The Diana B. Matheson Cup, the championship trophy of the Northern Super League, was revealed on Thursday. This prestigious trophy will be presented at the league’s inaugural Final on November 15 at BMO Field in Toronto. Named in honor of Diana Matheson, a former standout midfielder on the women’s national team and a key figure in establishing the Canadian women’s soccer league, the trophy symbolizes the legacy of all players involved in the league’s journey.
Expressing her gratitude, Matheson shared, “It’s incredibly humbling to see my name on the championship trophy, especially as it is a Cup that represents so much more.” The decision to pay tribute to Matheson was made unanimously by the NSL’s board of directors. NSL President Christina Litz highlighted the significance of the Diana B. Matheson Cup as a symbol of a new era in Canadian sports and the recognition of Matheson’s leadership and contributions to the league.
The upcoming NSL Final on November 15 at 1 p.m. ET will be broadcast nationally on CBC and live streamed on CBC Sports and CBC Gem. Additionally, the Final will be televised on TSN, RDS, and CBC nationally, with international coverage on ESPN+ and the NSL’s official YouTube channel.
The Diana B. Matheson Cup, standing at nearly 56 centimeters tall, features a bronze base layer and a gold body to celebrate Canada’s success in women’s soccer at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Adorned with the North Star emblem from the league’s logo, the trophy is a symbol of pride and excellence in women’s professional soccer in Canada.
Matheson, also serving as the NSL’s Chief Growth Officer, had an impressive record of 19 goals in 206 appearances during her 17-year career with the Canadian senior women’s team. Beyond her role in founding the NSL, Matheson was recently honored with the World Football Summit Award for her contributions to women’s football initiatives.
Fans will have the opportunity to view the Diana B. Matheson Cup in person this fall as part of “The Pitch” national screening tour, a documentary showcasing Matheson’s efforts in launching the first Canadian women’s professional soccer league. The tour will kick off in Vancouver on October 22, followed by stops in Montreal, Ottawa, Halifax, and concluding in Toronto on November 12.
Overall, the Diana B. Matheson Cup represents a significant milestone for the Northern Super League and the advancement of women’s professional soccer in Canada.
