"We think the competition format changes we have adopted for 2018 will result in more meaningful matches over the course of the season for both our men's and women's divisions," said Rossi.

"We are also very excited to add a Championship Final for our women, following the success of our first ever men’s final in 2017."

Several new teams join the men's division in 2018, with a couple stalwart organizations taking a year of hiatus from competition.

Unionville Milliken SC becomes the second team in League1 Ontario to declare full-professional status, while Alliance United FC and Darby FC add east-GTA firepower to an already impressive list of teams. You can learn more about Alliance and Darby here and here.

Durham United FA will take a year off from the men’s competition in 2018, with an eye to returning in 2019. North Toronto Nitros have opted not to renew their license.

"We are very pleased to welcome Unionville-Milliken SC, Alliance United FC and Darby FC to our men's division in 2018," said Rossi.

"We expect that all three sides will be highly competitive in their debut seasons. At the same time, we are sorry to see North Toronto leave as they proved to be a very strong, well coached group. As for Durham United, we hope to see them back in the men’s division in 2019 as they are one of our founding teams."