Canada’s recent investments in women’s sports aren’t just rewriting the rulebook—they’re redefining the playing field. From groundbreaking leagues to enhanced funding, the country is witnessing a transformation that goes beyond the game.
In the heart of this revolution lies the burgeoning Northern Super League (NSL), a beacon of hope for women’s soccer in Canada. The league is not merely a collection of teams; it’s a statement—a declaration that women’s sports deserve the same stage as their male counterparts. Players like Mollie Eriksson, a former Swedish youth international and now the Ottawa Rapid’s goalkeeper, embody this shift. With her neuroscience PhD studies running parallel to her career on the pitch, Eriksson symbolises the multifaceted potential of women athletes. Her journey, which spans continents and national teams, underscores the international calibre and dedication of athletes the NSL attracts.
The genesis of this league, kicking off in April 2025, is a testament to Canada’s commitment to levelling the playing field. In a world where funding often skews heavily male, the resources channelled into the NSL are a breath of fresh air. Eriksson’s own words paint a vivid picture: “We live in a world where money speaks. The investments here are saying volumes about the future of women’s sports.” And that future looks promising. With six teams and a roster of world-class athletes and coaches, the NSL is poised to elevate women’s soccer to unprecedented heights.
But why now? Why has Canada chosen this moment to double down on women’s sports? The answer lies in a perfect storm of factors. Globally, women’s sports are enjoying a renaissance. Viewership figures for women’s soccer, volleyball, and basketball are breaking records, and brands are recognising the untapped potential of sponsorship in this arena. Domestically, Canada’s eighth-place ranking in women’s volleyball and the near-Olympic qualification of its team have fostered national pride and proved the potential of investing in female athletes.
The NSL’s establishment isn’t an isolated event; it’s part of a broader movement. Volleyball Canada’s recent appointment of Giovanni Guidetti, a coach with an illustrious record, underlines a national strategy to bring in expertise and elevate women’s teams. This alignment of vision extends across sports, creating a ripple effect that benefits athletes, fans, and the wider community.
What’s at stake isn’t just wins and accolades—though those will surely come. It’s about rewriting narratives and challenging stereotypes. For decades, women’s sports have played second fiddle, relegated to the margins of media coverage and funding. The NSL and other initiatives are flipping the script, ensuring women athletes get the platform they deserve. Eriksson’s journey, blending academic brilliance with athletic prowess, highlights the kind of role models this investment cultivates.
However, challenges remain. Building a league from scratch is no small feat, and sustaining momentum requires more than just initial funding. It demands a cultural shift—an active effort from fans, sponsors, and media outlets to prioritise women’s sports equally. But if Canada’s track record is any indication, the country is more than up to the task. The NSL isn’t just a league; it’s a movement, a rallying cry for equality and excellence.
As Eriksson and her peers take to the pitch this April, they’ll be doing more than playing soccer. They’ll be making history, proving that when you invest in women, the returns go far beyond financial gains. They inspire future generations, foster community pride, and elevate the very essence of sport.
Canada’s journey in women’s sports is just beginning, and the world would do well to take note. Because when women win, we all win.
