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On a significant Thursday, the Northern Super League (NSL) announced its championship trophy, named the Diana B. Matheson Cup. This trophy will be awarded at the league’s inaugural final, scheduled for November 15 at Toronto’s BMO Field. The cup not only marks an important milestone for the league but also honors a prominent figure in Canadian soccer.
Diana Matheson, a former star midfielder for the Canadian women’s national team, played an essential role in the establishment of the NSL. Her dedication to promoting women’s soccer in Canada has been vital, leading the league’s board of directors to unanimously name the championship trophy in her honor.
Celebrating a legacy
In a statement from the NSL, Matheson expressed her gratitude for the recognition and the significance of the trophy. “It is incredibly humbling to see my name on the championship trophy, especially as it is a Cup that represents so much more,” she stated.
Matheson noted that the trophy symbolizes not just her accomplishments but also those of all players who have paved the way for the league and those who will continue its legacy. She hopes the trophy embodies the excellence and pride of the league.
A new chapter in Canadian sports
NSL president Christina Litz emphasized the importance of the Diana B. Matheson Cup, asserting that it goes beyond being a trophy. “The Diana B. Matheson Cup is more than a trophy; it’s a symbol of a new chapter for Canadian sport,” she remarked.
Litz explained that from the league’s inception, the board was committed to ensuring that the championship trophy honored Matheson’s leadership, her inspiring career, and her crucial role in founding the NSL.
As the first club lifts the trophy on November 15, it will signify not only a championship victory but also the value of women’s professional soccer in Canada, deserving recognition and support for future generations.
Broadcasting the final
The anticipation surrounding the NSL final is heightened by extensive coverage. Fans can watch the event live, as it will be broadcast nationally on CBC, TSN, and RDS. International viewers can tune in via ESPN+ and the NSL’s official YouTube channel. The final match is set to kick off at 1 p.m. ET, allowing soccer enthusiasts worldwide to join in the celebration.
The design of the trophy
The Diana B. Matheson Cup stands just under 56 centimeters tall, featuring a bronze base and a gold body. This elegant design reflects Canada’s recent Olympic successes in women’s soccer, including a historic gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics, along with bronze medals in the two preceding Games. The trophy is topped with the North Star emblem, an integral part of the league’s logo, further enhancing its significance.
Matheson’s enduring influence
Beyond her role as chief growth officer of the NSL, Matheson has made a lasting impact in soccer. Over her 17-year career with the Canadian senior women’s team, she scored 19 goals in 206 appearances, demonstrating her talent and dedication. Matheson recently received global recognition when she was awarded the World Football Summit Award for the best women’s football initiative, solidifying her legacy.
This fall, fans will have the chance to see the Diana B. Matheson Cup up close during The Pitch national screening tour. This documentary follows Matheson as she works to establish the first Canadian women’s professional soccer league. The tour will begin with screenings in various cities, including Vancouver on October 22, Montreal on October 28, and Ottawa on October 30, concluding in Toronto on November 12.
The unveiling of the Diana B. Matheson Cup not only celebrates past achievements but also anticipates a promising future for women’s soccer in Canada.
