Canada League 1 British Columbia

Canada League 1 British Columbia

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League1 British Columbia (L1BC) is a semi-professional men's and women's soccer league in British Columbia, Canada. The league is sanctioned by the Canadian Soccer Association and the BC Soccer Association as a Division III Pro-Am league in the Canadian soccer league system.

In the Canadian soccer league system, the men's division is behind the Canadian Premier League (CPL). It is part of League1 Canada, the national third tier with regional division, with L1BC equaivalent to Ligue1 Québec (L1QC), League1 Ontario (L1ON), and League1 Alberta (L1AB). The men's league champion qualifies for the Canadian Championship, the domestic cup championship, for the following season.

The semi-professional league was created to fill in the gap between the top amateur leagues in the province, such as the Pacific Coast Soccer League, Fraser Valley Soccer League, Vancouver Island Soccer League and Vancouver Metro Soccer League, with the professional top tier Canadian Premier League.

History

BC Soccer originally looked into the possibility of starting a "Regional Tier 3" league in their 2016 Strategic Plan, with the goal of beginning in 2018 with eight teams. However, nothing came to fruition due to insufficient interest from clubs. In June 2019, they announced their intention to begin play in 2021 with at least six clubs. Teams would need to commit for three years minimum and field teams in both the male and female divisions. The proposed league would be open to professional clubs fielding reserve sides, provided they are not branded with "Reserves" or "U-23" in their team name.

In January 2021, the league was rumoured to be launching later that year with six or eight teams, including a development team from the Major League Soccer club Vancouver Whitecaps FC. On October 5, 2021, the league was officially announced by BC Soccer to begin play in May 2022. The inaugural league began on May 22, with the Championship Final occurring on August 1 (British Columbia Day), with seven clubs participating in the first season. It was announced that with the creation of the league, the Juan de Fuca Plate, which was previously awarded to the top BC-based Premier Development League team in head-to-head matches, would now be awarded to the League1 BC club that accrued the greatest number of points across both the men's and women's divisions in an aggregate table. In addition, a cedar trophy was created to be awarded to both the men's and women's division champions. In November 2022, it was confirmed that the league winner would qualify for the following season's Canadian Championship, the national cup tournament. For the 2023 season, the league announced its first expansion club (Harbourside FC) bringing the league up to eight clubs.

On December 1, 2023, Canadian Soccer Business acquired L1BC from BC Soccer. CSB have owned League1 Ontario since 2018 and now oversee the day-to-day operations of both leagues. For the 2024 season, another expansion club joined, however, two original clubs withdrew from the league, bringing the total back to seven. For 2025, two additional clubs joined, bringing the league to nine clubs.

**Canada League 1 British Columbia: Tournament Description**

Welcome to the Canada League 1 British Columbia, a premier soccer tournament that showcases the best talent from across the province! This exciting competition brings together elite teams from various regions, providing a platform for players to demonstrate their skills, teamwork, and passion for the beautiful game.

**Tournament Overview:**
The Canada League 1 British Columbia is designed to elevate the level of soccer in the province, fostering a competitive environment that encourages player development and community engagement. With a focus on inclusivity and sportsmanship, the tournament aims to unite fans, families, and athletes in a celebration of soccer.

**Format:**
The tournament features a league format, where teams compete in a series of matches over the course of the season. Each team will play against others in their division, with points awarded for wins and draws. The top teams will advance to the playoffs, culminating in an exhilarating championship match to determine the league champion.

**Participation:**
Open to both men's and women's teams, the Canada League 1 British Columbia invites clubs from all levels of play, from grassroots organizations to established semi-professional teams. This diversity enriches the tournament experience, allowing players to compete against a wide range of opponents and gain invaluable experience.

**Community Impact:**
Beyond the competition, the Canada League 1 British Columbia is committed to making a positive impact in local communities. The tournament promotes youth engagement, health and wellness, and the development of soccer programs across the province. Special initiatives, including coaching clinics and community outreach events, aim to inspire the next generation of soccer players.

**Join Us:**
Whether you're a player, coach, or fan, the Canada League 1 British Columbia invites you to be part of this thrilling soccer journey. Experience the excitement of live matches, cheer for your favorite teams, and celebrate the spirit of competition. Together, let's elevate soccer in British Columbia and create lasting memories on and off the field!

For more information, including schedules, team registrations, and ticketing, visit our official website and follow us on social media. Get ready for an unforgettable season of soccer!