Edmonton to host 2023 Football Canada Cup

Edmonton has been selected as the host site for the Football Canada Cup in 2023.

The Football Canada Cup is a national championship for provincial teams at the U18 men’s level and has taken place since 1995 with the exception of the COVID-19 pandemic’s interruption in 2020 and 2021.

“Working in partnership with Football Alberta it is clear that plans for the Football Canada Cup in 2023 and the World Junior Championships in 2024 in Edmonton promise to elevate our sport to new heights on both the national and international stage,” said Jim Mullin, president of Football Canada in a statement.

“What is most encouraging is the engagement from community stakeholders in a city that has proven it knows how to rally behind national and international events.”

“Edmonton will once again show its strength in hosting sporting events,” said Cindy Medynski, director of Edmonton Events at Explore Edmonton. “Edmonton Events worked with Football Alberta to attract the 2023 Football Canada Cup to Edmonton, which is a great lead up to our city hosting the 2024 IFAF World Junior Championship. It’s always exciting to have up-and-coming talent on display for sports fans in our city, and the Football Canada Cup will certainly not disappoint.”

“We’re thrilled Canada’s best under-18 football players are headed to Edmonton for the 2023 Football Canada Cup. We know how important grassroots football is to not only our organization, but also our local junior and university programs. Our community is the perfect place for this event, and I’m certain we’ll rally behind it to make it a success,” said Edmonton Elks’ president and CEO Victor Cui.

This year’s event is being hosted in Kelowna, B.C., from July 9-17. Alberta has hosted it five times previously in 1995 (Calgary), 1996 (Red Deer), 2001 (Medicine Hat), 2011 (Lethbridge), and 2018 (Calgary).

“It is our hope to showcase Edmonton’s strong football community from top to bottom and work towards two great events in 2023 and 2024,” added Tim Enger, executive director of Football Alberta. “Alberta is the heartland of football in this country, and Edmonton has a unique and wonderful history in the sport. From the Grey Cups, through Vanier Cups and Canadian Bowls, to high school and minor championships, Edmonton is a leader in football development and these events are coming to the perfect place.”

Team Alberta has won the Football Canada Cup six times. This will be the first time it will be hosted in Alberta’s capital city and will dovetail nicely into preparations for Edmonton’s hosting of the 2024 IFAF World Junior Championships in June 2024.