Kamloops youth soccer expects boost from 2026 World Cup

Jun 13, 2018 | 12:58 PM

KAMLOOPS — As part of the winning 2026 World Cup bid, Canada, while not guaranteed a berth as one of three hosts, is likely to play in that tournament, which would be the country’s first World Cup since our only appearance in 1986. 

The possibility increases with the World Cup welcoming 48 teams at the 2026 event, an exciting prospect for young Canadian players like Alphonso Davies, who was part of Wednesday’s announcement.

“Today I am 17 years old and I play for the men’s national team, and I’m a proud Canadian citizen,” said Davies, speaking in front of the FIFA delegation in Russia. “My dream is to some day compete in the World Cup.”

Canada will play host to 10 of the games, the same number as Mexico. The U.S. will have 60 of the games — hosts of all the games from the quarter-finals on. Even with only a handful of games in Canada, it’s a chance for some local soccer fans to take in a World Cup game live. 

“It’s been something that’s been on my bucket list for a long time,” said Kamloops Youth Soccer Association President Keith Liddiard. “So that will be a thrill to go and see some games in one of the three Canadian cities that are going to be hosting the games.”

Vancouver won’t be hosting after the NDP government bowed out in March, citing financial concerns over FIFA’s bid requirements. It’s a disappointment for everyone involved in soccer in B.C.

“It’s extremely disappointing that Vancouver won’t be one of the host venues,” said Canadian soccer legend Bob Lenarduzzi, who competed for Canada in the 1986 World Cup. “But the fact it’s in Canada, it will definitely benefit the country.”

But whether games are playing in Vancouver or not, Kamloops youth soccer expects a bump in numbers from the event in eight years. 

“From the experiences we’ve had with the Women’s World Cup [in 2015], with some of the international events we’ve hosted over the last 20-30 years, the instant impact is that registration in the program, both at the youth and adult levels, skyrockets immediately following when we host these events,” noted Liddiard.

The spike in registration could come sooner, though, as the association struggles to retain players. There are currently 3,200 players in Kamloops, but that’s down 300 from the last two years.

“Not just in Kamloops, but throughout the province youth soccer registration is going down, and it’s going down at a bit of an alarming rate,” he said. “We’re not sure why. Our parent body BC Soccer and the Canadian Soccer Association are looking into that to find out the reasons why not as many kids are registering.”

In nearly a decade, the downward trend should be on the upswing.