League1 Ontario kicks off the 2019 season on Friday May 3 – the sixth in the standards-based, pro-am Ontario senior league’s history – with two matches in the women’s division and one in the men’s division.

"The 2019 season marks the beginning of a bold new era for League1 Ontario," said League1 Commissioner, Dino Rossi Jr.

"With new teams, new coaches and the expected infusion of many new young stars coming into the league, there will be no shortage of exciting story-lines around our league."

League1 rosters are due for a new look in the season ahead as a large number of players have graduated to professional environments around the world – including 31 former League1 men’s players currently signed to professional contracts with Canadian Premier League (CPL) clubs.

“This off-season has been the busiest in our history,” said Rossi. “We are so excited for the large number of all-star calibre players, both male and female, who have graduated to higher level professional opportunities, whether it be with Canadian Premier League sides or in foreign leagues.”

"This creates significant opportunities for the next generation to make their mark on League1 and catch the attention of the professional clubs, who clearly view League1 as the best platform for professional development in Canada."

In 2019, a table of 16 men’s teams will compete for the 2019 League1 Ontario title and a berth in the 2020 Canadian Championship. The teams will play a 15-match regular season, with eight teams qualifying for a post-season playoff competition to determine the champion.

Quarter-finals and semi-finals will feature a two-leg format in 2019, with the 2019 Championship Final to be contested on September 28.