Club Licensing Background
Club Licensing Program
What is Club Licensing?
Canada Soccer’s Club Licensing program sets minimum standards for clubs across the country — from professional organizations competing internationally to amateur clubs committed to player safety and development. The program is part of a global FIFA framework adapted for the Canadian context.
Program Pillars
International Standards
Built on FIFA's 2006 mandate and Concacaf's 2013 framework
Professional Excellence
Ensures clubs meet Confederation competition requirements
Player Safety
Welcoming, safe environments at the core of all standards
Club Development
Encourages technical excellence and accountability
Inclusion
Open to all standards-based clubs across Canada
How it started
2006
FIFA mandates club licensing at the 56th FIFA Congress
2013
Concacaf begins developing its regional program
2016
Canada Soccer begins whole-of-football licensing development
2017
Five professional clubs granted their first Professional Club Licence
Professional Club Licensing
In 2017, Canada Soccer granted Professional Club Licences to five clubs: Toronto FC, Montréal Impact FC, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Ottawa Fury FC, and FC Edmonton. The licence confirmed each club met all Concacaf criteria, making them eligible for the Concacaf Champions League and, ultimately, the FIFA Club World Cup — valid for a two-year period.
How Was the Amateur Program Developed?
Canada Soccer drew on existing systems from Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba when designing the amateur framework.
The program was informed by international licensing programs and multi-sport partners to ensure globally aligned standards.
Development, safety, and appraisal measures were built into the program from the ground up, not added as afterthoughts.
A Made-in-Canada Solution
The expanded program introduces a five-tiered licensing structure that brings amateur clubs into the national framework through the Standards for Quality Soccer program. Clubs are encouraged to adopt clear mandates, improve accountability, and provide developmentally appropriate environments for all players.