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The federal government has committed up to $5.45 million to support the Northern Super League (NSL) and promote the development of professional women's soccer in Canada.
Ottawa, which has entered into discussions with the freshman league to assess its needs, says the funding is aimed at “providing transformative upgrades to facilities used by the league across the country.”
The government says talks include ways to “support targeted public infrastructure: promote NSL growth and regional economic development.”
Improving the league's infrastructure has been a key priority for the six-team league, which has faced planning challenges and must share stadiums owned and operated by others. We need medium-sized grounds suitable for football.
NSL president Christina Lietz said the money would be distributed among clubs, mainly to improve infrastructure at their stadiums and training facilities.
“Each region faces different challenges,” she said.
NSL owners will also be investing in increasing the federal contribution, Litz said.
Heading into their first-ever NSL Championship game, Vancouver Rise players Holly Ward and Latifa Abdou, and AFC Toronto players Emma Regan and Nikki Small talk to CBC Sports about what winning the finals would mean to them.
The NSL has announced plans to add a seventh team in 2027, with an eye toward Central and Western Canada.
“Sports play an important role as we invest in Canada's future, and women's sports, one of the fastest-growing industries in the country, is proud to invest in and strengthen communities across the country,” said Diana Matheson, co-founder and chief development officer of NSL.
The announcement on Saturday was made at BMO Field just before the start of the first NSL Championship game between Toronto AFC and the Vancouver Rise.
Those present included four federal ministers – Evan Solomon, Melanie Jolie, Gregor Robertson and Adam van Coeverden – as well as NSL President Christina Lietz and Matheson.
“[The] The Northern Super League is a game changer for women in sports, inspiring communities and strengthening our economy,” said Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister Responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
“Our government is proud to support this incredible event and invest in the continued growth of the league.”
The federal government, through FedDev Ontario, previously announced $180,000 to support the inaugural NSL Championship, saying it is expected to attract thousands of visitors and generate significant economic activity in the Greater Toronto Area.
