Canada Soccer Community Update
Dear Canadian Soccer Community,
We wanted to provide you with another update following our recent Board of Directors meeting as we approach the end of 2025. FIFA World Cup 26™ is now just months away, and significant organizational initiatives are advancing across the country.
We are pleased to share that we recently published a Request for Information (RFI) for the future National Training Centre — a critical pillar of our long-term vision and a key legacy project as we enter a World Cup year. This RFI is open for response until February 12, 2026.
This step begins the formal process of engaging potential partners and validating the scope and possible locations of the project. It is important to emphasize that we are still in the preliminary stage: the RFI will help us clarify requirements, explore locations and partnership models, and build a stronger understanding of what is possible.
Even at this early stage, the excitement is tangible. A world-class National Training Centre has the potential to transform our high-performance pathways and create a lasting, nation-building asset for generations of Canadian players.
Financial update
The FY2025 budget included a planned deficit of $2.4M, down from the deficit of $4.0M in FY2024. As the fiscal year draws to a close, we are on track to finish ahead of budget with a deficit that will be materially less than what was originally projected. Of note, the positive trend is due to increased revenues rather than cuts to programming. For example, total investments in the Youth National Teams nearly doubled in FY2025 compared with FY2024.
As we look ahead, our financial situation is continuing to strengthen. The Board approved the 2026 operating budget at the November 28 Board of Directors meeting, and we are projecting a meaningful surplus – allowing us to continue growing investments in soccer programming priorities while also rebuilding our financial reserves.
The financial calendar in international football tends to operate on four-year cycles, with both expenses and revenues elevated from normal levels during men’s World Cup years. We expect this pattern will also apply in 2026, and as part of responsible planning, our internal approach has been to analyze the base operating budget separately from the financial impact of a World Cup year. We are seeking to keep the base budget as close to break-even as possible and ensure that any positive cash flow from the World Cup goes toward strengthening financial reserves so we can sustain important programming investments in non-World Cup years.
We recently received information from FIFA related to the revenue and expenses that Member Associations can expect from competing in the World Cup. Once those numbers are fully integrated into our projections, we will finalize and publish precise budget details for FY2026.
The Canada Rising fundraising campaign continues to accelerate, with gifts and commitments now exceeding $14 million on the journey to our $25 million goal by the end of 2027.
We are deeply grateful to every donor and Canada Soccer Foundation supporter who has stepped forward to invest in the future of soccer in Canada. These contributions directly strengthen our national teams, sport development programs, community access initiatives, and the long-term infrastructure our sport needs.
This fall, Peter embarked on a cross-country tour to engage with Presidents, Board Members, and staff from Provincial and Territorial Sport Organizations (PTSO) who govern soccer at the provincial level. The objective of these visits was to reinforce our shared vision for a stronger, more unified Canadian soccer system. These conversations were candid, collaborative, and focused on building alignment across all levels of the game. Several key insights were gathered, and their implementation is now under review.
Building on this momentum, earlier this month Kevin and senior staff met in person with leadership from every PTSO. These discussions reaffirmed our collective commitment to advancing Canadian soccer together. A central theme was identifying opportunities for greater coordination and efficiency across jurisdictions – particularly in areas such as Safe Sport, the amateur segment of the player pathway, and shared administrative services. These steps are critical to modernizing and simplifying administrative operations, ensuring we all deliver a soccer system that is stronger, more accessible, and better aligned for the future. More to come as progress is made in these areas.
As 2025 comes to a close, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to every player, coach, referee, volunteer, administrator, supporter, donor, and partner across the country. Your passion and dedication are the driving force behind the growth and success of soccer in Canada.
We wish you and your loved ones a joyful, restful holiday season. Together, let’s make 2026 a year of inspiration, progress, and unforgettable moments for Canadian soccer.
Sincerely,
Peter Augruso – President & Board Chair
Kevin Blue – Chief Executive Officer & General Secretary
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