Steve Reed of Surrey, BC was selected as the Canadian Soccer Association's 34th president at a summit in Whistler in May. Reed beat out long-time Ontario Soccer Association president Rob Smale on the same day the CSA officially endorsed the Canadian Premier League.

He has pretty big shoes to fill: under his predecessor Victor Montagliani, the Canadian women’s program experienced historic success and hosted the Women’s World Cup. The Canadian men’s national team went through mixed on-field fortunes but set the record for a single-match attendance of any Canadian national team in any sport when they played Mexico at BC Place last year.

Montagliani went out with a bang, with Canada joining Mexico and the USA for a joint-2026 World Cup bid the much-anticipated CPL gaining membership of the CSA. Montagliani vacated the position after being elected CONCACAF president and a FIFA vice-president.

Reed has over 50 years of experience in Canadian soccer, first as a player and coach before becoming involved in administrative and governance capacities. An accountant by trade, Reed was first elected to the CSA’s board in 2006, selected as the treasurer in 2009 and made vice-president in 2012. Prior to serving with the CSA, Reed was the president of BC Soccer.

In a press release, Reed said: “I would like to thank the Canada Soccer membership for the opportunity as we continue the incredible momentum for the sport of soccer in our country.

“This was an important day for our sport with the unanimous approval of the Canadian Premier League along with Hamilton and Winnipeg as new members of the Association and the overwhelming support for the 2026 FIFA World Cup joint bid with USA and Mexico.

“I look forward to serving the membership and building on the legacy of Victor Montagliani's leadership of the past five years.”

With the CPL and World Cup bid on the near horizon, as well as the need to continue improving Canada’s talent development infrastructure, Reed certainly has his work cut out for him.