Canada League 1 British Columbia

Canada League 1 British Columbia

Links
Website Wikipedia

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.

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.

The Canada League 1 British Columbia is a highly anticipated soccer tournament held annually in the beautiful province of British Columbia, Canada. This prestigious event brings together some of the most talented soccer teams from across the region to compete for the coveted title of champions.

The tournament showcases the immense passion and skill of Canadian soccer, providing a platform for both established and emerging teams to showcase their talent. With a rich history dating back several years, the Canada League 1 British Columbia has become a staple in the local soccer community, attracting a large and enthusiastic fan base.

The tournament features a thrilling format, with teams battling it out in a series of intense matches. The competition is fierce, as teams strive to outperform their opponents and secure their place in the finals. The matches are played in various stadiums across British Columbia, offering spectators the opportunity to witness the action up close and personal.

The Canada League 1 British Columbia not only promotes the sport of soccer but also fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among players, coaches, and fans. It serves as a platform for players to showcase their skills and potentially catch the attention of scouts and professional teams.

The tournament is known for its high level of competition, with teams displaying exceptional athleticism, strategic gameplay, and a deep understanding of the sport. The matches are filled with thrilling moments, breathtaking goals, and nail-biting finishes, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats throughout.

Whether you are a die-hard soccer fan or simply enjoy the excitement of live sports, the Canada League 1 British Columbia is an event not to be missed. It offers a unique opportunity to witness the best of Canadian soccer talent and experience the electric atmosphere that surrounds the sport. So grab your jerseys, bring your friends and family, and join us for an unforgettable celebration of soccer in beautiful British Columbia.