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Mission Statement

The Thunder Bay Chill Soccer Club is committed to promoting and developing soccer within its region while supporting the personal growth of its participants. Through the game, the Club provides opportunities for athletic, social, and leadership development, helping individuals become responsible and engaged members of their community.

Club Background

Founded in 2000 by owner and Executive Director Tony Colistro, the Thunder Bay Chill quickly established itself as one of the most successful clubs in North American Pro-Am soccer. The team played its first home match on May 27, 2000, and was named PDL Organization of the Year in 2002.

The Chill captured its first Heartland Division title in 2007 and made history in 2008 by becoming the first Canadian club to win the PDL National Championship. From 2007 to 2013, the club won six Heartland Division titles, qualified for the playoffs ten times in eleven seasons, and maintained a remarkable home unbeaten streak that lasted until 2014. During this period, the Chill also earned five Central Conference Championships and reached the league final on three additional occasions.

Following pandemic-related disruptions that forced the club to step away from competition in 2020 and 2021, the Chill returned in 2022, coinciding with the reopening of Chapples Soccer Park. The team went on to win the Deep North Division in both 2023 and 2024.

In January 2025, the club announced it would pause participation in USL League Two due to financial and logistical challenges, with the intention of returning to league play in the future while maintaining competitive programming through alternative competitions.

For over 25 years, Thunder Bay Chill has served as a trusted development pathway, connecting grassroots soccer to elite Pro-Am competition and fostering athletic excellence, leadership, and community pride.

A New Chapter in 2026

The 2026 season represents a significant milestone for the club and the community. Thunder Bay Chill is preparing to reintroduce top-level Pro-Am soccer while launching the city’s first women’s Pro-Am team. Participation in the Prairies Premier Pro-Am League will provide a complete and equitable development pathway for both male and female athletes, ensuring access to high-performance environments without leaving the region.

This initiative reflects the club’s commitment to opportunity, inclusion, and long-term growth, while strengthening Thunder Bay’s presence on the national soccer stage.

Technical Staff

• Head Coach: Marco Colistro – Concacaf B Diploma
• Assistant Coach: Drew Pearce – Concacaf C Diploma
• Assistant Coach: Anna MacLean – Concacaf C Diploma
• Goalkeeper Coach: Francesco Leuzzi – CSA National Goalkeeper License

Facilities

All matches and training sessions will take place at tbaytelfield@Chapples Soccer Park, located at 535 Chapples Park Drive, Thunder Bay, Ontario. The grass pitch measures 110 x 70 and serves as the club’s permanent home.

Season Outlook

For the 2026 season, the Chill aims to build both men’s and women’s rosters with approximately 90% local talent. The program will highlight players developed through the club’s youth system, reinforcing its commitment to local development. On the men’s side, emerging talent Nick Phyllis is expected to play a key attacking role, while the women’s program will be led by returning players Imogene Joseph and player-coach Anna MacLean.

With renewed momentum, the introduction of women’s Pro-Am soccer, and growing interest in the sport, the upcoming season promises to be an exciting step forward for soccer in Thunder Bay. The club’s objectives remain consistent: to deliver high-quality competition, represent the community with professionalism and integrity, and compete for championships.