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COME ONE, COME ALL
by Djuradj Vujcic

This article was written for the Volume 2, Issue 2 edition of the York United fanzine called The Crust.

We finally have our own league. Something we have dreamed of for decades. Let us all gather and show our support in the most old-fashioned and concrete of ways – by buying a ticket and being physically present.

 

Every person is needed. We contributed and built this league together and we should all take pride in it. The number of times I’ve heard a naysayer compare our league to South American or European leagues is uncanny. Well, we don’t live there, do we!? I love that there are so many passionate fans in Toronto who hail from South America or Europe and who cheer for some serious clubs. But let’s build something similar here!

 

The power one person can make is immense. But that person has to be present at the stadium to show support for our team (tweeting passionately is like yelling into the void). When Canada qualified for the FIFA World Cup, we could often hear the phrase: Canada is a soccer country. Well, let’s prove it then by supporting local football because charity starts at home. Become a regular by joining forces with the Centre of the Universe, The Northern Corridor, or the Eastenders 416 supporters groups! Come to York Lions Stadium which now feels like home where you’re greeted by the smell of a delectable Sharman’s Proper Pie, a smiling Niko Giantsopoulos and the GOAT of Canadian soccer journalism Rocket Robin (if you know, you know).

 

Our club and league has done so much in such a small amount of time that we should celebrate it. Guys like Chrisno N’Sa, Dom Zator, Isaiah Johnston and Lowell Wright are now carrying the torch and are living proof of the importance of the CPL. The league has allowed great local talent like Osaze De Rosario and Mo Babouli (just to name a couple) the opportunity to shine.

 

I remember the excitement felt when Toronto FC became a thing in 2007 and it is great having three Canadian clubs in the American MLS. But it’s even greater having our own league. Having a fun Toronto-based rivalry is something we could only dream of before and it is now a reality (look out, TFC).

 

Soccer in Canada has advanced so much in the past five-ten years – let alone before that. We now have proper facilities and gone are the days of playing on concrete painted green (I’m looking at you Lamport Stadium in 2006). Kids can now not only dream of playing pro in Canada, they can achieve that dream with proper academies set in place. This is something that generations of fans in Canada have patiently waited for over the course of several decades. We have made leaps and bounds but this is only the beginning. The FIFA World Cup is fast approaching Toronto which is surreal to even write. We will proudly welcome the world and we will be able to look back and say – I too was a part of something great! Not through “constructive criticism” but by helping spread awareness and positivity of the most beautiful game in the world!

© 2025 Djuradj Vujcic

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