Former staff, players, fans speak out following Valour FC’s decision to suspend operations

After the announcement that FC Valour is suspending operations, the ripple effects are being felt across Manitoba’s soccer community. Fans, former staff, and players now without a team are sharing their reactions and what they think comes next for pro soccer in Winnipeg.

Last week, Valour FC confirmed the shutdown, saying the club couldn’t continue without financial backing or a long-term investment model.

“We always said to the bosses at the Canadian league level, we’re not just building a team, not just a franchise, we want to build a club for our community,” said Rob Gale, the former Valour FC head coach and general manager.

While the came as a shock to many, Gale was not surprised. As someone who was involved from day one, he says the warning signs were there — just behind the scenes.

“There is so little information on how it was run, who makes the decision, where are the finances going, and I think that led to the demise of the club,” said Gale.

“There had been failed attempts to purchase and find a new ownership group. So, sadly, when the final nail came in there, it wasn’t a surprise.”

Valour — owned by the Winnipeg Football Club (WFC), the non-profit, community-owned organization that runs the CFL’s Blue Bombers — has been on shaky ground for some time.

In April 2024, the Bombers reported that Valour had lost $1.25 million the previous year, noting the club’s finances continued to be uncertain. In 2022, the Bombers reported a $950,000 loss from operating the soccer team.

Valour, which finished sixth in the eight-team league last season at 7-16-5, was not on the WFC’s books this year. The Canadian Premier League covered the club’s operating costs in 2024, with a similar agreement in place this season.

“After extensive work with the Canadian Premier League and a thorough review of every available option, Valour FC has made the difficult decision to suspend operations effective immediately,” team president and CEO Wade Miller told CityNews in a statement on Saturday. “Without continued financial backing or a viable long-term investment model, there was no sustainable path forward for the club.”

Former midfielder Kian Williams spent three seasons with Valour, re-signing after a strong first year and calling Winnipeg a place that can quickly become home. He says that while rumours had circulated, he was still caught off guard.

“I was more concerned for staff and teammates because there are people with contracts who were relying on next year,” said Williams.

“I feel like if there was more success and stuff like that, maybe there would still be a club.”

Red River Rising, Valour’s main support group, who has backed the club since before its first match, were left frustrated. They feel that if the public had been given a heads up that the team was in trouble, the community would have stepped up.

“Why wasn’t the public given the chance? That’s a major part we would have done anything we could to rally investors and our own groups to get that done,” said Chris Knight, with Red River Rising.

But despite the loss, supporters believe professional soccer in Manitoba isn’t gone for good.

“I think with a smaller stadium and right management, three thousand ticket holders could easily run a club,” said Knight.

Added Gale: “You only have to look at the Sea Bears and others who came in that do it properly, establishing it properly and are there for long-term growth rather than short-term gain, professional football will come back to Manitoba.”

–With files from The Canadian Press