Toby Sims Bio
Toby Sims (born 15 October 1997) is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender for Greenville Triumph. Standing at 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in), he operates primarily in central defense and wears the number 4 shirt. After beginning his career in the lower tiers of English football, he transitioned to the American college system before returning to England and eventually moving back to the United States to compete in the professional ranks.
Sims is recognized for his composure on the ball and his consistency across multiple leagues on both sides of the Atlantic. His journey from non-league football in England to the United Soccer League (USL) system in the United States has shaped him into a well-traveled and tactically aware defender.
Early Life and Background
Toby Sims was born on 15 October 1997 in Worksop, England. Worksop is a small market town in Nottinghamshire known for its strong grassroots football culture, and it provided the backdrop for Sims’s earliest experiences with the sport. Growing up in this environment, he developed a foundational understanding of the game through local youth setups and amateur football.
Coming from a region where football is woven into everyday community life, Sims was exposed to the physical and competitive nature of the English game from a young age. His early years in Worksop helped lay the groundwork for a career that would eventually take him across the Atlantic and back again.
Path to Professional Soccer
Sims began his senior career with Northern Premier League side Mickleover Sports during their 2016–2017 season. The Northern Premier League, a step below the National League in the English pyramid, gave him a platform to experience competitive senior football at a young age. His performances with Mickleover Sports drew attention and opened the door to opportunities abroad.
In 2017, Sims made the significant decision to attend Chowan University in North Carolina, where he played college soccer for the Chowan Hawks from 2017 to 2021. The 2020 season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but across his four years of availability, Sims made 64 appearances for the Hawks, scoring 16 goals and tallying 6 assists. His contributions at the collegiate level were widely recognized, earning him a place on the Conference Carolinas Second Team, two-time NCCSIA All-State First Team, four-time Conference Carolinas First Team, D2CCA All-Region Second Team, D2CCA All-Region First Team, D2CCA Third Team All-American, D2CCA All-Southeast Region First Team, and three-time Conference Carolinas Defensive Player of the Year.
Toby Sims Career
Early Career (2016–2021)
While attending Chowan University, Sims continued to gain senior-level experience by playing in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) with Greenville FC during their 2018 and 2019 seasons. He also featured for South Carolina United in USL League Two in 2021, making 15 appearances as the club won the Deep South Division title. His performances that year earned him the 2021 League Two Defender of the Year award, signaling his readiness for full-time professional football.
This combination of college soccer and summer league play allowed Sims to refine his tactical awareness and physical conditioning. By the time he completed his collegiate career, he had built a strong foundation of experience across multiple competitive environments.
Professional Breakthrough (2022–Present)
On 25 February 2022, Sims signed with USL Championship club Pittsburgh Riverhounds. He made his professional debut on 12 March 2022, appearing as a 68th-minute substitute during a 3–0 win over Memphis 901. This appearance marked his official entry into the professional ranks in the United States.
On 5 January 2023, Sims returned to his native England when he joined League Two club Harrogate Town on a six-month contract following a successful trial period. On 6 April 2023, he signed a two-year contract extension with the club, committing his future to Harrogate. Following the conclusion of the 2024–25 season, Sims departed the club to continue his career abroad, with his contract being terminated one month early to allow him to pursue a new opportunity. On 23 May 2025, Sims returned to the United States to sign for USL League One side Greenville Triumph.
Greenville Triumph Era (2025–Present)
Sims’s return to the United States in 2025 brought him full circle back to Greenville, where he had previously played for Greenville FC during his college years. His signing with Greenville Triumph represents a reunion with familiar surroundings and an opportunity to compete in USL League One.
The move to Greenville Triumph positioned Sims within a club with a proven track record of success in the USL League One. As a defender wearing the number 4 shirt, he is expected to contribute leadership and stability to the team’s back line as the 2025 season unfolds.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the standout moments of Sims’s career is his professional debut with Pittsburgh Riverhounds, a 3–0 win that signaled his transition from college and amateur football to the professional level. His 2021 League Two Defender of the Year award stands as another defining milestone, reflecting his defensive excellence during his time with South Carolina United.
Toby Sims Career Wins
Sims’s career victories span multiple leagues and competitions across two continents. His most notable team success includes the Deep South Division title with South Carolina United in 2021, during which he made 15 appearances and was named 2021 League Two Defender of the Year. Additionally, his professional debut with Pittsburgh Riverhounds resulted in a 3–0 victory over Memphis 901, marking his first win at the professional level.
USL League Two Highlights
During his time with South Carolina United in USL League Two in 2021, Sims played a key role in the club’s Deep South Division title run. His 15 appearances that season demonstrated his durability and consistency, and his performances earned him the 2021 League Two Defender of the Year distinction.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond his league accomplishments, Sims has accumulated experience at various levels, including the Northern Premier League with Mickleover Sports, the NPSL with Greenville FC, and USL Championship football with Pittsburgh Riverhounds. His well-rounded background across these competitions highlights his adaptability and sustained contributions to every team he has represented.
Toby Sims Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Toby Sims was raised in Worksop, England, a town with a deep-rooted football tradition. His upbringing in this community played an important role in shaping his early development as a footballer. Further details about his family background and personal relationships have not been publicly disclosed.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks an exciting new chapter for Sims as he joins Greenville Triumph in USL League One. His move to the club, completed on 23 May 2025, allows him to build on years of experience gained in both English and American football systems. As a seasoned defender with professional appearances in the USL Championship and English League Two, he brings a level of tactical maturity that should serve Greenville Triumph well throughout the campaign.
Sims’s familiarity with the Greenville area, having previously played for Greenville FC during his college years, may provide additional comfort as he integrates into his new squad. The team’s decision to bring him in reflects a strategic effort to bolster the defensive unit with a player who has consistently performed at a high level across multiple competitions.
Looking ahead, Sims’s role with Greenville Triumph will likely focus on providing defensive stability and leadership. His track record of earning multiple individual accolades at the collegiate level, combined with his professional experience, positions him as a valuable contributor to the team’s aspirations in the 2025 USL League One season.