The Islamic Soccer League is community-based, non-profit organization. It has expanded remarkably since it’s humble beginnings in 1997. What began as a small recreational program for 34 local children coached by two volunteer coaches is now a multi-faceted league with over 100 volunteer coaches catering to over 1600 participants ages 5 to 18. ISL is commitment to providing all players with a rewarding, enjoyable soccer-playing experience tailored to helping players become more confident, assertive, independent and self-controlled. Through soccer ISL works to instill a stronger sense of self-worth in its players based on their mastery of skills and understanding of the game. Players have the opportunity to assume leadership, cooperate with others; question actions and regulations and accept responsibility for their own behavior.
The Islamic Soccer League’s mission is to nurture good moral character and provide opportunities for players to socialize with others successfully and to learn positive people skills.
1997
1999
- ISL is established as an intramural, not-for-profit community organization administered by parent volunteers, offering a recreational house league program for local children.
- ISL introduces its “rep” program.
- ISL establishes an all-girls house league, providing girls an opportunity to participate.
- The girls divisions progressively expanded to include Under 6 to Under 18 divisions in house league as well as a competitive program.
- ISL is incorporated as a not-for-profit organization and unveils its new website.
2002
2006
2007
- ISL revamps their website and introduces online soccer registration and a web-based team management system
- ISL introduces its outdoor recreation league, for over age players wishing to continue their participation in organized soccer.
- ISL marks its 10th anniversary, while also introducing indoor coaches soccer.
2007
- ISL revamps their website and introduces online soccer registration and a web-based team management system
- ISL introduces its outdoor recreation league, for over age players wishing to continue their participation in organized soccer.
- ISL marks its 10th anniversary, while also introducing indoor coaches soccer.
2010
- The Learn-to-Play format is introduced to the Under-4 and Under-5 divisions.
- ISL launches its Umrah 2012 campaign.
2012
- Umrah 2012 sees several boys teams participate in soccer tournaments in Saudia Arabia as performing Umrah in Mecca.
- ISL marks its 15th anniversary.
- In 2014 –175 travelers to Egypt and Saudi Arabia, against Smouha Soccer Club in Alexandria. ISL accomplished their goal of having a girls team travel to play in Egypt and perform Umrah along with 3 Boys team, 64 players.
- 2014 ISL had four players, a Coach and a Team Manager, selected to participate in an Elite Team of 15 from Scarborough Canada to play in Sweden in the world famous Gothia Cup.
- 2016 ISL repeated the trip of 2014 with 150 people and added games in Madinah as well.
- 2017 Marked our 20th Anniversary, a milestone for any organization.
- 2018 ISL repeated the trip of 2016 with 155 people with Smouha FC and added games in Madinah as well.
- 2020 ISL set vision to Turkey and Umrah. This trip was well organized, prepared and paid for, with 173 travelers set to embark on an experience of a life-time for many, 5 days before departure the trip was cancelled due to Covid-19 Pandemic. All travelers were refunded their money with the League having to take a small loss.
- 2020 Season was completely cancelled because of the pandemic.
- 2021 ISL Stood tall and restarted the program with a limited number of participants due to permit restrictions
- 2022 The League continued to re-emerge as the number one summer program for Canadian Muslim Youths and operated at 75% capacity having to turn away hundreds of participants.
- https://www.thestar.com/amp/sports/soccer/2022/07/12/how-the-islamic-soccer-league-became-a-field-of-opportunity-for-muslim-families-in-the-gta.html
- 2023 Plans are in place to take 4 teams to play overseas and perform Umrah in March – 2 Boys Team and 2 Girls Team. Plans are also set to Open all spaces for the players to join as we celebrate Our 25th Anniversary and the Covid-19 crisis seems to be behind us