Association (CSA) is planning to further promote the game across the country within the next few years.

Beginning in 2014, the CSA decided to create plans to spread soccer culture throughout Canada. By using surveys and research, the association is talking to the Canadian public on how to create a better soccer scene in the country and improve their status domestically and nationally.

Canada’s Growing Success in Soccer

While Canada may be more dominant in sports like hockey, the men’s and women’s national soccer teams have their share of hardware with wins in the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) championships and the Olympics.

According to the CSA, the support for soccer “has never been stronger” as Canada recorded over 800,000 registered players in 2016, making soccer thenumber one team sport in the country, in front of hockey with just over 630,000 registered players.

Graeme Ivory, director of communications for the Ottawa Fury FC, said that these recent numbers are understandable.

“The affordability [and] diverse amount of countries that play soccer makes it the number one sport for families who immigrate to Canada. The number one identifier to help the transition is through sport, especially soccer,” he said.

Additionally, the expansion of Canadian teams in Major League Soccer (MLS) has also added to the growing soccer scene in the country.

Teams like the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Toronto FC, and Montreal Impact (plus the Ottawa Fury FC in the United Soccer League) usually have large attendance rates and a solid fan base.

Growing Pub Scene Adds Attractiveness

Fans in sport-enthused cities can