2024 Futsal Canadian Championships to be hosted in Calgary
Canada Soccer announced today that the Calgary United Soccer Association (CUSA) have signed an agreement to host the 2024 Futsal Canadian Championships. The men’s and women’s competition will take place from April 11-14, 2024.
For 2024, Canada Soccer has shifted its host city model, meaning while the national governing body will remain the event rights holder, CUSA will be taking more ownership of the event by forming an organizing committee and running the event.
“We have a strong partnership with the Calgary United Soccer Association and thrilled to be making this announcement together today. Last year’s championship in Calgary was one of our biggest successes ever and we are thrilled that we will be working together in propelling our national Futsal championships forward."
-Jason deVos, interim General Secretary, Canada Soccer.
Seven Chiefs Sportsplex & Chief Jim Starlight Centre will be the location of next year’s event which is owned and operated by the Tsuut’ina Nation.
“CUSA is honoured and thrilled to see the 2024 Futsal Canadian Championships return to Calgary for a second year in a row. We are ready to build on the successful 2023 Championships that displayed the grassroots interest in Futsal in western Canada and its potential. Our partnership with the Tsuut'ina Nation for both our league program and for the National Championships aligns with our goal to continue grow the sport throughout the province. Along with our partners, Canada Soccer, Calgary Tourism and Tsuut'ina Nation, we are excited to welcome the competitors, officials, and fans in April 2024.”
-Raj Uppal, CUSA President.
The impact of the Championships has been felt in Alberta and its neighbouring provinces. Alberta alone has seen tremendous growth in the adult program by 293 percent. British Columbia and Saskatchewan have also seen interest rise in the game showing the positive impact that National Championships have on growing futsal nationally.
“Last year was our first time hosting the Futsal Canadian Championships and we were happy to be part of making the event such a success. In the Spring, we’ll welcome back athletes, coaches, families, and fans from across the country for another incredible event at Seven Chiefs Sportsplex. We know everyone visiting will have a great time in Calgary.”
-Carson Ackroyd, Senior Vice President of Sales with Tourism Calgary.
In 2023, Women’s Futsal was included for the first time in the history of the competition, where clubs from eight provinces and territories competed. A total of 224 players and 64 coaches made up 16 teams that competed in the Men and Women’s competitions — the largest Futsal amateur competition Canada Soccer had ever held to date.