Italian Canadian Sports Federation (ICSF)

The Italian Canadian Sports Federation (ICSF), a Vancouver-based non-profit organization, was founded in 1979 with a mission to use sports as a means of bringing the Italian Community of Vancouver together. The founders of the ICSF worked hard to organize sports programs for children of Italian immigrants with a focus on “calcio” (Italian for soccer), the sport most loved in Italy. The hard work of the founding fathers proved fruitful as the ICSF became a respected soccer force in Vancouver winning many youth championships and developing numerous players who went on to professional careers with teams such as the Whitecaps and other leagues in North America and the world.

In its heyday of the late 80’s and early 90’s the ICSF also organized swim teams, a bicycle team and a men’s spring soccer tournament called the ICSF Inter-Regional League, or commonly referred to as “the Italian League”. Today, the ICSF is a well-respected multicultural soccer organization that develops young players, coaches and referees in the sport. To this day, many children of the founding fathers are still involved with the ICSF coaching, volunteering or contributing in other ways and their children, the next generation of youth players, are fostering their love of the game at the ICSF.

Best known for its youth and adult soccer programs, ICSF Columbus FC, offers inclusive and development-focused training under the Canada Soccer Grassroots model. With a strong emphasis on long-term player development, sportsmanship, and cultural pride, ICSF continues to make a meaningful impact on hundreds of families in the Lower Mainland. ICSF also hosts the annual ICSF Conwest Coppa Italia adult soccer tournament and manages the Italia adult teams in the annual Nations Cup.

The organization also plays a vital role in fostering Italian Canadian identity through community events and partnerships that celebrate culture, unity, and active living.

Through sport and tradition, ICSF proudly builds future leaders, stronger communities, and lasting legacies