Setting the stage for big local soccer boost

• Men’s team making huge strides
• Creating a cultural impact in Canada

It will be a long time coming for the Canadian men’s national soccer team as their quest for a spot in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar looks almost certain.

It would be their first World Cup since 1986 and the anticipation is creating a lot more buzz around the sport, including here in Kelowna.

Currently the team is undefeated through 11 games and is in first place in the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) qualifying group.

That run of form includes recent victories over nations that historically had the better of them. In November, Canada beat Mexico for the first time since 2000, and last month they beat the USA for the first time since 2019.

A win in El Salvador last week puts Canada just one win away from a guaranteed spot in Qatar with three games remaining in March, although even a tie could be enough. Those games are against Costa Rica, Jamaica, and Panama.

Jhon Ardila, Head Coach of the Whitecaps FC BMO Okanagan Academy, told Kelowna10 the current run is good for Canadian soccer right now, and hopes the men’s team can have the same impact as the women’s team has had in recent years.

“Definitely going to the World Cup in Qatar on the men’s side is going to be a huge contribution to the development of soccer here in this country,” he said. “Young kids are going to see the national team being represented in the world and it’s going to be a huge and positive impact.”

Ardila said as a coach, it’s a very exciting time.

“Any coach in this country who participates in the grassroots, youth development, semi-professional, or professional ranks, they have to be proud because with the little work they do, now we can see the results,” he said.

Here in the Okanagan, Ardila said the sport looks to create a culture that embodies all types of players.

“Once you create the culture centre, you have two types of people. Those who want to have fun and do it for recreation, and those who want to pursue a professional pathway,” he said. “I will invite anyone who has the willingness to train and maximize their talent, to be part of our program in Kelowna.”

The Qatar World Cup will be played from Nov. 21 to Dec. 18, 2022.