2024-25 National Championship

Photo Credit U Sports

In a manner so as to keep everyone up to date in the world of amateur sports we wanted to share the more recent press release from U SPORTS.

Growing and promoting sports is an ongoing process and without recognition for today’s young athletes any future success they wish to have might be short-lived.

They require not only training but development and guidance from coaches, trainers and organizations who work together to put Canada’s athletes on the world stage.

Enjoy the read from U Sports who unveiled three 2024-25 national championship hosts in men’s and women’s soccer and women’s rugby, including Ontario Tech University being awarded the right to host its first U SPORTS national championship event. 

Dalhousie University (Halifax, N.S.) has been awarded the 2024 U SPORTS women’s soccer championship, marking their return as host of the tournament after a 28-year hiatus, while Ontario Tech University (Oshawa, Ont.) is set to welcome men’s soccer, marking its inaugural hosting opportunity. 

The University of Prince Edward Island (Charlottetown, P.E.I.) will be home to the women’s rugby championship for the first time. 

Lisette Johnson-Stapley, chief sport officer at U SPORTS “U SPORTS is thrilled to bring national championship competitions to Ontario Tech, Dalhousie, and UPEI,” 

She continued “These championships hold great historical significance. It is an exciting milestone for Ontario Tech as they secure their first U SPORTS championship, while UPEI has the opportunity to host their inaugural rugby national championship. After 28 years, Dalhousie returns as the host of the women’s soccer title. We are delighted to collaborate with such passionate communities in showcasing the excellence of university sports.”

The Ontario Tech Ridgebacks have been granted their first U SPORTS national championship. 

“Being awarded the 2024 men’s soccer championship has our campus and community buzzing,” said Scott Barker, director of athletics and recreation at Ontario Tech. “The City of Oshawa has been a proud partner throughout this entire bid process and is looking forward to welcoming the nation’s best players to Ontario Tech as part of the celebration of the 100-year anniversary of their incorporation. Our team has been nationally ranked and a contender in the OUA in recent seasons, meaning they are ready for this next challenge. As a committee, we look forward to hosting in 2024 and showcasing our Ridgebacks program on the national stage.” 

The championship matches will be held at Vaso’s Field, a premiere Canadian soccer facility with FIFA-approved artificial infill turf. 

The venue boasts a capacity of 1,500 seats and was home to several provincial and national events.  

“We are thrilled to be hosting the 2024 USPORTS men’s soccer national championship at Ontario Tech University,” said Steven Murphy, president and vice-chancellor at Ontario Tech University. “This is the first time that the university has hosted a varsity championship at the national level, and we are excited to host Canada in Oshawa. Sport helps teach valuable life skills, like teamwork and discipline and contributes to self-confidence and responsibility. Our student-athletes are the civic leaders of tomorrow, and we are very proud to bring our entire community together to celebrate the success of soccer.” 

The 2024 national women’s soccer tournament returns to Dalhousie University for the second time in U SPORTS history. The Tigers boast extensive championship experience, having previously hosted 18 national events, most recently the 2022 cross country championships. 

“We are pleased to have been awarded the 2024 U SPORTS women’s soccer championship, which will fall on the 30th anniversary of our 1994 national gold medal win,” said Tim Maloney, executive director of athletics and recreation at Dalhousie University. “We see this event as an opportunity to celebrate women’s sport, engage our community and provide participating student-athletes with an outstanding experience.” 

The event will be held at the recently resurfaced F.B. Wickwire Memorial Field, which has a capacity of 1500. 

The venue is home to Dalhousie Tiger varsity programs and local amateur sport associations.  

President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Frank Harvey mentioned “We are thrilled to be hosting the 2024 U SPORTS women’s soccer championship on Dalhousie’s beautiful campus, here in the heart of one of Canada’s great cities.” 

He continued “Events like this present us with the opportunity to engage with a diverse group of partners and leave an important legacy for future generations. We look forward to providing a warm welcome to the participants and fans next fall.” 

The Tigers have made 13 championship appearances since 1984, with six podium finishes (three gold, two silver and one bronze). Their most recent showing was in 2012.