The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
For the first time in a history extending back 80 years, CanadaÕs only professional soccer league, the CSL, with 11 active franchises in Ontario and Quebec, is looking to add a Western division, for the 2009 season. Specifically, the CSL is aggressively pursuing ownership groups interested in owning and operating franchises in cities in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, where the need for top level Canadian soccer has tremendous potential. Ideally, a minimum of six franchises would comprise a Western division of the CSL, which would play regular season games within their division, and would compete nationally with the Eastern clubs, for the CSL national championship. Currently, the CSL has 11 franchises, and includes reserve/developmental clubs for both Toronto FC (MLS) and the Montreal Impact (USL).ÊÊ League attendance has been on the rise for several years, with an expectation of over 100,000 fans attending CSL games this season.ÊÊ In addition, for the first time, in 2008, the CSL is working with Rogers TV and has a game of the week, reaching over 800,000 homes per telecast in Toronto. CSL Commissioner, Cary Kaplan, formerly employed by the Edmonton Oilers, as president of their AHL franchise in Hamilton, emphasizes the significance of the announcement. ÒThe CSL has a long history in Ontario and Quebec, however as the brand has strengthened in the past several years, the league is now positioned to live up to its name, and become a true national league, geographically.ÊÊ Specifically, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, have many great soccer players, and more great soccer fans, that deserve a top flight CSL franchise to compete nationally.ÊÊ The challenge now is to find the right owners to make this concept a reality.Ó CSL franchises for the Western division are currently valued at $125,000. All applications will be reviewed on their financial, marketing, and soccer merit.ÊÊ Once all prospective franchises are reviewed, a Ôprospective ownersÕ conference call will take place, likely in early August.
