July 24, 2026
Manitoba Government Supports Upgrades to Ralph Cantafio Soccer Complex
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The Manitoba government is investing $750,000 to support upgrades to the Ralph Cantafio Soccer Complex in Winnipeg, Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Nellie Kennedy announced today.
“Investing in quality sport infrastructure strengthens communities, creates opportunities for athletes and supports economic growth,” said Kennedy. “The Ralph Cantafio Soccer Complex is an important hub for soccer in Manitoba, and these upgrades will help ensure the facility can continue serving athletes, families and fans for years to come while attracting events and visitors to our province.”
The funding will help replace the outdoor field pitch and lighting system, modernizing one of Manitoba’s premier soccer facilities and ensuring it can continue to host high-level competition, community programming and sporting events.
“The MSA is extremely pleased for the support the provincial government is providing to continue to improve the Ralph Cantafio Soccer Complex,” said Hector Vergara, executive director, Manitoba Soccer Association. “This is a facility with a lot of rich soccer history, and it will continue to be the home of soccer for many years. Continuing to improve the facility will benefit thousands of players, coaches and referees that love the game. Ralph would be extremely proud and pleased that the facility named after him will receive the support of the provincial government. On behalf of the soccer community, our MSA board of directors and staff we thank the provincial government for this important contribution to our soccer community.”
The Ralph Cantafio Soccer Complex, located on Waverley Street in Winnipeg, is operated by the Winnipeg Soccer Federation. The facility plays a key role in supporting soccer development and participation opportunities for Manitobans of all ages.
The complex was named in honour of Ralph Cantafio in 2016, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to the growth and development of soccer in Manitoba and across Canada.
“My father believed deeply that Winnipeg and Manitoba should always be second to no one when it came to soccer,” said Raff Cantafio, Ralph’s son. “This investment honours that belief by creating better opportunities for today’s players and for generations still to come. Our family is incredibly proud and grateful to the Manitoba government and everyone who has helped make this next chapter at the Ralph Cantafio Soccer Complex possible.”
Cantafio dedicated his life to expanding the sport and creating opportunities for players of all ages. His leadership extended to the Manitoba Soccer Association and the Canadian Soccer Association, where he served in key roles that helped shape the game nationally. Inducted into both the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame and the Canada Soccer Hall of Fame, Cantafio left a legacy reflected in the complex that bears his name, a tribute to his vision of providing a lasting home for the sport he loved.
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