Johnstown General Manager Leslie Drynan, SDUFC Vice-President Bryan Holmes and his grandson Bentley. (Download Original Size Photo)
July 14, 2025
South Dundas United Football Club is pleased to announce a sponsorship partnership with the Port of Johnstown to assist a significant equipment purchase for the club. The Port is contributing $8,500 towards the soccer club’s soccer goal replacement project. This contribution, when combined with earlier contributions from the Township of Edwardsburgh-Cardinal and player fundraising challenges, will complete the fundraising needed for this purchase. It will also complete the three-year goal replacement project by the club.
“This is an amazing contribution by the Port of Johnstown to support our soccer club and soccer development in our community,” said SDUFC President Phil Blancher. “The Port of Johnstown is a regional hub for the agriculture industry and many farms in South Dundas ship via the port. This partnership is a natural fit.”
SDUFC embarked on its soccer goal replacement project in 2022, with the goal of replacing the on-the-ground infrastructure at the three Municipality of South Dundas-owned South Dundas Soccer Fields in Iroquois. The soccer goal frames used were at a minimum 40 years old, with an exact age not able to be determined. All three soccer goal frames were well past their expected service life, requiring yearly repairs. Two of the three fields were completed in May 2023, with the final field, called Field E by the club, being completed through this donation.
“On behalf of Team POJ, it is a privilege to be able to contribute financially to this important equipment purchase,” said Port of Johnstown General Manager Leslie Drynan. “Soccer has long been a healthy driver of community, building connections through shared experiences, helping to provide a wonderful opportunity for youth to meet like-minded kids, to build long-lasting friendships and support their physical and mental well-being.”
Drynan continued, “Our focus this year has been supporting youth in sports and agriculture. We have seen first-hand the positive impact that these activities can have on youth, teaching them valuable skills such as discipline, teamwork, and commitment. All of which fosters their development into engaged, responsible, and successful adults, contributing to a stronger, more vibrant community overall.”
With the bulk of fundraising completed, the club will be ordering the new soccer goals with the intent to install these by Fall 2025 in time for SDUFC’s fall soccer season. The Port of Johnstown will be recognized for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 years as Equipment Sponsor.
To find out more about the soccer goal replacement project, or the club, visit www.southdundasunited.ca
About the club – South Dundas United is a community-based, Ontario-incorporated not-for-profit organization based in Iroquois, Ontario dedicated to providing soccer for the community. SDUFC offers low-cost soccer leagues for youth and adults for over 35 weeks in the year. The club is committed to being a barrier-free club where all are welcome to play the global game. Soccer is for everyone, and everyone is welcome.
About the Port of Johnstown – Owned and operated by the Township of Edwardsburg-Cardinal, the Port of Johnstown is Eastern Ontario’s premier multimodal port facility, serving grain, and bulk commodities along the St. Lawrence Seaway. With marine, rail, and truck access, the Port continues to play a pivotal role in regional trade, agri-logistics, and community development.
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