Hours after FIFA made the official announcement Thursday that Canada was awarded the 2015 Women’s World Cup, Canadian Women’s National Team keepers Karina LeBlanc and Erin McLeod and forward Melissa Tancredi shared their thoughts about the announcement with Our Game Magazine all the way from the Cyprus Cup.
“I think it is an amazing time for Canada,” LeBlanc said. “I am so excited for not only our national team but our country as a whole because for all the young boys and girls who will get to watch and be a part of this event, it will change their lives forever. For all the people who played this sport in the past, and also right now in the present, this will be a proud moment. Knowing how our country backs our athletes, it will be a dream come true for every soccer player.”
Seven cities were named as possible hosts of the 2015 World Cup – Ottawa, Edmonton, Vancouver, Halifax, Montreal, Winnipeg, and Moncton. Canada earns an automatic berth into the 2015 World Cup as the host nation.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for our nation to show its support for women’s soccer on the international stage,” Tancredi said. “Not to mention what an honor it is for our own national team to play in a World Cup in front of their family, friends, and fans alike.”
“The last time I played in a big tournament in Canada was the under-19 tournament in 2002, and I never would have imagined that much support from the entire country for women’s soccer,” McLeod said. “I’m thrilled Canada will be hosting the biggest women’s soccer tournament in the world. I think it’s an amazing opportunity for friends, fans, and family to see the continued growth and development of the game.”
“Every child dreams of a moment to be on the center stage for their country, and to be able to do this in their country, I do not think words will be able to describe,” LeBlanc added. “This will probably change soccer in this country in many different ways, and honestly I cannot wait to show the world what Canadian pride is truly all about.”