What would happen to those sides already in the MLS? I suppose they'll continue representing Canadian soccer in the US? The dilemma is competing with the MLS? Or accepting the tier status of league football in Canada will never be as high? We have similar issues with English, Welsh & Scottish football.. I think a huge factor in the success of clubs, particularly in Europe, is community status, how important the club is to the community is often matched with how successful it can be. That has to be grown from the bottom but working with schools, colleges, charities, businesses, locally, will all help boost from the bottom up! Much easier to be done in communities with nothing, than already thriving, busy, sporting packed cities!!!
Canadian MLS teams would stay in the MLS and there are no plans to move them over to the CPL. In my opinion that’s a good thing. This creates a pathway to a higher level of play, albeit not the greatest, but it’s still there
The dilemma is typically that since Canada isn’t a soccer nation, they’re betting on the 2026WC to spark things to grow. It may happen, but that’s a big bet imo.
I think the ultimate goal of the CPL should be to be the 3rd best league in CONCACAF. I think it’s possible but it’ll be difficult as a country that’s pretty immature when it comes to pro sports. But I’ll keep my fingers crossed
100% agree on the focus on grassroots too to get interest. Canada has huge participation numbers but it’s mostly seen as a summer sport for fun
Anyway, I hope this added context helps! Thanks for commenting too
Hi Steven, would be v interested in reading your thesis…what’s the best way to get in touch? Thanks!
What would happen to those sides already in the MLS? I suppose they'll continue representing Canadian soccer in the US? The dilemma is competing with the MLS? Or accepting the tier status of league football in Canada will never be as high? We have similar issues with English, Welsh & Scottish football.. I think a huge factor in the success of clubs, particularly in Europe, is community status, how important the club is to the community is often matched with how successful it can be. That has to be grown from the bottom but working with schools, colleges, charities, businesses, locally, will all help boost from the bottom up! Much easier to be done in communities with nothing, than already thriving, busy, sporting packed cities!!!
Canadian MLS teams would stay in the MLS and there are no plans to move them over to the CPL. In my opinion that’s a good thing. This creates a pathway to a higher level of play, albeit not the greatest, but it’s still there
The dilemma is typically that since Canada isn’t a soccer nation, they’re betting on the 2026WC to spark things to grow. It may happen, but that’s a big bet imo.
I think the ultimate goal of the CPL should be to be the 3rd best league in CONCACAF. I think it’s possible but it’ll be difficult as a country that’s pretty immature when it comes to pro sports. But I’ll keep my fingers crossed
100% agree on the focus on grassroots too to get interest. Canada has huge participation numbers but it’s mostly seen as a summer sport for fun
Anyway, I hope this added context helps! Thanks for commenting too