A first-of-its-kind soccer training facility in Canada that leans heavily on technology used to develop young players in Europe has opened in Mississauga.<\/p>\n
FTY Lab Canada, a 34,000-sq.-ft. multimillion-dollar training centre on Wolfedale Road south of Central Parkway West in Erindale, is poised to \u201chelp develop the next generation of Canadian soccer stars,\u201d the organization\u2019s president Waleed Essa said in an email to INsauga.com.<\/p>\n
\u201cCanadian soccer is entering one of the most exciting periods in its history. With the game growing rapidly across the country, Canada has an opportunity to help develop the next generation of Canadian soccer stars. That\u2019s a big part of why we built FTY Lab Canada right here in Mississauga.\u201d<\/p>\n
Canadian soccer legend Atiba Hutchinson, a midfielder who\u2019s played in 104 international matches over 20 years, and Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish were among those on hand for the facility\u2019s grand opening on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
First such facility outside the U.K.<\/p>\n
The Mississauga soccer technology and development facility is the first FTY Lab to open outside the United Kingdom, noted Essa.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlayers train through interactive technology that generates live performance data, bringing a new approach to how Canadian players can train, compete and measure their development,\u201d Essa said, adding the technology is also used by leading European clubs including Chelsea, FC Barcelona and Manchester City.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur goal is simple: give Canadian players access to the technology and measurable development tools that can help produce the country\u2019s next generation of talent.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mississauga Ward 6 Coun. Joe Horneck, also on hand at this week\u2019s official opening, said he\u2019s excited to have FTY Lab bring its \u201ctech-powered soccer training and development methods trusted by professional clubs in Europe to Canada.\u201d<\/p>\n
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The FTY Lab method of training is also designed to help players get more touches on the ball and receive immediate feedback to help them develop the technical skills needed to play at a higher level.<\/p>\n
I was proud to attend the grand opening of @ftylab_canada<\/a>, a new Ward 6 business on Wolfedale Rd. \u26bd<\/p>\n Founded in the UK, FTY Lab brings tech-powered soccer training and development methods trusted by professional clubs in Europe to Canada.<\/p>\n Welcome to Ward 6! pic.twitter.com\/5jwsV6CQxP<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Joe Horneck (@JoeHorneck) September 16, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Participation in the sport continues to grow in Mississauga and the city\u2019s mayor has often spoken about her desire to build a new soccer stadium<\/a> in the City Centre near Square One Shopping Centre.<\/p>\n Such a facility, which would likely take the form of an outdoor sports stadium that would seat 7,500 spectators (and ideally attract a professional soccer team), is a central part of Parrish\u2019s vision for a revitalized downtown core in Mississauga \u2014 though no formal plans have yet been tabled.<\/p>\n In an earlier interview, Parrish estimated the cost of such a venue to be around $32 million<\/a>, and it would be built just to the north of Square One and the City Centre Transit Terminal\/Mississauga Transitway hub on Rathburn Road West.<\/p>\n Building a large soccer stadium in Mississauga has been on the radar of some city councillors and members of the sports community for years.\u00a0<\/p>\n Supporters of the idea have said it would help attract a Canadian Premier League expansion team to Mississauga in addition to allowing the city to host numerous major soccer tournaments.<\/p>\n City council briefly discussed the matter in late 2021, when it was estimated a new soccer stadium could cost $50 million<\/a>. At the time, officials were looking at city-owned land off of Ninth Line in the northwest corner of Mississauga as a possible site.<\/p>\n Grand Opening for FTY Labs @ftylab_canada<\/a> \u2013 the first Canadian location for the UK-founded soccer & sports innovation concept. Atiba Hutchinson @atibahutchinson<\/a> \u2013 Canadian team star celebrated a fantastic multi-million-dollar new business choosing Mississauga! Thank you to Waleed\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/haAFGKOB7q<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Mayor Carolyn Parrish (@carolynhparrish) September 16, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n