Jimmy Brennan is stepping away from soccer in Aurora.

The former professional player in England and first-ever captain for Toronto FC said last week he is resigning his post as Aurora FC executive director to pursue an option in a soon-to-be-announced Canadian professional league. His resignation is effective Jan. 1.

“It was good fun,” said Brennan, 40, who was hired as the Aurora program’s executive director in March 2015. “I think we put our little stamp on it and created a new identity for soccer in Aurora. It's time to move on.”

During Brennan’s term, the club altered its brand from Aurora Youth Soccer Club to Aurora FC. The club also put two teams into the semi-pro League1 Ontario organization and is regarded as a strong program in Ontario youth soccer circles.

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“I think we built the club to be one of the best in the province,” said Brennan, who grew up in Newmarket. “I think we did quite a bit over these two years.

An attempt to contact club president Roy Cohen for comment was unsuccessful.

It is anticipated the Canadian Premier League is slated to launch for the 2019 season and Brennan is expected to be involved with a York Region-based entry in the 10-team league.