Forty years after the inaugural national women’s team camp took place in Winnipeg, representatives from various government levels and the Northern Super League convened on Tuesday to reveal the location of the upcoming Winnipeg team’s home ground.
During a press conference, league president Christina Litz, a Manitoban, proudly disclosed that the new Winnipeg team’s stadium will be constructed at the Ralph Cantafio Soccer Complex. Notably, the complex hosted the Canadian women’s national team’s first training camp in 1986.
The forthcoming facility will be a modular stadium integrated into 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 facilitated by a $30 million investment from international sports firm APEX earlier in the summer.
The Winnipeg team, set to debut in the new modular stadium next season, owes much to Manitoba’s Desiree Scott, a retired player and Olympic gold medalist. Litz emphasized the pivotal role of the Canadian women’s national team members in the formation of the Northern Super League, highlighting Desiree Scott’s significant contribution.
Desiree Scott partnered with Rob Gale, the first head coach and general manager of the now-defunct Valour FC men’s soccer team, to establish the Winnipeg franchise. Scott, a former midfielder, expressed her excitement at seeing the dream of bringing the Northern Super League to Winnipeg materialize with the unveiling of the new stadium.
Funding for the stadium project includes a $2.1 million contribution from the federal government, $750,000 from the province, and $600,000 from the city. SixFive Stadium Experience, a Vancouver-based firm, will spearhead the project, ensuring the stadium’s design allows for future expansion in line with the club’s growth.
With a planned capacity of around 4,500 seats, the stadium aims to enhance the spectator experience by bringing fans closer to the field, fostering a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. Mayor Scott Gillingham hailed the project as a crucial step in providing a fitting venue for professional soccer in Winnipeg, emphasizing the importance of creating a dynamic and engaging environment for players and fans alike.
Gale, serving as the team’s chief sporting officer, affirmed Winnipeg’s commitment to women’s sports and the longevity of the Winnipeg team, contrasting it with the fate of Valour FC. The new stadium signifies Winnipeg’s dedication to women’s sports, signaling seriousness to sponsors, broadcasters, and other cities in the league.
Gale highlighted the stadium’s significance in inspiring young girls aspiring to emulate athletes like Desiree Scott, envisioning a future where these girls can proudly attend games in a stadium tailored for their sport and future aspirations. Scott echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the stadium’s role in fostering community, pride, and a shared love for the beautiful game among fans and players alike.