Ralph Cantafio Soccer Complex (WINNIPEG SOCCER FEDERATION)
The Manitoba government is spending $750,000 to fund upgrades to the Ralph Cantafio Soccer Complex in south Winnipeg.
Friday’s announcement revealed plans to replace the outdoor field pitch and lighting system, modernize the facility to ensure it can continue hosting high-level competition, community programming and sporting events.
“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, located on Waverley Street, is operated by the Winnipeg Soccer Federation. It was named in honour of Ralph Cantafio in 2016, recognizing his contributions to the growth 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 Raff Cantafio, Ralph’s son, calling the investment a continuation of his father’s vision for the sport.
Cantafio dedicated his life to expanding soccer, holding key leadership roles with the Manitoba Soccer Association and Canadian Soccer Association. He was inducted into both the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame and the Canada Soccer Hall of Fame.
Watch Friday’s news conference:
