Semi-pro soccer teams coming to Waterloo, for men and women

It's considered the third highest level of soccer in Canada, and it's coming to Waterloo in a big way.

League1 Ontario will be adding Waterloo-based men's and women's teams for 2021.

It comes during the 50th anniversary for Waterloo Minor Soccer.

“It's a compliment to the programs that we already offer,” said Paul Burns, the executive director for Waterloo Minor Soccer/Waterloo United.

“It's a great way for us to continue the pyramid of play within Canada Soccer.  For us, it's a great step forward.”

Generally, the players in this league are university-aged and are high-calibre players.

The season starts in May so it gives those university players, or others coming back home for the summer, a place to play at a high level.

The men's division ends in October, while the women's division finishes up in September.

But with the pandemic, final plans for the 2021 season have not been set in stone.

It's part of wider expansion plans for League1 Ontario.

It also added teams in Guelph, Milton and St. Catharines for the men's side, while also adding women's teams in Guelph and Windsor.

The men's side is now up to 20 teams, and the women are part of a 15-team circuit.

Seeing that expansion is a good thing for soccer in the area, Burns said, while adding in his excitement in having the natural rival up Highway 7.

“To create that natural rivalry is going to be fun, to have local darbys,” he continued, “Whether we take our team and our fans to Guelph, or vice versa, I think it's going to be a lot of fun.”

Burns said they are in discussions with the University of Waterloo to have home games at the stadium.

Announcements on players, tryouts, schedules and other developments will be available at a later date.

If you would like to get more information about joining the team as a player, assistant coach or just want to get involved, Burns said you can reach out to matthew@waterloounited.com