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The seven clubs who make up the CPL may be in competition with each other on the field, but recognize the importance of improving the calibre of play in the league as a whole.

Instead of beating the bushes themselves in different corners of the globe for international talent, they will now all have access to the same database of players.

“It’s still ultimately up to the clubs to have the autonomy to choose these players,” Friend said. “But it’s a much more efficient process, versus the way soccer normally works around the globe where it’s every club for themselves.

“This will enable clubs to invest in other areas instead of scouting and recruiting. It’s a far more efficient process and I believe that this innovative approach is going to be adopted by many leagues around the world and we’re excited that the Canadian Premier League is the first league to do this.”

Heading into its second season, the CPL is looking to ride the momentum of a successful inaugural year.

The league is still looking to grow with an expansion franchise rumoured to be announced in Ottawa backed by prominent Spanish La Liga club; something Clanachan would not comment on at the moment.

Clanachan did admit, however, interest in the CPL has increased in terms of foreign players wanting to be part of the league.

“The beautiful thing that people forget is that we have, arguably, the best country in the world to live in and come to,” Clanachan said. “All of the things that we love about this country attracts these young players and we have a new league that everyone is following and is interested in.”

Currently, clubs must have a minimum of six Canadian starters per game and require more than half of their roster be made up of domestic players.

“We’re certainly on the radar already in international soccer and that’s very, very exciting,” Friend said. “Now we need to continue to push the envelope and increase the quality on the field and this is certainly something that’s going to increase our on-field quality and the interest in this league from abroad and that’s exciting.”

Email: dvandiest@postmedia.com

On Twitter: @DerekVanDiest