Canada Premier League

[Regs]

Looks like the wheels that were in motion behind the scenes are starting to come out into the public eye:

http://www.thespec.com/news-story/6261090-canadian-pro-soccer-league-to-call-hamilton-home/

 

[Reds-16]

I think its a great idea but with the USL is it fesible? Or would it be one level below that like a third division stepping stone for young good Canadian players.

 

[Regs]

I would think the idea would be it's a competitor to USL/NASL.

At least it should be marketed as such.

 

[djones]

It will depend on player salaries. USL doesn't pay much so an increase in pay would always bring the better players. Rumour has it that they will.

 

[Regs]

From what I was told back in September, the owners are in it for the long haul and the business plan calls for losses for the first 8 years.

Of course that may have changed since then but it says to me these guys are not out for a "quick buck" and are truly trying to help along the development of the Canadian player.

Bob Young has an interesting background, made all his money in Tech... you should be familiar with Red Hat

 

[trece verde]

"soccer in a bubble" in Hamilton. I'm not too sure that this is a great idea, since the configuration of Tim Horton stadium doesn't lend itself to being indoor at all - it's open at both end zones, and there are no roof structures at all over the stands currently. Makes one wonder if the "flagship franchise" idea has really been thought through.

I'd love to see it happen, but call me cautious in my optimism...

 

[Dude]

I'd like to hear more about the 'Cradle to Grave" concept they touch on...from education to development. I'm not sure how they intend on doing this "without imports". On the coaching and executive level, you will need some in the beginning.

With TV, love to see it happen, cautiously optimistic.

 

[Regs]

Another milestone:

http://www.thespec.com/sports-story/6964861-new-canadian-pro-soccer-league-makes-major-hire/

 

[Dude]

Awesome news! Keep hitting those milestones.

 

[Rangerforever]

Baby steps...

 

[LION]

This is so awesome. Hopefully it's closer to 10 teams. 6 is so small and can't be taken that serious.
Like the Pacwest college circuit. 5 teams in it and 4 teams make provincials! Yahhh, purple ribbons!

 

[Dude]

Is that what it's down to? 5 teams? Wow.

When I played it was a pretty damn good league, but I think our school folding their program (BCIT), combined w/ all the schools now going to University status...it's become an irrelevant league. Too bad. But...the CIS travel can be a budget killer. At BCIT, we shouldn't have even been involved in college sports, the school gave us next to nothing, budget wise.

 

[LION]

Yah.
Douglas, VIU, Capilano, quest and Langara I think are the last 5 left.
4 went to provincials. And finalists go to nationals.

 

[Dude]

Tough to have a high competitive bar when mediocrity is rewarded.

 

[Soccer Coach]

Good news.

 

[Dude]

This is so awesome. Hopefully it's closer to 10 teams. 6 is so small and can't be taken that serious.
Like the Pacwest college circuit. 5 teams in it and 4 teams make provincials! Yahhh, purple ribbons!

Agree they need to push for 10.

Pretty much you count the CFL stadiums, and you have your teams- with the exception of the big three.

Obvious ones:

1. Quebec City
2. Hamilton
3. Regina
4. Ottawa
5. Edmonton
6. Calgary
7. Victoria
8. Winnipeg

That leaves two more teams, but not sure where they'd be suitable. Kelowna? Maritimes? Both present significant travel restrictions. Saskatoon, maybe? Maybe a second team in Quebec, or 3rd on Ontario?

 

[Gurps]

I think the GTA could easily handle another team...perhaps in the Toronto suburbs where soccer is a hotbed (Scarborough, Mississauga or even further out to Kitchener/Waterloo etc).

Halifax has the population to support a team as well....

 

[akslop]

Surrey?

 

[STD]

Why not Surrey? A ten thousand seat soccer specific stadium in Surrey could be great. I wouldn't drive over the bridge for fear of my life but I am sure if the ticket prices were reasonable you could fill it. Heck even soccer coach may buy Dudes old house and could attend regularly.

 

[STD]

Looks like Asklop beat me to it.