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International soccer is returning to the Queen City this summer.
The REAL District in partnership with FC Regina announced Wednesday that the under-23 clubs of the English side Sunderland and Toronto FC are to play a friendly match at Mosaic Stadium on Aug. 3.
Regina previously played host to an international soccer friendly in 2017 when the New York Cosmos of the NASL faced off against La Liga side Valencia CF.
With interest growing in the beautiful game in Canada thanks to success on both the men’s and women’s sides, FC Regina executive director T.J. Singh hopes by hosting this game, organizers can help to continue growing interest locally.
“This announcement made us very excited. This creates a lot of exposure for the sport,” Singh said during a media conference at Mosaic Stadium.
“Just this year we have seen upwards of up to 10 per cent in growth in our youth numbers. It’s amazing the work we’re doing as a community to bring this beautiful sport to Saskatchewan. It brings something the people are looking for.”
REAL District CEO Tim Reid says Regina has a large soccer community and they felt now it was a good time to bring an event like this to Regina.
“Soccer in Canada is one of the fastest-growing sports. As we see young people want to embrace the sport in Canada, we also want to see that happening here in Regina,” Reid explained.
“We’re proudly home to the largest football club that exists in the province and today we’re making another statement that soccer is welcome in our community.”
Tickets for the match will range from $18 to $65 and are to go on sale June 3 at 10 a.m.
The game also coincides with the Queen City Ex, so Reid hopes the timing will help draw people to both events.
“For those of you that choose to buy a ticket, your ticket for this game will also grant free admission for the fair on that Wednesday,” he said.
“From a value perspective, this might be the first time we celebrate international soccer and corndogs in Regina.”
The match is to begin at 6:30 p.m. on Aug 3.
Reid mentioned he’s hopeful that one day Regina could be home to a professional soccer team that plays regularly.