A Winnipeg soccer complex will soon receive some much-needed upgrades.
The province says it is investing $750,000 to support upgrades to the Ralph Cantafio Soccer Complex on Waverley Street.
“Investing in quality sport infrastructure strengthens communities, creates opportunities for athletes and supports economic growth,” said Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Nellie Kennedy. “The Ralph Cantafio Soccer Complex is an important hub for soccer in Manitoba, and these upgrades will help ensure the facility can continue serving athletes, families and fans for years to come while attracting events and visitors to our province.”
The funds will go toward replacing the outdoor field pitch and lighting system. It will also help modernize the facility so it can continue to host high-level competition, community programming and sporting events.
Facility honours Manitoba soccer pioneer
The Manitoba Soccer Association say it is grateful for the provincial support.
“This is a facility with a lot of rich soccer history, and it will continue to be the home of soccer for many years,” said Hector Vergara, executive director, Manitoba Soccer Association. “Continuing to improve the facility will benefit thousands of players, coaches and referees that love the game. Ralph would be extremely proud and pleased that the facility named after him will receive the support of the provincial government.”
The complex, named in honour of Ralph Cantafio in 2016, is operated by the Winnipeg Soccer Federation and supports soccer development and participation opportunities for Manitobans of all ages.
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Legacy of Ralph Cantafio
It recognizes Cantafio’s extraordinary contributions to the growth and development of soccer in Manitoba and across Canada.
“My father believed deeply that Winnipeg and Manitoba should always be second to no one when it came to soccer,” said Ralph’s son, Raff Cantafio. “This investment honours that belief by creating better opportunities for today’s players and for generations still to come. Our family is incredibly proud and grateful to the Manitoba government and everyone who has helped make this next chapter at the Ralph Cantafio Soccer Complex possible.”
Cantafio dedicated his life to expanding the sport and creating opportunities for players of all ages. His leadership extended to the Manitoba Soccer Association and the Canadian Soccer Association, where he served in key roles that helped shape the game nationally. He was also inducted into both the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame and the Canada Soccer Hall of Fame.