Canada soccer announces key leadership change

Canada Soccer announced that the Federation and Earl Cochrane, General Secretary, have agreed to part ways. To assist with the transition, Cochrane will remain with the Federation until May 12, 2023. In the coming days, Canada Soccer will announce a new transition team.

Over the past year and a half as General Secretary, Cochrane spearheaded a complete organizational redesign and realignment, which included leadership training and skills development for all staff as well as fostering a more inclusive executive leadership team. That process and outcome has strengthened the organization’s ability to grow  and better service its membership, partners and the wider soccer community in the years to come. 

“I want to thank all of our staff, partners and the Board for their support and trust. I am excited about the next chapter in my life and I am confident that through my work over the last 15 years of service, domestically and globally, I have left Canada Soccer in a better place,” said Cochrane. “I am proud of the role that I have played in helping to stabilize this organization through its various periods of success and challenges.” 

In his role, Cochrane has successfully led Canada Soccer through a post-COVID landscape with a focus on getting participants back to play. His experience in sport integrity matters has resulted in significant progress in safe sport governance. His tenure was highlighted by a historic qualification for Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team in Qatar, and the successful qualification of the Women’s National Team to Australia/New Zealand this summer.

“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Earl for his enduring contributions and the tremendous passion he has poured into our organization and our sport,” added Charmaine Crooks, Interim President, Canada Soccer. “Earl has built a reputation as a thoughtful and progressive leader, and has worked each day to ensure the growth and development of soccer across our country. We wish him all the best in the next chapter of his career.”     

Cochrane will stay on to transition his ongoing responsibilities, including leading and supporting the preparations for the Annual Meeting of the Members, which will begin May 6, 2023 in Saint John, New Brunswick.