Canada Soccer hires former MLSE executive as head of women's professional soccer

TORONTO — Canada Soccer has appointed former MLSE executive Breagha Carr-Harris to its new post of head of women’s professional soccer.

More than 70 applications were received for the posting, which sought a "dynamic, critical thinker" for a "high-profile role dedicated to launching women’s professional soccer in Canada."

Nick Bontis has made bringing women’s pro soccer to Canada a priority since being elected president of the Canadian soccer governing body in November 2020.

"It's something that has been missing … glaringly missing," he said in late February when the posting closed.

"Now more than ever the women’s professional game deserves to have its rightful place in this country. We are very excited to welcome Breagha Carr-Harris to this newly created role which is critical to the advancement of the women’s professional game in our country," Bontis said in a statement Saturday.

Carr-Harris spent the last 14-plus years with Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, most recently as manager of fan service.

An NCCP (National Coaching Certification Program) certified coach, Carr-Harris has more than 10 years of experience as a coach with youth- and university-level teams. Breagha served as an assistant coach at York University, been a head coach at the Vaughan Soccer Club and coached Quinn, a current Canadian international who goes by one name, at North Toronto SC.

"It is an absolute privilege to accept the position having been involved with the game for over three decades as a player, coach and in the professional club environment," Carr-Harris said in a statement. "As a passionate supporter of the women’s game from the grassroots through to our women’s national team, I appreciate the dedication, commitment and support of