Winnipeg has been officially named the seventh franchise city in the Northern Super League, the women’s professional soccer circuit announced Tuesday, paving the way for the city’s first local pro women’s side in the modern era.
Local leadership and goals
Desiree Scott, the Winnipeg-born former Canadian international, is a co-founder of the new club and will take on the role of vice-president of community and player experience. Scott, who won an Olympic gold medal and earned 188 caps for Canada during her playing career, said the project is aimed at opening professional pathways for players who previously had to leave Manitoba to pursue elite opportunities.
“The athletes that have been missed, who didn’t have this opportunity, now eyes will be on this league, on this team, and there’s an opportunity now for everyone to have the chance to go pro or play for the national team,” Scott said.
Scott confirmed she will not be returning to the pitch and is focused on building the club’s off-field foundations. Her co-founder on the venture is Rob Gale. The league intends for the Winnipeg franchise to begin play in the 2027 season.
What this means for Winnipeg soccer
- Local talent retention: Players who previously moved away for professional chances will have a nearby pro option.
- Community engagement: A club presence creates opportunities for youth programming and community outreach designed to grow participation.
- Visibility: A professional team in Winnipeg raises the city’s profile in national and regional soccer conversations.
The announcement marks a notable shift for Manitoba, where top-level women’s professional opportunities have historically been located outside the province. For fans and young players, having a professional club in Winnipeg promises a clearer development pathway and more local role models.
Immediate next steps
The league’s timeline targets the 2027 season for the club’s debut. In the months ahead, attention will turn to operational matters the co-founders must resolve before kickoff:
- Recruitment of coaching and administrative staff.
- Player trials, scouting and roster construction.
- Securing facilities for home matches and training.
- Community programming and partnership development.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| League | Northern Super League |
| Franchise city | Winnipeg |
| Season target | 2027 |
| Co-founders | Desiree Scott, Rob Gale |
| Scott's role | Vice-president, community and player experience |
For supporters, local clubs, and youth academies, the new franchise will require collaboration across the city’s soccer ecosystem. The club’s community focus, highlighted by Scott’s appointment, suggests organizers plan to integrate development and outreach into the core of the project rather than treating it solely as a competitive enterprise.
As preparations move forward, residents can expect announcements on staff hires, venue arrangements and community initiatives ahead of the inaugural season in 2027.
