Forty years have passed since the inaugural national women’s team camp convened in Winnipeg. Representatives from various government levels and the Northern Super League met on Tuesday to reveal the location of the new team’s home stadium in the city.
League president Christina Litz, a Manitoban, proudly disclosed that the new Winnipeg team’s stadium will be constructed at the Ralph Cantafio Soccer Complex, a site with historical significance as the venue for the Canadian women’s national team’s first training camp in 1986.
The upcoming facility will be a modular stadium situated within the existing complex. Winnipeg was designated as the host city for the Northern Super League’s inaugural expansion team on July 14, expanding the league to seven teams. This expansion was made possible by a $30 million investment from international sports firm APEX during the summer.
Scheduled to debut in the upcoming season, the Winnipeg team will play in its new modular stadium, a development largely attributed to Manitoba’s Desiree Scott, a retired player and Olympic gold-medalist. Scott, alongside Rob Gale, co-founded the franchise, with Gale serving as the team’s initial head coach and general manager.
The project for the new stadium received financial support from the federal government with a contribution of $2.1 million, while the province and city pledged $750,000 and $600,000, respectively. Vancouver-based firm SixFive Stadium Experience will spearhead the stadium construction, with the vice-president of business development, Adam Torpey, emphasizing the stadium’s capacity of around 4,500 seats and its design focused on enhancing the fan experience and fostering a vibrant atmosphere.
Mayor Scott Gillingham expressed excitement about the stadium, highlighting its suitability for professional soccer and its potential to create an engaging environment for players and fans. Gale, in his role as the team’s chief sporting officer, underlined the long-term commitment of the Winnipeg team to women’s sports development in the city and its impact on various stakeholders.
The establishment of a dedicated home stadium for professional women’s soccer in Winnipeg is seen as a catalyst for inspiring young girls aspiring to pursue soccer careers, echoing the achievements of players like Desiree Scott. The new stadium symbolizes a significant milestone, offering a platform for unity, celebration, and pride for the city and the sport.
