In 1961, along with industrialist Larry Myslivec and journalist Ed Fitken, Steve Stavro, a Macedonian Canadian businessman who would go on to own Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, formed the Toronto City Soccer Club which played in the newly created Eastern Canada Professional Soccer League.

City won the league in 1964, and in November of that year they offered the role of "manager-coach" to Stan Cullis.

In 1966 Stavro helped form the United Soccer Association and entered a team called Toronto City in the new league.

Not wanting to lose ground to its rival, the USA decided to fast track its launch.

[2] Together with Cleveland Stokers, Detroit Cougars, New York Skyliners, Boston Rovers and Washington Whips, City competed in the Eastern Division.