The Northern Super League has revealed that its seventh women’s team will be located in Winnipeg. This marks the first expansion team in NSL history, set to debut in the 2027 season with pre-season activities commencing in February 2027.
The new NSL team, co-founded by renowned soccer personalities Desiree Scott and Rob Gale, will be at the core of the country. Desiree Scott, an Olympic gold medalist with CanWNT and a former NSL player, alongside Rob Gale, the inaugural head coach and general manager of Valour FC from the now-closed CPL team in Winnipeg, have joined forces to establish Manitoba’s first professional women’s team.
This expansion initiative follows a significant $30 million investment from APEX, an international sports investment firm, boosting the league’s standing in its second year. League president Christina Litz emphasized the importance of the expansion team in meeting the expectations of fans, players, and the competitive landscape.
After retiring from the NWSL, Desiree Scott, described as a proud Winnipeger, transitioned from being a midfield “Destroyer” to a builder. She now serves as a co-founder and vice president of community and player experience for the new team, driven by a vision to empower women and girls in her beloved province.
Rob Gale, drawing from his experience in establishing clubs, highlighted the unwavering support received from the league in this endeavor. The duo is in the process of recruiting a president to further solidify the team’s leadership.
Although Manitoba may not be a traditional soccer hub like other Canadian cities, Scott and Gale believe in its untapped potential. Winnipeg, with its vibrant multicultural community and supportive fan base, offers a unique setting for the team to flourish and attract top-tier talent. Gale views Winnipeg as a microcosm of Canada, embodying a resilient spirit that resonates with the ethos of the soccer community.
The team, still in its early stages, is actively working on branding, including selecting a name and colors. While suggestions like “The Winnipeg Destroyers” have surfaced, Scott remains humble in not wanting the team named after her. As the project progresses, the duo aims to create a lasting legacy that celebrates the contributions of women in soccer and propels the sport to new heights.