Five-year, $75,000 partnership supports Cambridge’s Play it Forward fundraising campaign
CAMBRIDGE, Ont. — Field 4 at the Cambridge Soccer Complex will officially be known as Aecon Field after Cambridge City Council approved a five-year, $75,000 sponsorship agreement with Aecon Group Inc., strengthening a public-private partnership aimed at supporting local recreation infrastructure.
The sponsorship will contribute to the City’s Play it Forward fundraising campaign for the Fountain Street Soccer Complex. According to the City, the additional revenue will help offset tax-supported debenture expenses related to the development of the facility and future field enhancements.
The agreement also grants naming rights for Field 4, with Aecon branding to be displayed at the entrance to the field throughout the five-year sponsorship period.
Public-private partnership supports recreation infrastructure
City officials said the sponsorship reflects the growing role of corporate partnerships in helping municipalities expand and improve community facilities while reducing the financial burden on taxpayers.
“Public-private partnerships play an important role in helping us enhance community infrastructure while managing costs for residents,” said Mayor Jan Liggett. “We appreciate Aecon’s interest in supporting recreation in Cambridge and look forward to our continued partnership.”
The Cambridge Soccer Complex serves athletes, families, and community organizations throughout the region, making it a key recreational asset for the city. Municipal leaders say sponsorships such as this help generate alternative funding sources that support long-term infrastructure investments.
Play it Forward campaign continues fundraising efforts
The Aecon sponsorship forms part of the City’s broader Play it Forward fundraising initiative, which is supporting four major recreation facility projects across Cambridge.
Officials said revenue generated through sponsorships and community donations helps finance improvements while supporting the City’s long-term recreation strategy.
City Manager Rob Axiak said the partnership demonstrates how local businesses can contribute to community development beyond their core operations.
“Aecon’s sponsorship will support the long-term success of this facility, which is enjoyed by athletes of all ages and their families,” said City Manager Rob Axiak. “It is a reflection of Aecon’s commitment to the community and the important role partnerships like this play in strengthening community infrastructure.”
Aecon expands community investment in Cambridge
Aecon Group Inc. has an established presence in Cambridge through its local offices, fabrication facility, employees, and partnerships within the city’s growing industrial and nuclear sectors. The company said the sponsorship aligns with its commitment to investing in the communities where its workforce lives and operates.
Aaron Johnson, Senior Vice President, Nuclear, Aecon Group Inc., said the initiative reflects the company’s broader approach to supporting local communities alongside infrastructure development.
“At Aecon, we believe in building stronger communities both through the infrastructure we deliver and the investments we make in the places where our employees live and work. As a company with deep roots in Cambridge, including our offices and fabrication facility, we are proud to be part of the local community and growing nuclear and industrial supply chain hub. Sponsoring Field 4 at the Cambridge Soccer Complex is a meaningful way for us to give back by helping create a space where young athletes, families, and residents can come together, stay active, and build lasting connections. We look forward to seeing Aecon Field 4 become a hub for teamwork, sportsmanship, and community pride for years to come,” said Aaron Johnson, Senior Vice President, Nuclear, Aecon Group Inc.
Naming rights highlight corporate-community collaboration
Under the agreement, visitors to the Cambridge Soccer Complex will see the Aecon name prominently displayed at the entrance to Field 4, reinforcing the company’s contribution to the city’s recreation network.
Municipal officials view the sponsorship as an example of how businesses can partner with local governments to improve public amenities while supporting community growth. As Cambridge continues investing in recreation infrastructure through the Play it Forward campaign, additional sponsorships and donor contributions are expected to play an important role in funding future projects.
The City said organizations and individuals interested in supporting recreation infrastructure through the Play it Forward campaign can explore sponsorship and donation opportunities as fundraising efforts continue for the Fountain Street Soccer Complex and other planned community facilities.