Canada Soccer today announced the launch of a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) process for its future National Training Centre, marking another milestone in the development of what is intended to become the permanent home of soccer in Canada.
The RFP follows a nationwide Request for Information (RFI) process conducted in late 2025 and early 2026 that attracted interest from municipalities, provinces, post-secondary institutions, private developers, soccer organizations, and other potential partners from across Canada. The RFI was designed as an initial step to identify communities and organizations interested in supporting the project and to gather preliminary information regarding potential locations, partnership structures, and development opportunities.
Having completed that exploratory phase, Canada Soccer is now moving to a formal open competitive process to identify and select a preferred site and capital partner for the project. This process will be open to anyinterested parties who share the vision, infrastructure capacity, and strategic alignment to collaborate in building a world-class environment for player development, coaching education, and community engagement.
"The RFI demonstrated that there is tremendous enthusiasm across the country for helping to bring this project to life. We received interest from a diverse group of communities and organizations that recognize the transformational potential of establishing a permanent home for soccer in Canada. This next phase will allow us to evaluate all opportunities in detail and ultimately identify the appropriate site and funding approach for the National Training Centre project."
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\u200b-Kevin Blue, Chief Executive Officer and General Secretary of Canada Soccer
The National Training Centre is envisioned as the cornerstone legacy project arising from Canada's role as a co-host of FIFA World Cup 2026™. The facility will serve as a year-round hub for Canada Soccer's NationalTeams, player development, coach and referee education, sports science, innovation, and community programming, and the first purpose-built national home for soccer in Canada.
Bringing high-performance sport, education, innovation, and community engagement together within a single campus, the National Training Centre will support the development of future generations of players, coaches, referees, and technical leaders while serving as a symbol of the sport's continued growth and importance across the country. The project also presents an opportunity to address a key gap in the soccer ecosystem through the inclusion of a stadium, design to support both community use and high-performance activities.
"Hosting the FIFA World Cup is an extraordinary moment for our country, but the true measure of success will be the legacy we create after the final match is played. The National Training Centre represents an opportunity to make a generational investment in Canadian soccer and Canadian communities. We are excited to enter this next phase and work toward selecting a partner that shares our vision for the future of the sport."
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\u200b-Peter Augruso, President of Canada Soccer
The National Training Centre is anticipated to represent an investment of approximately $250- $300 million and will be financed through a collaborative funding model that may include FIFA World Cup legacy funding, government investment, philanthropy, corporate partnerships, and contributions from the selected host community and development partners.
Canada Soccer has already secured $9.8 million through the Government of Canada's Build Communities Strong Fund to support planning, design, and pre-construction activities associated with the project.
The RFP invites proponents to submit comprehensive proposals addressing both site suitability and partnership structure. Canada Soccer will evaluate submissions based on a range of factors, including transportation accessibility, player development ecosystem, community and institutional support, opportunities for future expansion and innovation, financial viability, accessibility and inclusion, environmental sustainability, and alignment with the organization’s long-term strategic objectives. \u200b \u200b
Particular consideration will be given to proposals that demonstrate meaningful community impact through youth and grassroots programming, partnerships with educational and community organizations, economic development and job creation opportunities, and the ability to deliver a lasting public legacy connected to FIFA World Cup 2026.The selected location is expected to accommodate a world-class campus that may include outdoor and indoor training facilities, a stadium, high-performance and sports medicine facilities, educational and administrative spaces, and opportunities for future expansion and commercialization.
Canada Soccer has engaged CAA ICON to provide advisory services in connection with the RFP process. Interested organizations can access information regarding participation in the process, including registration requirements and procurement documents, through the National Training Centre procurement portal at: Canada Soccer NTC - Site & Capital Partner Selection RFP. \u200b
The anticipated schedule for the process includes:
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