Photo: Swan City FC

By Shane Clausing

growing the game

Canadian men’s World Cup qualification could give boost to local soccer teams

Mar 28, 2022 | 5:02 PM

For the first time since 1986, Canada’s men’s soccer team will be at the World Cup.

The World Cup is the largest sporting event in the world and undoubtedly, the canucks will have millions, if not billions, of eyes on them in late November.

Canada qualifying for the 2022 Qatar isn’t just big for the players on the team, but also for youth players in our country.

Swan City FC President Derek Van Tassel thinks we could see the number of people playing the beautiful game go up as interest in the sport continues to grow.

“I think all sports are going to benefit from the pandemic being over, but the fact Canada is going to be in the World Cup, we’ll definitely see an uptick in registration,” he explained.

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“I would expect it’s more likely to happen in the indoor season because this World Cup is being held in Qatar in the late fall as opposed to the traditional summer months.”

Van Tassel adds this won’t be the first time Canadian soccer will see an uptick in people interested, as the women’s team has improved consistently over the last decade.

“I think its important to remember the female Canadian soccer team has performed very well over the last decade and it’s great to see the men catching up, which should hopefully spur on participation,” he added.

With Canada earning a spot in the World Cup, the Canadian Soccer Association (CSA) will likely see a big increase in revenues. The CSA gets money from FIFA, as well as merchandise sold in the lead-up to the World Cup.

That money can help local soccer associations grow, pay for quality coaching, and allow for more players to develop.

While the popularity of soccer in this country is on the verge of exploding, Van Tassel hopes local associations and organizations can keep it affordable.

“I expect there will be more funds available. I’m not sure whether it’s the city or local club who could apply for those funds, but anytime money comes in it could help with coaching. Hopefully, it can help us keep registration costs lower,” he expressed.

“Costs of sports are one of the barriers for registration. Soccer is typically one of the lowest (costing) sports out there, so hopefully, we can keep it that way.”

The 2022 World Cup will be held from November 21 until December 18.