'We can make history' on gender equity, says Hamilton coach after Canada Soccer leadership change

Women coaches in Hamilton hope the new change in Canada Soccer leadership will mean a better chance at achieving gender equity in local coaching and leagues.

In a field that is strongly male dominated, two women coaches told CBC Hamilton that pay and gender equity changes are "a long time coming."

"I think we're in a place right now where we can make history as far as Canada's soccer goes and build towards pay equity on both sides with gender equity on both teams," said Jayashree Pathak, varsity goalkeeping coach for the McMaster University women's soccer team.

On Wednesday, former Olympian Charmaine Crooks was named Canada Soccer's interim president. She replaces Dr. Nick Bontis, who resigned during a board meeting earlier in the week, saying: "While I have been one of the biggest proponents of equalizing the competitive performance environment for our women's national team, I will unfortunately not be leading this organization when it happens. I acknowledge that this moment requires change."

The Canadian men's and women's teams have been demanding that Canada Soccer provide the same backing and preparation for the women's team ahead of the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand as it did for the men's team before Qatar. 

Both the women's and men's teams also want Canada Soccer to open its books and explain why their programs are being cut in 2023.

Earlier in February, the Canadian men asked for Sport Minister Pascale St-Onge to remove the Canada Soccer leadership if it is "not willing to take immediate action to respond to the players' demands and concerns."

Pathak was part of the McMaster University varsity soccer team as a goalkeeper for years before becoming coach. 

As labour equity talks hit an impasse, both the