The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Ex-Tangerine pivotal to Canada’s preparation
Former Dundee United favourite Jason deVos will be at the heart of preparations for the World Cup in 2026 after Canada’s joint bid with the US and Mexico proved successful.
The 44-year-old, who made more than 100 appearances for the Tannadice outfit between 1998 and 2001, is director of development at Canada Soccer, charged with crafting talent from grassroots through to the senior side.
And he firmly believes the success of the United 2026 campaign will provide a massive boost to football in Canada, who have qualified for one World Cup in their entire history – Mexico 1986.
“It’s difficult to put into words what this means, it’s historic for soccer in Canada,” said deVos.
“It’s impossible to quantify what it will mean in the long term, but it fills everyone involved with excitement and hope for the future.
“There are steps we need to take to get to a point where Canada can compete at a World Cup.
“Over the last two years we have been going across the country, trying to build a consensus on a development plan and working with everyone from the provincial level to clubs and academies – getting everyone on board with the plan.
“One of the questions that comes back is ‘why should we do this?’ Well, this (World Cup) is an incredibly powerful motivating factor for people.
“There is nothing bigger than to play at a World Cup.”