Winnipeg’s Ralph Cantafio Soccer Complex gets a $750K facelift
Posted July 24, 2026 4:21 pm.
Last Updated July 25, 2026 10:17 am.
On the heels of the World Cup excitement, and a professional women’s soccer team announced Friday that the province is keeping the ball rolling, with a $750,000 funding to the Ralph Cantafio Soccer Complex, one of Winnipeg’s most-storied fields.
“This complex represents what sport was to him, what sport should always be, a place of hope, a place of inspiration and dreams, a place where community is built,” said Raff, the son of the stadium’s namesake Ralph Cantafio, who passed away in March.
The funding will go towards replacing the outdoor field pitch and lighting system, and modernizing the facilities
“I’m super excited,” said 17-year-old Anna Fischer, who plays for Bonivatal FC.
“As a goalkeeper, I get turf burns all the time so I’m super excited for an upgrade. (In) changing rooms you can see the lighting is a little bad sometimes, so I’m excited for what they’re going to do. I’m super pumped.”
Fischer has committed to Moncton University to play soccer after high school; she believes the future of the game in Manitoba is bright.
“I’m sure the Northern Super League (NSL) is going to bring women’s soccer up,” Fischer added.
“The little kids, they’re going to keep going up in the sport and hopefully play pro leagues, university and stuff like that, I’m super excited to see what’s going to happen.”
Friday’s announcement comes just weeks after the NSL announced that they awarded Winnipeg a new franchise, cofounded by Canadian soccer icon Desiree Scott.
However, the team has yet to announce their home pitch. The investment in Ralph Cantafio Soccer Complex has many wondering if the stadium would host the new team.
“There are announcements coming up and, in the queue, so I would encourage you to stay tuned,” said Nellie Kennedy, Manitoba’s minister of sports, culture, heritage and tourism.
Scott echoed the minister’s comments adding that improvements were exciting, and the team’s future home will be announced soon.
