By Paul Nicholson
January 24 – Canadian Soccer Association (CSA) president Victor Montagliani unveiled yesterday a new strategic plan for the sport in the country. Titled Leading a Soccer Nation, the document outlines priorities for 2014-18. But Montagliani is looking further ahead and says that Canada should bid for the 2026 World Cup.
Montagliani highlighted Canada’s credentials and said that hosting 2026 is a logical next step. “We’re the only G-8 nation to not host the World Cup,” Montagliani said on Thursday. “We’ve hosted almost every other event. I think it’s time for Canada to step up to the plate.”
He would likely find his country going up against powerhouse next door neighbours in the USA, though US Soccer Federation president Sunil Gulati has said that the US would need to see more transparency in the rules for bidding before committing to a bid again after the 2022 vote.
Already a leader in the women’s game, Canada is hosting the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015. This will be the first time the tournament has been expanded to 24 teams and the Canadians are targeting 1.5 million ticket sales. This year Canada hosts the Women’s U20 World Cup.
In his introductory remarks to the strategic review Montagliani emphasised the reach football now has in Canada. “With 850,000 registered players, soccer is – by far – the most popular team sport in this country,” he said.
“Globally, Canada ranks in the top ten for participation. Canadian Men’s and Women’s National Teams have captured an Olympic medal and multiple CONCACAF titles. Of the 209 FIFA Member Associations, Canada ranks in the top 5% in qualifying for FIFA World Cup competitions.
“Our sport has never been stronger, with a record number of participants, unprecedented corporate support, and dedicated leaders working together at all levels, from community clubs, through the Provincial and Territorial Associations, to the national governing body.”
The 2014-2018 strategic plan was formulated from a survey of opinion from across the country – literally thousands of responses. “It will help us build towards becoming a leading soccer nation and provides the road map to help get us there. It is a product of the passion that pervades the Canadian soccer community…the passion that will assure our success moving forward,” said Montagliani.
The four strategic priorities for the CSA have been identified as:
1. Invest in technical leadership by supporting our players, coaches and officials at all levels of the sport;
2. Ensure consistent, world class performances by National Teams;
3. Encourage the growth of the game;
4. Govern the game in Canada professionally in collaboration with partners.
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