Without a doubt, supporting Canadian soccer can be a thankless task. I’ve often whimsically compared supporting the Men’s national team to having a girlfriend that cheats on you constantly. You may love her, but she’ll always make you cry. Humour aside, I would love to say that I have been in this romantic relationship with Canadian soccer for years but that would be a lie. It started in 2004 for me but there are countless other individuals for many more years who have held the strong conviction that one day they will hear O Canada blaring across the stadium speakers in either Brazil, Russia or Qatar. I can’t say for others, but when this happens, it will be one of the greatest moments of my life. With qualifications just around the corner, we need continued support for our team. This is a cry to all those across our great nation to get out and get behind our team and to celebrate those who have been doing it for years.

	There will always be those who can’t be bothered to stick with the team through thick and thin and choose more ‘successful’ nations. I don’t want to focus on this. Instead, I want to celebrate all that the Voyageurs and ardent supporters of Canada do to support the national men and women’s program.

Certainly, before every qualification phase, it feels like the beginnings of a hopeful summer vacation. There’s a feeling of positivity in the air. Good things are bound to happen and there is nothing wrong with being optimistic. It’s the only way to survive as a supporter of Canadian soccer. Year after year the Voyageurs travel far and wide singing the anthem with all the pride in their hearts. They discuss the team with each other and pre-match gatherings are some of the best times for any fan of the sport. It is only in those gatherings that you will find unique discussions of  Nakajima-Farran’s season or how Pedro Pacheco is getting on at Santa Clara. This feeling of hope is palpable and it’s an exciting time for any supporter.

There will always be those who can’t be bothered to stick with the team through thick and thin and choose more ‘successful’ nations. I don’t want to focus on this. Instead, I want to celebrate all that the Voyageurs and ardent supporters of Canada do to support the national men and women’s program. Even more so, I want you the reader, if possible, to make the effort to discover this great feeling of satisfaction by sticking with and supporting our men and women as their biggest fan. As with any cause, there are many low points. But let me tell you that I feel we are on the cusp of something great. I have this feeling brewing in my stomach that it’s just a matter of time before we make it to the football’s most important event.

I have seen Canada play through several CONCACAF Gold Cups, two World Cup Qualifying campaigns and numerous friendlies. I have experienced great joy when we’ve tied the game up or have sung the national anthem. But I have also experienced deep sadness when we’ve lost by the smallest of margins or questionable calls. It has been a tough run at times but it has also given me some of the greatest memories in my life. I have made some incredible friends. Not only has soccer brought many of us together but also more importantly it will keep us together as we grow older and experience more. I want you the reader, to join us. Join the Voyageurs and others in our cause to support our nation. One day I want you to stand with me in the terraces during our opening match of the World Cup. I want you to sing with me and celebrate the hardships and joys. We’ll have finally made it.

Being a supporter of Canadian soccer is much like being in love. You’ll go through ups and downs, hardships and joy. However, if you truly want to experience the greatest joys, you must stick through it and hold on. The Voyageurs are a great place to start. They are a great group of individuals who are always keen to welcome new support. Get out and support our men and women. Let’s make sure that they’re not alone. Really, all that I’m asking is that you take a chance and fall in love with Canadian soccer.