Local businessman part of Team Canada preparation

A Kelowna based business, Red Dog Sports & Entertainment, has organized a friendly soccer match in Florida next month, as Team Canada prepares for it’s remaining qualifying games for the 2022 World Cup.

The match will be Canada vs Guatemala at the DRV PNK Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, on Jan. 22.

Canada currently sits on top of the CONCACAF standings, and will play Honduras, U.S., and El Salvador in the next round of qualifying. The team is looking to make it to their first World Cup since 1986.

“The media in Florida have told me that there is a buzz in town for Canada to come in and play in Fort Lauderdale,” President of Red Dog Sports & Entertainment, Rodger Champagne told Kelowna10. Canada recently defeated Mexico 2-1 in bitterly cold conditions in Edmonton to top the qualifying standings.

As a Canadian, Champagne said he’s proud to have the opportunity to support the Canadian men’s national soccer team and their push to qualify for the World Cup.

“We’re also looking forward to seeing Guatemala’s excellent squad on the field for what we’re sure will be an exciting game between these two great teams,” Champagne said.

Champagne added his passion for soccer has been reignited, and compared the fans to Team Canada in the Olympic hockey days.

“People come out in large families, they come out in all shapes and forms, it’s a celebration of their national teams,” he said, in highlighting the huge global popularity of soccer.

Champagne said he enjoys employing people, and bringing teams together as part of his events promotions business.

“I think that the last couple of years, as it’s been very difficult for many people and many businesses, I'm very thankful for my faith in Christ to be able to work with such great people and have the opportunity to build my business back.”