An advocate in Edmonton is advocating for the establishment of a professional women’s soccer team in the city. Marni Devlin Moses, a seasoned youth soccer coach, believes that Edmonton should have its own elite pro team following the launch of the Northern Super League (NSL) last year.
The NSL is Canada’s sole professional women’s soccer league, with existing teams in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Halifax. Moses initiated a petition in August urging the NSL to introduce a franchise in Edmonton, which has garnered over 1,200 signatures. A similar petition in Winnipeg resulted in the successful acquisition of a franchise for the upcoming 2027 season.
According to a statement from the NSL to CBC News, while no formal expansion decisions have been finalized, the league acknowledges the petition and views the support from the Edmonton community as promising for potential future developments.
Moses expressed her motivation for starting the petition, emphasizing the lack of a professional pathway for high-level youth female players post-university in Canada. With the NSL in place, she is eager to see a franchise established in Edmonton to provide opportunities for aspiring female soccer players.
The growing support for the petition signifies the strong presence of a soccer community in Edmonton that is enthusiastic about women’s professional soccer. Moses highlights the importance of offering young female athletes the chance to aspire to higher levels of competition within their own city.
Regarding the NSL, which currently comprises seven teams with Winnipeg being the latest addition, Moses sees Edmonton as a natural fit for expansion, especially with Calgary already hosting a team. She envisions a vibrant rivalry between the two cities, given the substantial interest and participation in soccer among Edmonton residents.
The surge in interest in women’s soccer in Edmonton reflects a positive trend observed by Moses over the years. With an increasing number of girls gravitating towards elite levels of the sport, the potential introduction of a professional team offers a significant avenue for players to pursue a career in professional sports, which has historically been limited for female soccer players in Canada.
The anticipation surrounding the league bodes well for both players and fans, given Edmonton’s strong sports culture and past successes in hosting major soccer events. The enthusiasm among spectators, particularly during events like the Women’s World Cup in 2015, underscores the city’s readiness and eagerness to embrace women’s professional soccer.
Moses urges community members to support the petition by signing and sharing it widely, emphasizing the broader benefits beyond sports. She envisions the initiative as an opportunity to attract investments to Edmonton, fostering economic growth and potentially leading to the development of crucial infrastructure like a dedicated women’s soccer stadium.
Drawing inspiration from the growing popularity of women’s soccer globally, including successful leagues like the National Women’s Soccer League in the U.S., Moses believes that Edmonton has the potential to capitalize on this momentum and create a thriving environment for women’s soccer.
In conclusion, the push for a professional women’s soccer team in Edmonton symbolizes a significant step towards promoting gender equality and enhancing opportunities for female athletes in the region.