New Prairies Premier League Soccer Kicks Off This Spring
A new professional-amateur soccer league is set to launch across the Prairies this spring, bringing high-level domestic competition to Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Northern Ontario. The Prairies Premier League (PPL) will begin its inaugural season in May, featuring seven teams that aim to elevate the sport in the region.
League Structure and Teams
The league will include three teams from Saskatchewan: QC United based in Regina, along with the Saskatchewan EXCEL Program and Forza Soccer Academy from Saskatoon. From Manitoba, three Winnipeg teams—FC Manitoba, Bonivital Flames, and Lucania FC—will participate. Northern Ontario will be represented by the Thunder Bay Chill, rounding out the initial roster.
The season is scheduled to run from May through mid-July, with a full schedule and additional details to be announced in the coming months, according to a recent press release.
Addressing a Regional Gap
Steven Porter, executive director of the Saskatchewan Soccer Association, emphasized the league's purpose in the release. "The Prairies Premier League shows what can be achieved when we come together with a shared purpose," he said. "The league was built to address a clear need and will deliver a consistent, high-performance environment while serving as a central hub for the soccer community across the Prairies."
The PPL aims to fill a long-standing void for athletes in smaller provinces who seek regular, top-tier competition beyond youth levels. It also supports the development of coaches, referees, and soccer organizations throughout the region.
Collaboration and Growth
Héctor Vergara, executive director of the Manitoba Soccer Association, highlighted the collaborative effort behind the league. "This league is the result of strong collaboration and leadership from our soccer communities, and we're thankful for their commitment," he stated. "Their investment extends far beyond matchday, helping elevate local talent and supporting the continued growth of the game throughout the Prairies."
Integration into National System
The Prairies Premier League will join other regional leagues within the Premier Soccer Leagues Canada (PSLC) system, formerly known as League1 Canada. This rebranding was announced alongside a refreshed look for the Canadian Premier League (CPL), Canada's top domestic men's professional league.
James Johnson, CEO of Canadian Soccer Business Group, commented on the significance of this expansion. "This agreement reflects the strength of the pro-am model that already exists in Canada," he said. "The Prairies Premier League extends that model into a new region, creating meaningful opportunities for players and clubs while reinforcing alignment across the domestic pathway."
The launch of the PPL marks a significant step in enhancing soccer infrastructure in Western Canada, providing new avenues for player development and community engagement in the sport.
