REGINA — Canada’s historic run in the FIFA World Cup could bring new energy to Regina soccer, with FC Regina expecting more people to take interest in the game.
Canada has advanced to the Round of 16 for the first time in the tournament, and FC Regina marketing and communications co-ordinator Gordon West says he expects a boost in interest in local soccer.
“I would anticipate that we'll see a large push from people coming up and trying to join FC Regina and try soccer as a game.”
FC Regina has recorded a notable rise in player registrations over the last few years, with soccer ranked as the most popular youth sport according to Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities.
“I think people come to realize that soccer is a cheaper game to play in comparison to other sports. I think you see a lot of people coming to the game and trying out,” said West.
FC Regina offers a variety of leagues for youth under five to players in their 50s.
These players include West, who said watching the FIFA World Cup as a nine-year-old galvanized him.
“Being from England, watching some of those heroes play in 1986 really galvanized the sport for me.”
With the World Cup underway, West says FC Regina players are becoming more serious about their own development and performance.
“They're right in the middle of their seasons, and having something like the World Cup happen only helps focus them and helps them kind of push towards their goals.”
Those goals are supported by opportunities for players to connect with their heroes, noted West.
“We bring coaches across the country, including Paolo Ceccarelli and university coaches, to give kids access to people like that to help facilitate and grow their love of the game.”
A growing passion for soccer among Canadian youth could help create stronger and more diverse national teams in the future.
“Each team that went on built something for the next generation, and you know, hopefully with this team now going forward, making that round of 16, it sets a new standard for the next players,” said West.
Canada’s run in the FIFA World Cup will continue on Saturday as they face Morocco.
