Canada Soccer's National Championships, known as the Toyota National Championships for sponsorship reasons,[1] is an annual amateur soccer competition in Canada. The multi-division competition is hosted in three venues each October: the open-age adult competitions (men's Challenge Trophy and women's Jubilee Trophy); the U-17 Cup competition for boys and girls; and the U-15 Cup competition for boys and girls.
The men's competition was originally known as the Dominion of Canada Football Championship when it was inaugurated in 1913 (winners were presented the Connaught Cup). Over time, different divisions have been added, starting with the Youth Championship in 1966. The women's championship was added in 1982.
Amateur eligibility
As Canada Soccer's premier amateur competition, only Canadian citizens, permanent residents or protected persons may compete in the National Championships.[2] Only amateur players (including reinstated amateurs) may compete in the competition and they must be assigned to their respective clubs by 31 August of that year (or an earlier date if stipulated by the province or territory).
Host cities
Canadian communities have the opportunity to bid on hosting the National Championships. As explained by Canada Soccer, "events will be organized and executed by Canada Soccer in collaboration with the Local Organizing Committee."[3] Bidders are evaluated across nine different categories: Background; Support and partnerships; Facilities; Competition; Finance; Communication, hosting services & activities; Operation Organization; Legacy; and Overall Bid Presentation.
Once a Host City is selected, the hosts set up a Local Organizing Committee that stages the competition. Canada Soccer remains the "rights holder and has the overall responsibility for these events."
