Wikipedia - Ligue1 Québec
Ligue1 Québec (L1QC) is a semi-professional men's and women's soccer league in Quebec, Canada. Founded in 2011 as the Première ligue de soccer du Québec, the league is sanctioned by the Canadian Soccer Association and the Quebec Soccer Federation.
In the Canadian soccer league system, the men's division is behind the fully-professional Canadian Premier League. It is part of League1 Canada, the national third tier with regional division, along with three other provincial leagues. The men's league champion qualifies for the Canadian Championship, Canada's domestic cup tournament.
History
Background
The history of soccer in Quebec dates back to 1884, with the first league established in 1886. In 1911, the Province of Quebec Football Association, now known as the Quebec Soccer Federation was founded. In 1986, a semi-professional league called the Ligue nationale de soccer du Québec (LNSQ) was created, but it merged with different rival leagues to form the Ligue de soccer élite du Québec in 1992. In 1993, five of the former LNSQ clubs Corfinium St-Leonard, Cosmos de LaSalle, Luso Stars Mont-Royal, Montreal Croatia, and Montreal Ramblers joined the Canadian National Soccer League (CNSL) to form the league's Eastern Division. Following this, the amateur Ligue de soccer élite du Québec served as the top level of soccer in the province, although Quebec clubs did play in the United Soccer League (Montreal Impact) and the semi-professional Canadian Soccer League (Laval Dynamites/Trois-Rivières Attak and Montreal Impact Academy).
Foundation
In 2011, the Première ligue de soccer du Québec was established, marking the return of a semi-professional soccer league to the province for the first time in 20 years. The league was sanctioned by the Canadian Soccer Association as a level 3 league, below Major League Soccer (level 1) and the North American Soccer League and United Soccer League (level 2), which were American-based fully professional leagues featuring some Canadian teams, including the Montreal Impact of the MLS.
The league had its debut season in 2012 with a men's division featuring five teams – A.S. Blainville, FC Brossard, FC Boisbriand, FC L'Assomption, and FC Saint-Léonard. FC Saint-Léonard won the inaugural season. The following season, the league added a league cup to its schedule, the Coupe PLSQ, which would take place annually at the conclusion of the season, unrelated to the results of the regular season. In 2014, the province of Ontario created its own semi-professional level 3 league, League1 Ontario, and the Inter-Provincial Cup was established which would be contested between the champions of each league and ran for three years until 2016. In 2015, the league added its first club from outside of the province of Quebec, with the Ottawa Fury FC Academy joining the league.
Beginning in 2018, the league champion qualified to participate in the Canadian Championship for the following season. In 2018, a women's division was added, starting with five teams. The start of the 2020 season was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it ultimately resumed with a shortened season, although some teams opted out of playing for the season. However, the remainder of the men's season was cancelled about three-quarters of the way through the season, due to a resurgence of the pandemic (the female season had already concluded).
In 2022, the PLSQ joined League1 Canada along with League1 Ontario and League1 British Columbia. On April 19, 2023, the league rebranded to Ligue1 Québec to align with its partner leagues. In 2024, it was announced that USL League Two club Vermont Green FC would host the reigning L1Q champion each year in a friendly each year, known as the Maple Cup.
Welcome to the Canada League1 Quebec, an exhilarating soccer tournament that showcases the best of talent and competition in the province of Quebec. Established to elevate the level of play and provide a platform for aspiring athletes, this league is a vital part of the Canadian soccer landscape.
**Tournament Overview:**
Canada League1 Quebec features a dynamic mix of professional and semi-professional teams, representing cities and communities across the province. The tournament is designed to foster local talent, promote the growth of soccer in Quebec, and create a pathway for players to reach higher levels of competition, including national and international opportunities.
**Format:**
The tournament operates on a league format, where teams compete in a series of matches throughout the season. Each team plays against one another, accumulating points to secure their position in the standings. The top teams will advance to the playoffs, culminating in an exciting championship match that determines the league champion.
**Community Engagement:**
Canada League1 Quebec is not just about the game; it’s about building community. The tournament encourages local support, with fans coming together to cheer for their teams, fostering a sense of pride and unity. Community events, youth clinics, and outreach programs are integral parts of the tournament, ensuring that soccer remains accessible and engaging for all.
**Player Development:**
With a focus on player development, Canada League1 Quebec provides athletes with the opportunity to hone their skills, gain valuable match experience, and showcase their abilities to scouts and coaches. The league emphasizes sportsmanship, teamwork, and the importance of education, helping players grow both on and off the field.
**Join Us:**
Whether you’re a passionate soccer fan, a player looking to make your mark, or a community member eager to support local talent, Canada League1 Quebec invites you to be part of this thrilling tournament. Experience the excitement, the competition, and the spirit of soccer in Quebec as we celebrate the beautiful game together!
For schedules, team information, and ticket details, visit our official website and follow us on social media. Let’s kick off an unforgettable season in Canada League1 Quebec!