CanPara Train in Toronto Ahead of 2024 IFCPF World Cup – Canada Soccer

Canada’s Para Soccer National Team completed a successful September camp in Toronto in preparation for the 2024 IFCPF World Cup in November. Managed by veteran coach Drew Ferguson, CanPara find themselves ranked 11th heading into this year’s World Cup in Spain. Coming off of a ninth-place finish at the 2022 edition, including a statement victory over a powerful Dutch side, Canada will look for a similarly inspiring showing this time around.

The CanPara team, made up of a blend of experienced players and first-time call-ups, gathered in Toronto in late September for a series of training sessions. The sessions proved valuable to integrating a number of new players who impressed with their technical quality. First-time calls Ronan Weins (16), Brendan McGeachan (22), and Oscar Novak (24) each bring valuable characteristics that will be of service to Drew Ferguson’s side going forward.

We have decided that the next few years will be a transitional few years, bringing in a few younger players and a couple new players so I’m excited for them to experience the atmosphere of a World Cup. The future looks great, but we know it will be a process. 

Drew Ferguson

The decision to incorporate new faces has rejuvenated the group, according to captain Samuel Charron, who sees bits of his younger self in the new additions.

I was impressed seeing some of the new guys. They wanted the ball and they wanted to make a difference. I think they can help us and their development can help the program in the long run.

Samuel Charron

Canada’s World Cup path will not be an easy one. Canada was drawn into Group B alongside world second-ranked Brazil, fifth-ranked England, and 15th-ranked Japan. The team acknowledges that the draw may not have been a favourable one, but look forward to the challenge of competing against some of the world’s best.

The group draw that we have been drawn into is probably the toughest group with Brazil, England and Japan. It will be very difficult to get out of the group, but with some hard work and desire, we will do our best to pull off a huge upset and look to finish in the top eight.

Drew Ferguson

Charron, is especially motivated for this tournament as it means a potential return to competitive action following a long rehab process. Back in January, Charron ruptured his achilles, putting his World Cup participation in jeopardy. With the help of Dr. Dave Simon and physiotherapist, Ryan Morrison, Charron’s recovery has put him in a position to do what he loves most: represent Canada on the world stage.

Seeing all the games on TV and watching my buddies play has kind of eaten me alive a little bit so I’m very eager to be back. I’ve been missing it way too much.

Samuel Charron

Canada will look to begin its World Cup campaign on a positive note on 10 November against world powers, Brazil.