On the day of the Northern Super League’s Final, I woke up early, filled with excitement as the inaugural season was coming to a close after seven remarkable months. Despite the gloomy skies, my anticipation for the championship match between Vancouver Rise and AFC Toronto remained unwavering. Reflecting on the semifinal between AFC Toronto and Montreal Roses played in snowy conditions, it seemed fitting that teams from diverse climates competed in the NSL.
The season witnessed outstanding performances on the field, extensive media coverage, and creative content production by players and teams’ communication departments. A documentary titled “The Pitch” chronicled the creation of the NSL by Diana Matheson, a former Canadian national team player, and her partner, Thomas Gilbert.
While the league generated buzz and support across different markets, it received relatively less attention from women’s soccer media in the U.S., except for a comical remark by American pundit McCall Zerboni about Halifax. Despite such moments, interacting with supporter groups like the Crow Collective in Vancouver highlighted the heartwarming aspect of the season.
Members of the Crow Collective shared their experiences and passion for supporting the Rise, emphasizing the significance of having a safe and inclusive community for sports enthusiasts. The mutual support between fans and players was evident throughout the season, culminating in a memorable championship game.
The absence of a collective bargaining agreement in the NSL raised concerns among players, despite the league’s efforts to provide fair wages and benefits. While the league focuses on sustainability and growth, the need for formal player representation remains crucial to ensure the protection of players’ rights and labor.
The commitment to women’s soccer in Canada received a boost with a significant investment pledge from the federal government, signaling positive developments for the sport’s future. The league’s dedication to player welfare and success, coupled with the involvement of former national team players, reflects a personal and business-oriented approach to advancing women’s soccer in the country.
As the NSL season concluded, it marked not just the end but the beginning of a new chapter for women’s and girls’ soccer in Canada. Embracing imperfections and striving for success through collective efforts will be key to sustaining the growth and impact of professional women’s soccer in the country.
