With the Women’s World Cup of Soccer currently taking place in Australia, there is an increasing spotlight on women’s soccer and the potential for a professional women’s soccer team in Saskatoon, Canada. A former Team Canada hero, Diana Matheson, is using this buzz to showcase a new professional women’s soccer league in the country.
Diana Matheson, a two-time Olympic medallist, was in Saskatoon recently, presenting her vision for the future of professional women’s soccer in Canada. Matheson, who scored the goal that won Canada the bronze medal in the 2012 London Olympics, is now leading Project 8, an eight-team Canadian professional league scheduled to launch in 2025.
The turnout for Matheson’s presentation was exceptional, and she expressed her excitement about bringing a professional women’s soccer team to Saskatoon in 2025. Rahim Mohamed, the CEO and sporting director of the Saskatchewan Soccer Association, also acknowledged the significant gap in Canadian soccer and women’s professional sport in the country. He believes that Project 8’s plan to address this gap is essential, especially considering the passionate soccer community and the high interest in women’s sport and the women’s national soccer team.
Matheson emphasized that the women’s professional league aims to create opportunities not only for players but also for women in various aspects of professional sports, including the boardroom, the media, and ownership. The goal is to build a robust ecosystem that supports and empowers women in all areas of the sport.
While the opportunity to have a team in Saskatchewan is thrilling, Mohamed emphasized the need for swift action. If they don’t act quickly and secure support from the business community and interested investors, the possibility of having a team in Saskatchewan may slip away, and fans may have to travel to Winnipeg or Edmonton to watch professional women’s soccer.
One of the added benefits of having a team in Saskatchewan is the impact it will have on aspiring young athletes. The presence of role models like Matheson right in their backyard will provide invaluable inspiration and interaction opportunities. Mohamed highlighted that witnessing professional sports firsthand on a weekly basis will be immensely beneficial for young athletes in the region.
Matheson attributed her success in her business career to the lessons she learned on the soccer field. She believes that having a professional women’s soccer league in Canada will not only provide a platform for players but also create a supportive environment where women can excel in various roles.
Project 8 has gained official recognition from Soccer Canada and has secured major corporate sponsor support. As of now, three teams have signed on for the league’s inaugural season in 2025: Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto.
In conclusion, the push for a professional women’s soccer team in Saskatoon has gained momentum thanks to Diana Matheson and Project 8. The prospect of having a team in Saskatchewan is exciting for both players and fans alike. With the growing interest in women’s soccer, the time to act is now, and it is crucial for the province to seize this opportunity and make it a reality. By doing so, they can not only support aspiring athletes but also contribute to the overall growth and success of women’s professional sports in Canada.
