News

January 9, 2026 

International FC is proud to announce a major milestone in the club’s history. Beginning in the 2026 season, York Region’s largest soccer academy will officially compete in League1 Ontario after acquiring the Men’s and Women’s licenses from Alliance United FC. 

Alliance United FC, operated by Markham Soccer Club, has competed in the League1 Ontario environment since 2017. After stepping back from League1 competition, Alliance United has transferred both licenses to International FC, opening the door for the club’s next chapter.  

This moment has been years in the making. International FC brings prior League1 experience through its affiliation with Masters FA Saints and has long been building toward its ascension to a standalone League1 Ontario license holder. Entry into League1 Ontario represents the next evolution of IFC’s player development model and long-term vision.  

For the 2026 season, International FC will field a Men’s First Team competing in the League1 Ontario Premier Division. The club will also field a Men’s Reserve Team in the League2 Division, along with a team competing in the U20 League.  

International FC will also field a Women’s First Team competing in the League1 Ontario Championship Division for the 2026 season. In addition, the club will operate a Women’s Reserve Team competing in the Women’s League2 Division, reinforcing its commitment to providing a complete and competitive pathway for female players.  

International FC will play its 2026 home matches at Zanchin Automotive Soccer Centre while Dufferin Community Centre, the club’s future home venue, undergoes redevelopment to meet League1 standards for the 2027 season.  

Giuseppe Mattace Raso, League1 Head Coach and General Manager of International FC, shared the significance of this milestone:  

“This moment represents the natural culmination of a journey that began many years ago, driven by a clear football vision. IFC’s entry into League1 is built on professionalism, consistency, and genuine collaborations.  

From its beginning, IFC stood for doing things the right way, creating a serious, high-level environment where professionalism is a daily standard, international outlook and networks are real because they are lived, not advertised, and players are given the ideal support to express themselves and grow.  

This step places IFC at the top of Canadian football, not as an arrival point, but as a responsibility we fully embrace.  

By entering League1, the doors are now open to every player with the ability and ambition to pursue our vision and do more than simply participate. This is who we have always been. Today, we simply take our place where that identity belongs." 

This announcement represents more than a league entry. It is a statement of intent. International FC continues to raise the standard for player development, competition, and community impact across the York Region.