National registration statistics indicate that the number of female soccer players in Canada is slipping. In the wake of a Women’s World Cup, why are we seeing this trend of slowing interest?

The Eddies and the Alberta Soccer Association announced a new Regional Performance Centre will be launched, and that centre will link to the Excel Program, which helps identify talent for the Canadian national program. Sergio Teixeira will be the FC Edmonton ladies’ coach, and 20 players from age 14-16 have been recruited to take part in the program.

So, it’s hard for Canadians to be indignant about racism claims when our second-largest province makes a high-profile decision that makes headlines around the world.

NASL Commissioner David Downs will arrive in Edmonton Wednesday night, ahead of a Thursday meeting with city officials, including Mayor Stephen Mandel and City Manager Simon Farbrother.

FC Edmonton has taken its first step in developing the academy, and more strides are expected in the spring.