The Canadian Premier League (CPL) is officially coast-to-coast (Halifax to Van-Isle). Vancouver Island’s Pacific FC became the CPL’s latest founding club this month when it joined Cavalry FC (Calgary, Alberta), FC Edmonton (Edmonton, Alberta), Valour FC (Winnipeg, Manitoba), Forge FC (Hamilton, Ontario), York 9 FC (York Region, Ontario) and HFX Wanderers FC (Halifax, Nova Scotia), making the CPL a coast-to-coast professional soccer league that’s for Canadians, by Canadians.
Set to debut in 2019, the Canadian Premier League is Canada’s Tier 1 domestic men’s soccer league. Playing in world-class and unique venues, and partnering with strong community-led ownership groups, the CPL will bring professional soccer to communities across our great country.
As the Canadian Premier League gears up for its first season, seven ambitious clubs have been announced from coast-to-coast, each serving their respective communities with passion and a love for the beautiful game. Here are videos from each club, telling their stories in the build-up to the inaugural 2019 campaign.
Pacific FC
Former Canadian internationals Josh Simpson and Rob Friend are bringing soccer to Vancouver Island with Pacific FC, mixing scenic natural landscapes and a young, thriving tech hub along the Pacific shoreline.
Cavalry FC
Calgary is ready for the big leagues, with the Rocky Mountains providing the backdrop to a city that is set to embrace Cavalry FC at Spruce Meadows – and do so with the sort of Calgarian pride you’d expect.
FC Edmonton
The rally rabbit lives on, with Jeff Paulus steering a reborn FC Edmonton through the uncharted waters of the Canadian Premier League, backed by a youth contingent befitting one of Canada’s finest academies.
Valour FC
A club name and a city’s history is intertwined in Winnipeg with Valour FC, where head coach Rob Gale will work to instill that same brave spirit of honour in his new team of Canadian soccer talent.
Forge FC
The hard-working nature of the people of Hamilton will set the tone at Tim Hortons Field, with Forge FC looking to continue a tradition of sporting excellence in the city through that same work ethic.
York 9 FC
A forward-thinking mentality defines this club, and head coach Jimmy Brennan will work to unite the nine municipalities of York Region under one common banner at York 9 FC, with an attractive brand of soccer.
HFX Wanderers FC
Coached by long-time Halifax resident and former Canadian national team boss Stephen Hart, HFX Wanderers FC will bring the cheer of the Atlantic Region to Wanderers Grounds in 2019.