In Canada, the beautiful game goes by different names, often sparking curiosity among fans. Is it soccer or football? This article explores the unique blend of traditions, language, and culture that shapes how Canadians talk about and enjoy the sport.
Let’s discuss the heart of Canadian soccer culture to find out what they really call it.
Soccer or Football
What’s the Real Story?”
The sport we all love can be called by different names depending on where you live. It’s “soccer” in Canada, just like in the U.S., Australia, and some other places.
You might find it strange if you are used to calling it “football,” but there is a reason for it. The term “soccer” started in England. It was a slang abbreviation of “association,” as in association football.
British players shortened it to “assoc,” then “assoccer,” and finally just “soccer.” In contrast, countries playing their own version of football (like American football or Aussie rules) continued to use “soccer.”
Unique Approaches, Diverse Perspectives
The Canadian Soccer Association backs the sport’s official name in Canada. This group manages both pro and amateur soccer in the country.
Since 1876, Soccer has been a big deal in Canada and it’s the top sport in terms of participation, with 847,616 registered players, according to the Canada Soccer 2012 Yearbook.
| Country | Common Term | Governing Body |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | Soccer | Canadian Soccer Association |
| United States | Soccer | U.S. Soccer Federation |
| Australia | Soccer | Football Federation Australia |
| Great Britain | Football | The Football Association |
The U.S. Soccer Federation keeps the term “soccer” alive in the U.S. Down under in Australia, even though the Football Federation Australia is in charge, “soccer” is still the go-to term because of the popularity of Australian rules football.
So, do they call it soccer in Canada? Yep, they sure do. This fits a broader pattern in countries where other types of football are also big. Want more details? Read about which countries call it soccer vs football? and why do Americans call it soccer?.
Soccer’s Popularity in Canada
A Look Back
Soccer or “football” as it’s known in many places, has deep roots in Canada. The term “soccer” is used here, just like in the U.S. and Australia, to avoid confusion with American and Australian football.
The word “soccer” comes from England. It was a nickname for “association football,” shortened from “assoc.”Over time, “soccer” stuck in countries where other football types were already famous.
In Canada, soccer got its start thanks to European immigrants who brought the game with them. Local leagues and clubs formed, and the sport slowly but surely caught on.
Where We Are Now
These days, soccer is a big deal in Canada, especially for kids. It’s the top sport for Canadian children (Sport Canada), and its popularity keeps climbing.
| Year | Registered Players | Male Participation (%) | Female Participation (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 847,616 | 59 | 41 |
The data collected from Wikipedia.
The Canadian women’s soccer team has played a massive role in encouraging the sport’s profile. Their standout performance at the 2012 London Summer Olympics (Alliance Visas) inspired many young players and brought more attention to the game.
Want to know more about the soccer vs. football debate? Check out our articles on whether football is soccer and whether I should say soccer or football.
Are you curious about which countries use which terms? We’ve got you covered with which countries call it soccer vs. football.
