The Canadian Premier League (CPL) hopes to kickoff its 2021 season as early as May, according to league commissioner David Clanachan.
In a statement to fans, Clanachan said the league is targeting the weekend of May 22 as its third season’s start date and plans to schedule a full season.
“Based on where we are right now, if health authorities say it is safe to do so, we are focused on targeting a start date of the Victoria Day long weekend (May 22, 2021) – Canada’s ‘unofficial start of summer’ for a full 28 game season,” said Clanachan via the letter emailed to league fans Tuesday. “To that end, we will remain flexible but also adaptable in our planning. To be clear, our ultimate goal is to see our Supporters in the stands as we take to the field.”
Canadian Premier League commissioner David Clanachan.
The CPL was forced to postpone its second-ever season last year due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. The league eventually played out a shortened tournament-style competition on Prince Edward Island in August and September. Forge FC won the 2020 competition.
More playing minutes for young Canadians
Friday’s letter also announced league plans to increase the number of minutes clubs need to give their young Canadian players.
“We have also made a number of changes for the 2021 season to add greater opportunity for young Canadian Players – including – increasing the Under 21 Domestic Player Minutes by 50%,” said Clanachan. “This direction is a testament to our commitment to development of young players – the likes of Tristan Borges, Emilio Estevez and Tyler Attardo – who benefited from these rules and moved to other international markets to showcase their talents.”
