Dario Zulich buys Sudbury Spartans football club

Nearly a year after purchasing the Sudbury Wolves,Dario Zulich has added another sports franchise to his collection.

The Sudbury Spartans announced that the Sudbury property developer has entered into a purchase sale agreement to with current owners Gord Goddard and Bob Costello.

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Goddard and Costello have owned the Spartans since 2014.

In a news release issued today Zulich emphasized the "deep football roots" the Spartans have in Sudbury.

"From the high school coaches and volunteers to the Joe MacDonald youth league and Gladiators development program, there is a strong core of alumni and football passion in Greater Sudbury," Zulich said.

Costello and Goddard will continue to operate the team, the release said.

"This opportunity allows all of us who love the game to get the support we need away from the field so that we can focus on players, practice and playing," Costello said.

"We believe the common resources that the Wolves' staff offer in terms of knowledge and networks will help us grow the game."

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In 2016, the Spartans were 3-5, good for third place in the four-team West Division and earning a place in the playoffs.

The season opens up on Saturday May 27 when the Spartans play in Oakville. The Spartans' first home game of the season is set for June 3 at James Jerome field.