Glengarry Soccer League

Remarkably soccer players of all ages from across Glengarry take to the fields to compete in, arguably, one of the oldest running sports leagues in Canada. The Glengarry Soccer League, or GSL as it is commonly known, was established in 1924 and is celebrating its centennial milestone in 2024.   

A fascinating 75 year history of the GSL was compiled by a group of dedicated volunteers in 1999.  Glengarry’s Game, A History of 75 years of Soccer in Glengarry extensively chronicles the league teams through the decades. This book includes numerous pictures of winning teams and players, summaries of many a hard fought men and women’s league games and championship series, and fascinating anecdotes and memories shared by and about formidable players long since passed.  Another result of this group’s effort was the collection of memorabilia now displayed in the Soccer Room at Glengarry’s Sports Hall of Fame in Maxville. 

The longevity and continued success of the GSL is attributed to many factors. In recent years the volunteer members of the executive have found ways to stay relevant and efficient in a changing sport environment.  Examples such as on line registration, schedule availability, statistic compilation, field management, training and clinics provided for players, coaches and officials, player safety and concussion protocols identify just a few of the organization’s efforts to keep players and fans returning to the pitch every year. Extensions of the GSL sees players play for the competitive Hearts teams and the Tim Horton’s Dome in Alexandria extends playing opportunities over the winter months. The GSL minor soccer and senior divisions can take some credit for the fact that Glengarry’s high school athletes and school teams have achieved success at the district and provincial championship levels and solidified recognition to Glengarry’s strong soccer reputation.  

The passion and the energy of the countless volunteers is paramount to the success of the GSL past, present and future.  Over the years the executive members have dedicated and continue to dedicate their time and energy to keep the vision and goals of the GSL running. Every volunteer with a role in the Glengarry soccer community, no matter how small, remains an integral part to the league’s success.  The rewards felt by volunteers are intrinsic knowing that they have contributed towards continuing the proud soccer traditions of Glengarry. 

Over the years, credit must be given to the GSL for creating hamlet rivalries and enthusiastic community spirit, and for building friendships and creating memories that last a lifetime.  Everyone involved remembers a time when they were part of memorable soccer moment either as a player, official or fan.  The Glengarry Soccer League can stand proud in knowing it has served this community well for the last 100 years. 

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Jean Marc Titley