Calgary Minor Soccer Association

While the match itself was unforgettable, the trip to Edmonton on June 1 created another meaningful opportunity: bringing Calgary’s soccer community into the same room as leaders helping shape the future of the game in Canada.

Alongside youth players, staff, volunteers, and advocates, CMSA spent valuable time pre-match with Calgary city councillors, provincial sport leaders, Canada Soccer executives, and partners from across Alberta’s soccer ecosystem, all united by a shared conversation: How do we grow the game and build a lasting soccer legacy for future generations?

Pre-match conversations included time with Alberta’s Minister of Tourism and Sport, Canada Soccer leadership, and representatives from across the provincial soccer community to discuss what this once-in-a-generation World Cup moment can mean beyond 2026.

The excitement around the game is real, but so is the responsibility. As participation continues to grow, the decisions being made today will determine whether young Calgarians have the places to play, pathways to develop, and opportunities to stay connected to sport tomorrow.

Legacy is not built by the World Cup alone. It is built by what we choose to do because of it.

A special thank you to Councillors .tyers and for joining our youth players on the journey to and from Edmonton, spending meaningful time in conversation and sharing in what was a memorable experience for so many young athletes.

Thank you as well to Alberta’s Minister of Tourism and Sport, Minister Boitchenko, for joining us for pre-match dinner and discussion, and to Canada Soccer President Peter Augruso and Canada Soccer CEO Kevin Blue for taking time out of an undoubtedly busy day to connect, listen, and be part of an important conversation about growing the game and building a lasting soccer legacy in Alberta.