Canada WNT Is On Strike

As most of you have probably heard of by now, the Canadian Women's National Team has decided to boycott the Canada Soccer Association (CSA). The boycott means, that the team refuses to play any international matches until the CSA recognizes their demands and negotiates with them. Now, why are they boycotting, you may ask? There are actually 2 reasons. First, The Canada WNT wants to see Carolina Morace be included in the team's plans for after the World Cup in Germany. Recently, Morace announced that she would be resigning from the position of head coach after the World Cup this summer, because her and the CSA had different methods for the advancement of the team. Since both would not see eye to eye, she would leave. However, the Canada WNT wants Morace, the coach who has brought them to new heights and has made a huge impact on them, to stay. They will be boycotting the CSA until they can settle their differences and include Morace in the team's future plans. But this boycott is not just about that. Its also a stand against pay inequity. The players never get compensated, even when they've played in huge competitions such as the 2008 Beijing Olympics, or even the Gold Cup. The men do get compensated, and the cheeky CSA has refused to show the Canada WNT the men's team's numbers in regards to compensation. The players want compensation equal to that of the Men's and are not looking for any more or less. They have every right to fight for equal pay. Its another classic display of pay inequity and sexism by the chauvinistic societies known as Soccer Associations. The players will be represented all by one lawyer, and arbitration is a likely outcome, if the CSA refuses to get moving on negotiations soon. The Canada WNT will be going to Rome to train for the Cyprus cup, but if these issues are not resolved, they refuse to play any matches, and if need be, the team will even sit out World Cup matches. Its time to move forward. This old, ignorant sexism crap is getting played out. Its the only thing keeping the Women's game behind. And FIFA, to the CSA, they're all chauvinistic and sexist organizations. But, as much as they might try to keep women behind in the game, its not going to be happening for that much longer. Women's soccer continues to improve globally, and continues to gain respect and recognition. Sexism is getting bashed and conquered left and right. If these societies think they can get away with it, they better think again, because players and teams are not going to tolerate it. The Canada WNT is already showcasing bravery and guts, taking a stand and speaking up. Good for them. I support their campaign fully. They have every right to get equal pay. Same job, same country, and hell, they probably have more championships! Time to get up with the times. And as for Morace? She's a great coach, she's changed Canada around completely and improved them big time. Throwing her to the wayside because you don't agree with her seems to be a pretty poor way to repay her, don't you think? Ridiculous. Go Canada WNT! Kick the sexism outta that place, and good for you guys taking a stand! They're proving a great example to everyone else. Hope this issue is resolved soon. It will be resolved, I'm just hoping it happens soon, so that the Canadian WNT can get in some good practice for the Women's World Cup!

Denise