New soccer league still high on region

Waterloo Region remains a target for a professional soccer franchise in the upstart Canadian Premier League.

But the lack of a suitable stadium — capable of seating at least 7,000 — remains a giant hurdle in joining the league, which is set to launch next spring.

“We like the region, I can’t say that loud enough,” said CPL chair and commissioner David Clanachan. “All the lights are green for us going forward. One of the things we’re most concerned about is where do we play? That’s what’s missing.”

League officials recently met with local soccer supporters and interested team owner Barry MacLean at a Waterloo eatery as part of a cross-country trip to gauge interest from various communities it considers franchise contenders.

“The fact that they did a tour around the country and included K-W in it was very positive,” said Adrian Martin, who attended the meeting and is a co-founder of the local soccer supporter group Grand River Union.

“A lot of teams and leagues say they’re about the fans but to actually have them come to you and where you are, that in itself was pretty awesome.”

The CPL is certainly enamoured with the area, stadium issues aside.

“It’s definitely on the radar,” said Clanachan, who is also the chair of Restaurant Brands International and former president of Tim Hortons Canada. “We’re very impressed by the level of enthusiasm but also with the passion for the game that exists.”

So far, the CPL has announced two member clubs in Hamilton and Winnipeg and plans to reveal up to six to eight more in the coming months. The outfit will be the top domestic soccer league in the country and focus heavily on Canadian talent, though some imports will be allowed to join the loop.

Waterloo Region’s growing population, solid soccer roots and dedicated supporters were discussed at last month’s meeting, which included CPL marketing director Roy Nasrala, formerly of Nike.

The league says there are interested parties in owning a franchise but that ultimately any successful bid would be one that also involves local businesses, government and a vibrant fan base.

And, of course, there’s the stadium.

Hamilton plans to play out of Tim Hortons Field (24,000 seats) while Winnipeg is expected to call Investors Group Field (about 33,000) home. The CPL doesn’t expect every club to boast such grand stadiums but officials did mention a 7,000 seat capacity — with room to grow — as the floor.

The only option in Waterloo Region is Wilfrid Laurier’s University Stadium, which can fit about 6,000 spectators but doesn’t offer the necessary amenities for a professional team in its current state. There are no plans to build a new facility in the area at this time.

That leaves soccer fans starved for a product, especially since top amateur club K-W United FC recently ended its affiliation with the Premier Development League after a five-year run.

Grand River Union — and its 150 or so members — will carry on.

The group plans to hold events in conjunction with this summer’s FIFA World Cup in Russia and is holding a fundraiser to help a local men’s soccer team comprised of Syrian refugees (gofundme.com) among other things.

But they’re hopeful something will work out with the CPL.

“That would be the pinnacle,” said Martin. “At some point we need a team to go watch.”