YORK UNITED FC ANNOUNCE LEAGUE1 ONTARIO TEAM FOR 2025
YORK UNITED FC ACADEMY WILL COMPETE IN THE MEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP AND PLAY HOME GAMES AT YORK LIONS STADIUM
York United FC have acquired a license to compete in the League1 Ontario Men’s Championship Division in 2025 - the second
tier of Ontario’s Pro-Am soccer pyramid.
The name and logo for the new team have also been revealed.
Beginning next season, York United FC Academy will feature amateur U20 players, as well as a maximum of three domestic
U23 players at any one time. The license also allows for a maximum of three players who can be called down from the
club’s Canadian Premier League roster on short-term loans. The team - like its CPL counterpart - will play home games
at York Lions Stadium.
"It's coming up on exactly one year since we formally took control of the club and publicly discussed our objectives
and goals for the first time," says Eduardo Pasquel, Chief Executive Officer of York United FC.
"We made it clear that the biggest priority for us was investing in Canadian talent. That wasn't just a baseless statement.
Conversations had actually begun with League1 prior to our official unveiling as owners so it's wonderful to finally see
this project come to fruition. We'd like to thank all of our friends at L1ON, Canadian Soccer Business and Ontario Soccer
for their tireless work and support."
In the past six seasons, over 30 players with League1 Ontario experience have signed with The Nine Stripes. Since taking
ownership of the club, Game Plan Sports Group have looked to identify the best ways of providing local young talent with
the most impactful opportunities.
"We've all watched Shola Jimoh enjoy a spectacular year and it's a perfect example of what a gifted young player can
achieve when they're given a chance," says Ricardo Pasquel, General Manager and President at York United FC.
"We know the immense talent that exists within the Greater Toronto Area and throughout Canada. It's our responsibility
to not only discover but develop and provide a pathway towards professionalism for countless young players. Our message
is clear: the potential here is limitless. The creation of a League1 Ontario team has been a long-term aim of ours
and we feel it's the ideal way for elite young players to gain meaningful, consistent and competitive minutes. We can't
wait to see the new team in action."
Chris Keem, Operations Manager at League1 Ontario, said:
"York United have long been supporters of the Pro-Am level and frequently looked to League1 Ontario for local talents
to join their professional roster."
"Their commitment to fielding an academy team in the Men’s Championship reinforces the province’s pathway from
standards-based soccer to the professional game, and provides more opportunity to homegrown players. We would like
to officially welcome York United FC Academy to League1 Ontario, and we are excited for The Nine Stripes to add to what
will be another competitive Men’s Championship season."
Some logistical details are still being finalized but the majority of York United FC Academy home games will take place
on the same day as York United fixtures, so fans will be treated to frequent doubleheaders at York Lions Stadium.
Further announcements relating to the York United FC Academy, including technical staff, will be announced in due course.
About York United FC
York United FC is a founding member of the Canadian Premier League (CPL) and based in the hustle and bustle of Toronto.
The club has made the postseason on three occasions and also reached the semi-finals of the Canadian Championship.
Under the stewardship of new owners Game Plan Sports Group, the club enjoyed their best-ever campaign in 2024,
with record highs on and off the field.
For updates and more information, please visit yorkunitedfc.ca.
Connect with York United FC on social media: @yorkutdfc
Connect with York United FC Academy: @L1yorkutdfc
About League1 Ontario
League1 Ontario is the province’s standards-based soccer competition. Founded by Ontario Soccer in 2014, L1ON has expanded
from 10 teams to more than 40 across its men’s and women’s divisions, and implemented a three-tiered promotion
and relegation system in 2024. Owned and managed by Canadian Soccer Business (CSB) and sanctioned by FIFA through
the domestic authority of Canada Soccer, L1ON provides a pathway from high-performance youth to professional levels
of the game.
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Eoin O'Callaghan
Vice President, Content & Communication Strategy
York United FC
Phone: 647-554-3644
Website: www.yorkunitedfc.ca
681 Rowntree Dairy Rd - Unit 2
ON L4L 5T9
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