First Portuguese: A Toronto Soccer Legacy
Before it became one of the most successful Portuguese-Canadian soccer teams in the Canada, First Portuguese was a gathering place for newcomers building new lives in Toronto.
From its early years in the National Soccer League to championship seasons in 1969, 1979 and 1990, the First Portuguese soccer team gave the growing Portuguese community visibility, pride and a place to belong. Its players included major names from Portugal and Canada, while its supporters filled stadiums and carried the club’s colours far beyond the walls of 722 College Street.
More than a team, First Portuguese became a symbol of what an immigrant community could build together.
Read the full story of First Portuguese and its historic legacy in Canadian soccer.
This historical archive is supported by:
About The Author
Paulo Pereira
Paulo Pereira has worked in community media for over 20 years. He started as a reporter for Sol Portugues. Later, he became Editor of Team Desportivo, Director of Flash News, Director of Jornal da Aliança, Director of Luso-Ontario Magazine, and Editor at Correio da Manha Canada's newspaper. Paulo Pereira is also a co-founder of Associacao Migrante de Barcelos where he volunteered for many years as Secretary and Sporting Director. He also volunteered for Casa do Benfica de Toronto for close to a decade as member of the Board in roles such as Public Relations Director and Vice-President for Sports and Culture. Currently, he is the President of Project First Nations, a not-for-profit organization. In November of 2023, he was elected as a member of the Portuguese Community Council, representing the District of Toronto, which includes Ontario, Manitoba and Nunavut. In 2025, he received the King Charles III Coronation Medal from Canada’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Arif Virani.