A new era of League1 Ontario arrived this week with the 2024 Plan: A dramatic change in competition structure that will see a true footballing pyramid, promotion and relegation, and a new League2 division formed.
While aesthetically pleasing for those who follow football abroad, the 2024 Plan is much more than a neat and tidy pyramid – more competitive matches between like-minded teams and the greater development of the league is the goal.
Below are reactions to Tuesday’s announcement from some of League1 Ontario's biggest names, including Men’s and Women’s MVP winners Jace Kotsopoulos and Laura Twidle.
“Wow, it really is attainable.
— League1 Ontario, Men’s Division (@L1OMens) January 27, 2022
Now, you can play on your local team & then all of a sudden, you're playing against CPL/MLS teams.”
- Terrell Spencer (Defender, @MastersFA) reflects on his experience at the Canadian Championships & provides his thoughts on the L1O #2024Plan pic.twitter.com/7cPBYzWoCW
“A great step forward for Ontario soccer.
— League1 Ontario, Women’s Division (@L1OWomens) January 26, 2022
This structure can only make it more competitive. You’re going to have the best playing with the best.
Teams are going to be scratching & clawing to make sure they stay in that division.”
- @Twidle44, Captain & Forward @TheBlueDevilsFC pic.twitter.com/vbjQOEb5i9
"That’s what I think our system needs.
— League1 Ontario, Women’s Division (@L1OWomens) January 25, 2022
Our system needs to be pushing us forward & elevating our system, our game, our clubs.
And if the top is elevating, everything else follows.”
- @AudraSherman (Women’s Sporting Dir, @RoversFC_L1O) thoughts on the new L1O 2024 Plan pic.twitter.com/pFr376v8mn
“I’ve played in the CPL & I’ve played in L1O & I think the pathway is going to be that much easier too.
— League1 Ontario, Men’s Division (@L1OMens) January 27, 2022
As long as you’re performing & you’re a good player, you have the opportunity to make it up to that next level.”
- @jacekotso (Forward, @guelphunitedfc) #2024Plan pic.twitter.com/c75AIsbzID
“Every single game matters & the players & the fans will have something to be excited about.
— League1 Ontario, Men’s Division (@L1OMens) January 26, 2022
I think it provides the opportunity to have a high standard, both in & out of competition."
- Justin Springer (Associate Head Coach, @guelphunitedfc) thoughts on the new L1O 2024 Plan pic.twitter.com/EQXkPepIL7
“I think it brings a need…it’s only going to make every game more meaningful.”
— League1 Ontario, Men’s Division (@L1OMens) January 25, 2022
- Patrice Gheisar (Head Coach & High Performance Director at @vaughansoccercl) thoughts on the new L1O 2024 Plan#L1O #2024Plan #ElevatingTheGame pic.twitter.com/odmDbGVjtd