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History of Indoor Ultimate in Toronto

1997 saw the introduction of a new phase in the Toronto Ultimate scene. No longer would we be bound by the whims of the seasons, indoor play had arrived!

Indoor started with 12 teams at the Coffee Time Soccer Centre in Vaughan. (See “Indoor Ultimate Cures Winter Blues” front page article of 1998 Pie Plate.) The facility was nicknamed “the barn”, so each year team names were inspired by a different farm animal, a tradition that continues today.

1997/1998 - Pig
1998/1999 - Cow
1999/2000 - Sheep
2000/2001 - Horse
2001/2002 - Chicken

In 2002, shortly before the season was to begin, Coffee Time informed TUC that the regular time slot was no longer available. After a frantic search, GM John Harris was able to find two fields available at the Downsview Hangar, Tuesday nights from 11:00pm-12:30am. A four team men's league was hastily formed.

2002/2003 - Dog

In 2003, field space opened up at the Hangar on Thursday night, and the league offered some men's and co-ed, eventually shifting back to all co-ed. The co-ed league still thrives in the same Thursday 7pm-midnight time slot every winter.

2003/2004 - Rabbit
2004/2005 - Cat
2005/2006 - Goat

In 2006, field costs had escalated and the decision was made to stop printing shirts for this league to keep player costs low. Starting in the fall of 2007, the fall and winter sessions have been given different animal themes.

2006/2007 - Dog
2007/2008 - Pig/Cow
2008/2009 - Lamb/Horse
2009/2010 - Fish/Bird
2010/2011 - Rabbit/Cat

With the advent of new indoor facilities in recent years, additional leagues have been added. TUC now boasts indoor leagues on five days of the week, at various facilities around the city, with more options being added every year. Diverse offerings are thriving (co-ed, men's, women's, pickup, and a new Masters league started in Fall 2010). 144 teams participated in TUC leagues in the 2009/2010 indoor season, and indoor leagues now account for over 40% of TUC's net revenue! In 2008 we created the Jim Lim Fall Indoor Leagues Trophy and in 2009 The Derek Sigurdson Winter Indoor League Trophy, to honour all of our many new champions.

TUC Indoor League is no longer a small part of what we do; we are now are truly a year-round Club!

These histories were pieced together in late 2010 from various sources for TUC's 30th Anniversary, and almost certainly include minor inaccuracies or one-sided views. Please send any suggestions for improvements, additions or updates to webmaster@tuc.org.