Forja

Forge FC, based in Hamilton, Ontario, is one of the most successful clubs in the Canadian Premier League (CPL), founded in 2017 as part of the league’s inaugural class. The club’s creation was spearheaded by Bob Young, the Hamilton-based owner of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (CFL), who envisioned a professional soccer team to fill the gap in Canadian club football and to utilize Tim Hortons Field year-round. Forge officially launched in May 2018, with the name chosen to reflect Hamilton’s industrial heritage—a city historically known as “Steeltown.” The club’s crest, featuring a bold letter “F” intertwined with a hammer, symbolizes the hard-working, blue-collar spirit of the community. The team plays its home matches at Tim Hortons Field, a modern 24,000-seat multi-purpose stadium located in the heart of Hamilton. The ground, opened in 2014, offers a tight, intimate atmosphere for soccer, with the supporters’ section in the north end creating a cauldron of noise. Hamilton itself, situated on the western tip of Lake Ontario, is a city with a rich sports culture, long overshadowed by nearby Toronto but fiercely proud of its own identity. Forge FC’s achievements are remarkable for a club less than a decade old. They have won the CPL title four times (2019, 2020, 2021, 2023) and the CPL Shield (regular-season title) in 2021 and 2023, establishing themselves as the league’s dominant dynasty. In 2020, they also captured the Canadian Championship—a historic first for a CPL club—by defeating Toronto FC in the final, earning a spot in the 2021 Concacaf Champions League. On the continental stage, Forge became the first CPL team to advance in a Concacaf competition, reaching the final of the 2021 Concacaf League (losing to Motagua). They have also competed in the Concacaf Champions Cup, holding their own against Liga MX sides. Legendary players include midfield general Kyle Bekker, the club’s captain and most-capped player, known for his passing range and leadership. Tristan Borges, the 2019 CPL Player of the Year, was a dazzling winger whose goals and assists fueled the first title. Veteran defender David Edgar brought top-flight experience from England, while goalkeeper Triston Henry earned a reputation for clutch saves in big matches. The club’s identity is built on pragmatism and organization—a disciplined defensive block, quick transitions, and a lethal set-piece threat, often orchestrated by Bekker’s deliveries. This “Forge way” frustrates opponents and has been highly effective in knockout formats. Fan culture is growing but passionate. The supporters’ group, The Forge FC Supporters (often call themselves the “Battalion,” though official name is Forge FC Supporters Club), creates a vibrant atmosphere with drums, flags, and chants. The “Orange Bowl” is a pre-game tradition of rallying at a nearby pub. Forge’s main rival is Cavalry FC of Calgary, a feud born from multiple playoff and final meetings, including the 2019, 2021, and 2023 CPL Finals. The “B2B Battle” (Borg vs. Cavalry) adds spice, with matches often marked by physicality and drama. Currently, Forge FC remains the standard-bearer of the CPL, consistently challenging for titles. Under head coach Bobby Smyrniotis since day one, the club has a clear vision: develop Canadian talent while competing for silverware every year. An interesting fact: Forge was the first CPL club to win a trophy (2019 Finals) and the first to win the Canadian Championship, cementing their place as a pioneer in Canadian soccer. Off the field, the club is deeply involved in Hamilton’s community, running youth programs and engaging with local businesses. Forge FC is not just a team; it’s a symbol of Hamilton’s resurgence and a testament to the power of a well-run, locally-rooted club.