Over $166 million to come from FIFA World Youth Championship Canada 2007
Ottawa, Ontario – The Canadian Soccer Association (CSA) recently retained Deloitte & Touche LLP to conduct a high-level economic impact study concerning all aspects of the FIFA World Youth Championship Canada 2007, including the construction of the York University Stadium.
The review measured the economic impacts of staging the games in Canada, and the associated spending of athletes, FIFA executives, organizing committees, scouts, media and fans coming to Canada to attend the games.
Results of the study indicate an economic impact of an estimated $105.7 million associated with construction of a new stadium at York University in Toronto, $17.7 million for staging the event, and $45.2 million in associated spending. Although additional economic benefits were not included in the assessment, overall projections came-in at over $166 million.
“We are pleased to provide the CSA with our final report of the high-level economic impact assessment of the CSA hosting the FIFA Men’s U-20 World Soccer Championship in 2007,” said Ronald Bidulka, Firm Director, Deloitte. “In addition to the direct and indirect economic impacts resulting from the staging of this event, Canada should also expect to see a number of other benefits which are beyond quantification in this study, including ‘marketing value’ arising from increased media exposure, the ‘value’ of the keeping entertainment spending within Canada, and National pride.”
“We are pleased that the championship itself will have a total economic impact on the Canadian economy of $63 million dollars,” stated Kevan Pipe, Chief Operating Officer of the Canadian Soccer Association. “As the $35 million of public funding for the $70 million York University Stadium project was directly linked to the CSA securing hosting rights of the FIFA World Youth Championship 2007, we are pleased to see an overall economic impact of $166 million associated with both the championship and the stadium. When one factors in world wide television coverage as well as attendance levels, it is easy to understand why this championship will be one of the largest sporting events ever in this country outside of the Olympic Games.”
York University President and Vice-Chancellor Lorna Marsden added: "We are absolutely delighted with the economic impact that this tournament and the stadium will generate for the area, and are proud to be associated with The Canadian Soccer Association and FIFA in playing host to the world in 2007."
The CSA is delighted with the York University stadium project, as well as its location, as it will have a significant impact on the future role of the development of soccer in Canada, beginning with the inaugural match of the FIFA World Youth Championship Canada 2007 scheduled for July 1, 2007.
FIFA World Youth Championship Canada 2007
The FIFA World Youth Championship is a three-week long, 24 nation, and 52-match tournament featuring the best young 20-year-old players in the world. It is the second largest event staged by FIFA after the FIFA World Cup, including such graduates as Maradona, Saviola, Luis Figo, Rui Costa, Bebeto, and Dunga as well as Canada’s Craig Forrest and many members of the current Men’s World Cup Team including Julian de Guzman, Paul Stalteri, Atiba Hutchinson and Iain Hume.
In August 2004, Canada was awarded the FIFA World Youth Championship 2007 which will take place from July 1-22, 2007. A total of six cities will co-host the Youth Championship, including Edmonton and Toronto, as well as four additional cities to be selected on May 4, 2005.
Last held in the CONCACAF (The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football) region of Mexico in 1983, Canada’s most recent participation in this event occurred in December 2003 when its squad had its best ever finish, losing to eventual silver medalist Spain, on a golden goal in the quarter-finals held in the United Arab Emirates.
FIFA World Youth Championship Canada 2005
Canada recently qualified for this year’s FIFA World Youth Championship Netherlands 2005 after dominating their group at CONCACAF qualifying with wins over Mexico, Honduras, and Jamaica; extending their CONCACAF qualifying unbeaten streak to nine games.
