Canada Soccer, facing financial challenges, has taken a significant step towards bolstering its revenue by voting to increase its annual membership fee for players by $4, effective from 2025.
The fee adjustment, approved at the annual general meeting in Montreal, will see soccer players paying $13, up from $9, marking the first membership fee hike since 2017.
In conjunction with this decision, Canada Soccer welcomed a new president-elect, Peter Augruso, who ran unopposed following Charmaine Crooks’ announcement of not seeking re-election to pursue other opportunities.
The fee increase comprises two motions: a $3 raise directed to the national governing body and an additional $1 hike, with half allocated to Canadian national youth programs and half to Project 8, the entity behind the women’s domestic pro league currently in development.
Kevin Blue, Canada Soccer’s president and general secretary, emphasized the fee increase as part of a broader effort to boost revenue for the organization. Membership fees currently contribute approximately 20% of Canada Soccer’s revenue, according to the 2023 annual report, with the remainder sourced from commercial and other fees (46%), FIFA and CONCACAF grants (22%), government grants (11%), and the 2026 FIFA World Cup (1%).
Crooks, elevated to the presidency in February 2023, inherited the challenge of fostering labor peace with the Canadian men’s and women’s national teams, succeeding Nick Bontis. However, this goal remains unfulfilled, with funding for Canadian youth teams remaining a contentious issue among senior players concerned about future prospects.
Among the newly appointed directors are Gayle Statton, Terri Mattuci, Terry Delblond, and independent directors Brad Baker and Davide Xausa. Statton, president of B.C. Soccer since November 2020, and Mattucci, a senior director at Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, bring diverse expertise to the board.
Looking ahead, Canada Soccer aims to advance women’s soccer through initiatives like Project 8, which has received official membership and is slated to launch in 2025 with six women’s clubs across Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Halifax.
Diana Matheson, former Canadian international and CEO of Project 8, expressed gratitude for Canada Soccer’s support, highlighting their shared commitment to fostering inclusivity and excellence in women’s soccer.
As Canada Soccer navigates financial challenges and strives for inclusivity and growth in soccer, the leadership changes and strategic initiatives signal a dynamic phase for the organization and the sport in Canada.