By Mark Baber
February 5 – The Canadian Soccer Association has released a report that looks set to pave the way for the establishment of a second tier of professional football in Canada.
The report into the viability of division II soccer in Canada, conducted by Rethink Management Group, also goes a step further and recommends a division III level semi-professional league.
The study, directed by former national team player James Easton, looked at whether a national division II type league would be economically and logistically viable in Canada.
It also sought to identify the most coherent and sustainable pathway for Canada’s young talents to reach the elite level.
Participants at all levels of North American soccer were consulted before recommending the Canadian Soccer Association look at a regional semi-professional development-focused league, competing at a division III level, focused on providing players aged 18-23 a structured and meaningful competition environment.
Victor Montagliani, President of the Canadian Soccer Association said, “The Canadian Soccer Association acknowledges the work of James Easton and the Rethink Management Group. We consider the model outlined in the study provides a realistic and economically responsible starting point for our organization.”
James Easton said, “the new association of region-based, semi-professional, development-focused league concept we have recommended in this study, while not the national professional model some might have hoped for, has the potential to be an important stepping-stone in the elite player pathway along which Canadians can rise to the top tier of professional football.”
The report is available at http://issuu.com/rethinkmanagementgroup/docs/leaguesummary/23
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