maia jones She could hardly believe the news as she stared at her phone.
As soon as he learned to kick the ball, his instincts led him to a career in soccer. But even then, the goal included playing in Europe or the United States.
a pro team? in Canada?
Even dreaming this seemed far-fetched.
Now, aspiring pros like Jones and her Memphis Tigers teammate Grace Stordy will not only have the opportunity to play in their home country, but they’ll also have the chance to live in their hometown.
Calgary Foothills and Vancouver Whitecaps – led by former Foothills member steph labe – The first two teams have been confirmed to join the as-yet-unnamed professional Canadian Women’s Soccer League, which is set to debut in two years.
Project 8 Ventures is headed by a two-time Olympic bronze medalist diana mathesonHis business partner Thomas Gilbert and the greatest international goal scorer of all time: Christine Sinclair.
Matheson said, “The reason I’m announcing this so early is to let these players know this is coming, as they are making decisions about their future, where to go to school, whether to play or not. “
“We want them to know that professional soccer is coming to Canada in 2025.”
Jones said, “To hear that there’s going to be a professional league in two years is amazing.” “It’s in the near future that clearly I have something to strive for.
“I wasn’t expecting to leave home to go play in Europe. But it’s really my only option. So to hear that I can actually stay here is comforting in some ways because I want to be able to see my family.” Didn’t want to leave (and) leave my friends to do something I love.
“I’m very excited to see how this starts and where it ends,” Stordy said. “I have very high expectations, but also no expectations because it’s very new to us. But I think this league will really open a lot of eyes for people around the world.
There is still a long way to go before Foothills announce their first player signing.
The organization’s next steps focus on establishing an ownership group, attracting investors and finding a suitable location.
Dianna Zumwalt, Foothills’ director of women’s pro sports, said several interested parties have already reached out in hopes of finding a home for the squad.
“We have to make an evaluation—what makes the most sense, what’s the most logical,” Zumwalt said. “I am confident that we will be able to get the right ownership and investor group up and running.
“We know what it’s going to take.”
ATCO Field, home of the Canadian Premier League Cavalry FC, can hold up to 6,000 fans at Spruce Meadows – just south of the city. The facility features a pristine Kentucky bluegrass turf.
Foothills said it is not ruling out partnership with CPL, but is looking at all its options.
“Clearly we are not the leader internationally in terms of football-specific stadiums,” Matheson said.
“The canadian premier league Has done an incredible job by investing in infrastructure. As they have done, we are ideally looking at a 6,000 to 8,000-seat stadium. Keep it short, keep it community-based and soccer specific.
Project 8 is also looking for female investors, coaches and medical staff to provide another pro pathway.
The league aims to add two teams in the west and four more in the east, with the final six teams expected to be announced in 2023.
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