Sophia Ferreira, a Canadian defender who played for the University of British Columbia women’s soccer team in 2021, is hopeful about the possibilities a domestic women’s pro league, such as the Northern Super League, could offer. (@ubctbirds/X)
In February, UBC Thunderbirds defender Sophia Ferreira embarked on a professional soccer adventure, playing for Portugal's Vilaverdense FC in the Liga BPI. The experience opened her eyes to the dedication that European female soccer players demonstrate, where soccer is often a lifelong career, unlike in Canada, where it's commonly seen as a university-level hobby.
Ferreira, who is from Coquitlam, B.C., and has played internationally for Portugal, believes Canadian soccer players could reach similar heights if they fully commit. She now hopes to bring this mindset back home, especially as Canada prepares to launch the Northern Super League (NSL) in April. This new professional league, founded by ex-national team star Diana Matheson, is set to operate in six cities, including Vancouver. The NSL, a significant upgrade from League1 BC, offers female athletes a chance to continue playing professionally after university.
Ferreira sees the NSL as a game-changer for U Sports athletes, providing them with a professional future in Canada instead of having to move abroad. "The NSL shines a spotlight on us," Ferreira said, comparing it to the NCAA in the U.S. which prepares athletes for the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The NSL will bridge the gap between university soccer and professional leagues, a connection Ferreira feels is essential.
Optimism about the NSL has permeated the UBC locker room. Team captain Nisa Reehal, like many of her teammates, feels inspired by the new opportunities the league promises. Growing up, Reehal didn't see a professional soccer future for Canadian women. "When I was in high school, I didn’t know going pro was an option," said the 23-year-old. Now, however, young girls have a clear pathway to professional soccer within Canada.
This shift is reflected in UBC's rising ambitions. Ferreira recalls that just three years ago, professional soccer wasn’t seriously considered by her peers. Now, rookies enter university already dreaming of playing pro. Ferreira believes the NSL is helping these dreams become more tangible, inspiring young players to voice their aspirations openly.
As U Sports increasingly becomes a springboard for professional careers, Ferreira has noticed a heightened competitive spirit. "Even in your last year, you're excited because there’s something bigger to look forward to," she said. The mere presence of the NSL has already elevated the quality of play at the university level, with players eager to showcase their skills in the hope of advancing to the pro ranks.
While NSL details, like roster sizes and player salaries, are still being finalized, Matheson assured in a statement that the league will offer Canadian university athletes a pathway to pro soccer without leaving home. The league also aims to encourage more women to stay in Canada for both their education and professional sports careers.
Ferreira and Reehal are now focused on defending their U Sports title, as UBC remains the top-ranked team after an unbeaten start to the season. With the NSL on the horizon, they know that their soccer careers don’t have to end with university.
