National women’s and men’s team players are calling on Soccer Canada, which is holding its annual general meeting this week in St. John’s, New Brunswick, to make changes to its leadership.
In a letter to the presidents of the provincial federations, the players say that soccer in Canada “comes at a pivotal time and we are very concerned about the ability of the leadership of Soccer Canada to lead the organization into the future”.
“For too long we have had to negotiate with leaders who were unprepared to make the changes necessary for the good of current and future players and staff, and for the future of soccer in Canada,” the players wrote. in this letter, of which The Canadian Press obtained a copy. We are increasingly concerned that the decision makers at Soccer Canada have not acted in the best interest of sport in the country.
“We believe that a change in vision requires a change in leadership, including all senior staff committed to the old leadership, to the old vision. […] We urge you to use your vote at this Annual General Meeting to support new voices and effect real change. »
A complex situation
The dispute at the national federation led to the resignation of President Nick Bontis, an elected position within Soccer Canada, in February. Earl Cochrane last month announced his resignation as general secretary, the organisation’s highest administrative post.
Former Olympian Charmaine Crooks has been named interim president. The former star of Canadian athletics has been on the federation’s board of directors since 2012-13 and has served as vice-president since January 2021.
Former Canada captain Jason deVos, a member of the Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame who is currently the federation’s director of development, has been named interim general secretary.
Crooks is being challenged by former Soccer Canada vice-president Rob Newman in Saturday’s presidential election.
As Crooks was elevated to interim president, the board appointed Kelly Brown as interim vice president. Elected Independent Director in 2020, Brown is not running for Vice President but will remain on the Board.
However, council members Paul-Claude Bérubé and Dale Briggs are trying to be elected to this position. Bérubé has been on the board since 2015-16 and Briggs since 2019-20.
Three positions on the board, which usually has 14 people, including the president, are up for re-election.
More transparency requested
In their letter, the players believe that a better leadership group, more transparency and better governance are needed at Soccer Canada.
“More than a third of the board has been in place since 2018. During this five-year period, decisions have been made that have not only negatively impacted national team programs, but also harmed the growth potential of the sports in the country. Soccer is growing in Canada, but it seems not because of Soccer Canada, but despite the organization.
“We believe the time has come for real change within the federation and we ask you, as presidents of the provincial federations, to use your vote to elect new voices. From the President to the Board of Directors to key employees, we need new voices in order to make important changes to the organization. »
The letter is signed by the members of the players’ association of the women’s and men’s national teams.