York United FC has announced a new key partnership with League1 Ontario side Alliance United that will see squad members have the opportunity to gain additional competitive experience in lower divisions during the season.

The pilot project was officially unveiled by the Canadian Premier League, and comes with approval by Canada Soccer.

Intended to improve player development within the Canadian soccer pyramid, CPL players now have various opportunities to earn valuable match experience.

“It is common in professional soccer for the lion’s share of first-team minutes to be played by about two thirds of a team’s roster,” said Mark Noonan, Commissioner, Canadian Premier League.

“By implementing this pilot project, we intend to maximize the benefits of the ever-improving pathway between amateur and professional men’s soccer in Canada, ensuring all our CPL players, especially those under the age of 23, get the consistent competitive game time that is critical to their growth, as well as the growth of the overall pool of players in our country.”

With all eight CPL teams allowed to affiliate with a lower-level club, York United have joined forces with Alliance United, with the aim of giving players - particularly those under the age of 23 - additional playing time.

Inevitably, there are plenty of guidelines for clubs to follow.

There is no limit to the number of players a CPL club can send to its affiliate per year. But, a maximum of two outfield players and one goalkeeper can move down at any given time.

There is a heavy focus on developing young talent so players aged 23 or older may only appear in three games for the affiliate club per year, and only one player aged 23 or older can be moved down at any given time. Meanwhile, there is no match limit for players under the age of 23.

Minutes earned by Under-21 CPL players in lower division play do not count toward the League’s Under-21 minutes threshold.

There is no upward movement from affiliate clubs to the CPL as part of the pilot project. CPL players on loan in the League are not eligible to play in a lower division. CPL players may not appear in any Canadian Championship games or any post-season games for their affiliate club.

CPL clubs and their 2023 affiliate

York United FC: Alliance United FC (League1 Ontario)

Forge FC: Sigma FC (League1 Ontario)

Cavalry FC: Cavalry FC U21 (Alberta Men’s Soccer League)

Vancouver FC: Unity FC (League1 BC)

Pacific FC: Nautsa’mawt FC (League1 BC)

Halifax Wanderers FC, Valour FC and Atlético Ottawa can affiliate with one club in any of the designated leagues at any point in the 2023 season.

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