Kicking the can
CPL on hold waiting to launch second season and build off strong first campaign
The Canadian Premier League was set to kick off its second season this coming weekend, had it not been put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite the setback, there is still plenty of optimism surrounding the national professional soccer league, which features eight teams this year with the addition of Atletico Ottawa to the circuit.
The clubs, encompassing the breadth of the country, are all idling at the moment, waiting for the go-ahead from health officials and Soccer Canada. When that will be is anybody’s guess at the moment as coronavirus cases keep climbing.
“It’s kind of a bit surreal talking about this, knowing that we would have been getting ready for our first game of the season on April 11,” CPL commissioner David Clanachan said. “I think sports is one thing, but we are dealing with a much bigger issue in this country now and we’ve got to put it in its appropriate space.
“We all want to see it happen, but the right thing to do is to be prudent and deal with the issue we’re dealing with first and then we’ve got lots of time to move forward.”
All eight CPL teams were well into their respective training camps when forced to shut down and go into self-isolation due to the spread of virus. By that time, most professional league’s in Europe had pulled the plug, soon to be followed by South American leagues.
Both the European Championship and the Copa America were moved from this summer to the summer of 2021.
At the moment, the CPL and its partners are working through different scenarios in regards to when they might be able to start up again. Being a Canadian league, they are limited by weather constraints, unlike the NHL or NBA, which can return at any time in the year.
“The reality is, we’re dealing with this literally in real time,” Clanachan said. “This is not something that is happening where it’s changing weekly. This is changing daily and hourly at times. Everyone is trying to make sure they stay onside with everything that’s happening, and you have to adjust with what’s ongoing.
“We keep working through different scenarios, with what if this happens and what if that happens? And how can we stay abreast of it so that we’re ready to go when we’re allowed to go. But also, we are looking at how to continue to entertain, because I think we did a pretty good job of connecting with our communities and building from the ground up.”
The league is working on keeping fans engaged during the stoppage, whether it is coaches offering fans online tactical sessions or players reaching out to season-ticket holders.
Last week, the league launched the eCPL Home to Play Tournament, teaming gamers and players from different CPL club against each other in a FIFA 20 tournament. Fans can tune into the weekly video game tournaments on the CPL’s Twitch, YouTube and Facebook channels.
“We had a tremendous following last Friday night,” Clanachan said. “We’re doing it every week and it’s been fantastic. We’ve had great follow-up from everybody. It’s another creative way of engaging our fans and supporters and it’s a lot of fun.”
Eventually the league will make the transition from the video game realm to the actual field. The CPL wants to build on the momentum of its inaugural season where Forge FC of Hamilton defeated Cavalry FC of Calgary for the league title.
In an effort to try and maintain the momentum during the pandemic, the CPL launched its Forever First Moments video series recapturing some of the images of its inaugural season. They can be found on the league’s YouTube and Instagram IGTV channels.
“Our marketing group is very creative and they came up with this idea, because every time we do something, it’s the first time for us.” Clanachan said. “It goes back to, when was the last time a league stood up all at once? Some of those leagues in Europe have been around for over 100 years and they have
tremendous pedigree to look back on.
“We’re not at that point, but we have a great opportunity because we’re still building and everything is digital where it was harder for others when their past is all in black and white and our past will be full-motion digital.”
The good news for the league is the exposure a successful first year provided created a desire for Canadian players to come home.
As the league continues to grow, the calibre of play is expected to improve, luring back Canadians chasing their professional aspirations in lower leagues throughout the world.
“I think a lot of Canadians are thinking they can get real quality first-team minutes in the Canadian Premier League and can get great profile because people from around the globe are watching the games,” Clanachan said. “That’s the type of thing that you want.
“I think it’s a great spot for any Canadian soccer player with talent to be in the CPL at this point, because it’s a great place to hone your talents, improve them and build a bigger and better career.”
I think sports is one thing, but we are dealing with a much bigger issue in this country now and we’ve got to put it in its appropriate space.
CPL commissioner David Clanachan