OTTAWA — Canada Soccer has opened a national consultation that will help determine the organization’s priorities, resources and direction for the years ahead.

The governing body said the first phase will run from October through December 2026. Facilitated sessions will involve provincial and territorial members as well as players, national-team alumni, coaches, referees, clubs, professional leagues, governments, partners, donors and leaders in high-performance and international soccer.

Public feedback invited through December

The process is not limited to invited participants. Canada Soccer is asking anyone with an interest in the sport’s future to review its strategic-planning materials and submit comments by the end of December.

The background material examines participation, player development, the structure of the Canadian soccer system, the resources required to meet the organization’s ambitions and the broader role of the sport in Canadian society.

Canada Soccer said the material is intended to start discussion rather than present a finished plan. Management will develop the strategy using the feedback it receives, while the organization’s board will provide direction and approve the final document.

New strategy expected in 2027

After the consultation closes, Canada Soccer plans to identify common themes and areas of disagreement before preparing a draft in early 2027. That draft will be released for another round of feedback.

The organization expects to publish the final strategy later in 2027 and begin formal implementation on January 1, 2028.

The review comes as Canadian soccer experiences increased attention following the 2026 men’s World Cup, continued national-team development and growth in the domestic professional game. The consultation will test how Canada Soccer converts that interest into long-term participation, development and organizational capacity.

Source: Canada Soccer, October 8.

Lead image: AI-generated archive football illustration; not a photograph of the consultation process or a Canada Soccer event.