City heading for summer matches in Canada

Last updated : 03 March 2006 By Michael Morris
Cardiff City are due to play a series of games in Vancouver, British Colombia in July 2006.

A mini tournament hosted by the Vancouver Whitecaps will also include the Indian National team and an U20 international team from China.

The matches will be played at the Swangard home of the Whitecaps. The dates of July 19th, 21st and 23rd have been quoted in the official press release from the Whitecaps.

“We are thrilled to be able to bring three very competitive clubs from across the globe to Swangard Stadium for an exciting week of soccer,” said President John Rocha.

“Each year we will look at hosting clubs from different nations and over the next 10-15 years it is our goal to bring at least one club from each of Vancouver’s major ethnic communities to Vancouver. The annual tournament will be a celebration of the world’s game and Vancouver’s multicultural diversity.”

“The Whitecaps Nations Cup will build on the success of last year’s sold out international friendly versus Sunderland while at the same time provide a unique opportunity for Vancouverites to experience top international teams,” said Bob Lenarduzzi, Whitecaps Director of Soccer Operations.

Click here for the full press release on the Whitecaps website.

Vancouver Whitecaps play in a small athletic stadium in the area of Burnaby. At the moment their home has a capacity of less than 6,000 but like Cardiff City they are trying to get a new stadium. They are trying to have a 15,000 seater ground built near the waterfront. They have a website specifically for the new satdium. Click here for details.

There is no news yet as to whether there will be other North American / Canadian games.