Surrey proposes four sites for Canada Soccer’s 40+ acre National Training Centre, aiming to boost player development and host international events.
Surrey Steps Up for Canada Soccer’s National Training Centre
Could Surrey become the future home of Canada Soccer’s flagship National Training Centre? The city is making a strong case.
Yesterday, the City of Surrey revealed it has formally submitted its expression of interest to host a massive, purpose-built training facility for Canada Soccer. This move follows the national federation’s call for proposals, which kicked off in December 2025 and concluded last week.
Other contenders include Ontario’s Toronto (Woodbine), Pickering, and Vaughan, as well as Montreal in Quebec.
A Legacy Project for Canada’s 2026 World Cup
The National Training Centre is designed as a lasting legacy of Canada’s role in hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Vancouver and Toronto. The facility will centralize player development, national teams, coaching education, referee training, sports science, and community programs—all under one roof. The goal: to nurture Canada’s next generation of soccer talent.
What the Centre Will Feature
Canada Soccer is seeking a site between 40 and 60 acres to accommodate:
- Four to eight full-size outdoor pitches (natural and hybrid grass)
- At least one indoor or covered field for year-round training
- A small stadium
- A high-performance training building with gym, recovery, and sports medicine facilities
- Dining, parking, and space for future commercial, academic, or hospitality expansion
Beyond serving national teams, the centre could host professional or regional tenants and support an ecosystem of elite youth and professional players. Accessibility is key, with proximity to public transit and Vancouver International Airport, plus a climate suitable for year-round training.
Surrey’s Four Potential Sites
The City of Surrey has identified four possible locations:
- Cloverdale Athletic Park (42 acres) – a municipal site with existing sports fields
- Newton Athletic Park (53 acres) – another municipal sports hub
- South Surrey Athletic Park (73 acres) – expansive municipal fields
- 4586 176 St. (112 acres) – a privately-owned farm within the Agricultural Land Reserve, next to the Nicomekl River
Mayor Brenda Locke said, “Surrey is a natural fit for this kind of world-class facility. We have one of the youngest and fastest-growing populations in the country, strong soccer programs, excellent transportation links, and a commitment to sport development.”
Next Steps and Wider Context
Canada Soccer may now engage selected cities in further discussions, feasibility studies, and detailed bidding processes. Surrey’s submission highlights its mild year-round climate and easy access to Vancouver International Airport—advantages over other locations in Canada.
Currently, the University of British Columbia hosts the National Soccer Development Centre (NSDC), a 2017-built facility serving national teams and the Vancouver Whitecaps. During the 2026 World Cup, UBC will act as one of two official practice sites for visiting teams. Meanwhile, UBC plans a new 5,000-seat outdoor stadium expandable to 10,000 seats as part of a mixed-use development.
Surrey’s bid signals the city’s ambition to not only host the centre but to become a cornerstone of Canadian soccer development for years to come.Surrey Steps Up for Canada Soccer’s National Training Centre
Could Surrey become the future home of Canada Soccer’s flagship National Training Centre? The city is making a strong case.
Yesterday, the City of Surrey revealed it has formally submitted its expression of interest to host a massive, purpose-built training facility for Canada Soccer. This move follows the national federation’s call for proposals, which kicked off in December 2025 and concluded last week.
Other contenders include Ontario’s Toronto (Woodbine), Pickering, and Vaughan, as well as Montreal in Quebec.
A Legacy Project for Canada’s 2026 World Cup
The National Training Centre is designed as a lasting legacy of Canada’s role in hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Vancouver and Toronto. The facility will centralize player development, national teams, coaching education, referee training, sports science, and community programs—all under one roof. The goal: to nurture Canada’s next generation of soccer talent.
What the Centre Will Feature
Canada Soccer is seeking a site between 40 and 60 acres to accommodate:
- Four to eight full-size outdoor pitches (natural and hybrid grass)
- At least one indoor or covered field for year-round training
- A small stadium
- A high-performance training building with gym, recovery, and sports medicine facilities
- Dining, parking, and space for future commercial, academic, or hospitality expansion
Beyond serving national teams, the centre could host professional or regional tenants and support an ecosystem of elite youth and professional players. Accessibility is key, with proximity to public transit and Vancouver International Airport, plus a climate suitable for year-round training.
Surrey’s Four Potential Sites
The City of Surrey has identified four possible locations:
- Cloverdale Athletic Park (42 acres) – a municipal site with existing sports fields
- Newton Athletic Park (53 acres) – another municipal sports hub
- South Surrey Athletic Park (73 acres) – expansive municipal fields
- 4586 176 St. (112 acres) – a privately-owned farm within the Agricultural Land Reserve, next to the Nicomekl River
Mayor Brenda Locke said, “Surrey is a natural fit for this kind of world-class facility. We have one of the youngest and fastest-growing populations in the country, strong soccer programs, excellent transportation links, and a commitment to sport development.”
Next Steps and Wider Context
Canada Soccer may now engage selected cities in further discussions, feasibility studies, and detailed bidding processes. Surrey’s submission highlights its mild year-round climate and easy access to Vancouver International Airport—advantages over other locations in Canada.
Currently, the University of British Columbia hosts the National Soccer Development Centre (NSDC), a 2017-built facility serving national teams and the Vancouver Whitecaps. During the 2026 World Cup, UBC will act as one of two official practice sites for visiting teams. Meanwhile, UBC plans a new 5,000-seat outdoor stadium expandable to 10,000 seats as part of a mixed-use development.
Surrey’s bid signals the city’s ambition to not only host the centre but to become a cornerstone of Canadian soccer development for years to come.
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