Mainland Cup Explained

Mainland Cup
Founded:1909 (as Mainland Challenge Trophy)
Abolished:1952
Region:Canada (CONCACAF)

The Mainland Cup was a knock-out cup competition for soccer clubs in the Canadian province of British Columbia. The tournament served as the de facto championship for clubs in the province from 1909 to 1952.[1]

History

The Mainland Challenge Cup was founded in 1909 and was contested by clubs in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland region.[1] The Mainland Cup trophy was donated in 1914 by Vancouver legislator William Bowser, who would go on to serve as Premier from 1915 to 1916.[1] The trophy later disappeared, but was recovered and is displayed at the BC Sports Hall of Fame; at one point during its disappearance, the trophy had been used as a garden planter.[1]

The cup was originally played by four teams from the B.C. First Division,[2] but was later expanded to include extra rounds and teams from the Second Division.[3]

The 1933 edition of the cup was won by a team of Chinese students over the University of British Columbia, sparking celebrations in the Chinese community.[4]

In October 1952, the Pacific Coast Soccer League announced that it would have its teams compete in a new tournament that would replace the Mainland Cup.[5]

List of finals

(R) indicates a final that was played as a replay

Season!scope="col"
Winners[6] ScoreRunners–upVenueAttendance
1915scope=rowCoquitlam Ranchers3–0 (R)B.C. Electric

Notes and References

  1. News: Mackie . John . July 29, 2018 . Long-lost B.C. soccer trophy found, in a garage . . July 29, 2018.
  2. News: Gough . Frank . January 18, 1915 . Lonsdale, Cottagers and Coquitlam in semi-finals . 8 . . Newspapers.com . July 29, 2018.
  3. News: December 29, 1916 . Mainland Cup draws are made . 9 . The Vancouver Daily World . Newspapers.com . July 29, 2018.
  4. News: Mickleburgh . Rod . January 11, 2011 . Nearly 70 years on, an act of inclusion for Chinese Students Soccer team . . July 29, 2018.
  5. News: October 10, 1952 . New Competition Will Replace Mainland Cup . 1 . . Newspapers.com . July 29, 2018.
  6. Web site: Jose . Colin . British Columbia: Mainland Cup . Canadian Soccer History . July 29, 2018.