Surrey, BC can be added to the list of potential Canadian Premier League markets, as a group is reportedly pitching a franchise for the city.
Plans are underway for the Canadian Premier League, a new Tier 1 FIFA-sanctioned soccer circuit that is slated to launch in cities across Canada. Several markets have been discussed as potential fits, and Surrey may ultimately be one of the cities that fields a team in the league.
Surrey recently issued a Request for Expressions of Interest and Statements of Qualifications to build an outdoor sports facility. Some details about that plan remain unknown, but a group has submitted a proposal for the establishment of a new franchise and stadium in the city, according to league spokesperson Greg McIsaac. More from BC Local News:
“We can confirm a group of local business leaders have submitted a proposal to the City of Surrey representing a future franchise in the Lower Mainland,” McIsaac told the Now-Leader in an email on Thursday morning.
“The proposal includes the potential development of a soccer-specific stadium. The group is also exploring other municipalities in the Fraser Valley concurrently.
“The CPL is very excited about the possibility of establishing a successful pro soccer franchise in the Fraser Valley, as we, along with the ownership group, feel it is a great market to support a team.
“The specific terms of the formal proposal remain confidential at this time.”
Surrey is one of several markets that has been linked to the CPL. As noted here last month, Saskatoon has been pitched a new stadium that could house a franchise.
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