Securing the Future: Alberni Valley’s Bid for the National Training Centre." An Indigenous-led, 2026 Legacy Project for Regional Reconciliation and Athletic Excellence.
We are building an Indigenous-led home for Canadian soccer—integrating elite performance with cultural revitalization on the unceded territories of the Tseshaht, Hupacasath, and Huu-ay-aht First Nations.
Federal Acknowledgement
A significant step toward a more inclusive future and reconciliation.
— Hon. Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport)
Provincial Acknowledgement
A great opportunity for long-lasting economic benefits.
— Hon. Anne Kang, Minister of Sport (BC)
National Endorsement
A tangible act of Reconciliation… setting a national standard for major sport infrastructure.
— Gord Johns, Member of Parliament, Courtenay-Alberni
Regional Support
An Indigenous-led, world-class hub for athletic excellence and cultural revitalization… a wonderful addition to our area.
— John Jack, Chairperson, ACRD Board of Directors
Economic Support
A catalyst for geometric growth and regional economic transformation.
— Brodie Guy, CEO, Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET)
Institutional & Educational Alignment
A cornerstone legacy project for regional reconciliation and economic growth.
— Dr. Lisa Domae, President & CEO, North Island College
Tourism & Regional Legacy
A transformative legacy opportunity… establishing the Alberni Valley as a permanent hub for athletic excellence.
— Megan Warrender, Chair, Alberni Valley Tourism Association (AVTA)
Community & Grassroots Support
A united front that reflects the values of diversity, equity, and belonging—ready to warmly welcome any delegation calling the Alberni Valley home.
— Alberni Athletics Soccer Club
Institutional & Educational Alignment
A cornerstone legacy project for regional reconciliation and economic growth.
— Dr. Lisa Domae, President & CEO, North Island College
Our Mission
To establish an Indigenous-led, world-class hub for athletic excellence and cultural revitalization that secures a permanent FIFA 2026 legacy for the Alberni Valley while advancing reconciliation and national sport infrastructure.
100% Committed to a FIFA 2026 Legacy
This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to establish the International Sports & Cultural Institute in the Alberni Valley.
Our proposal—officially supported by the ACRD Board and acknowledged by the Secretary of State (Sport)—positions our region as an Indigenous-led, world-class hub for athletic excellence. We are ready to host the world, drive regional reconciliation, and create a permanent home for high-performance soccer.
Programs
Strategic Initiatives
National Training Centre (NTC)
Responding to the Canada Soccer RFI to establish a permanent home for high-performance training, coaching education, and player development.
Indigenous-Led Excellence
Partnering with the Hupacasath, Tseshaht and Huu-ay-aht First Nations to integrate 10,000 years of heritage with world-class sports science and cultural revitalization.
FIFA 2026 Readiness
Upgrading Bob Dailey Stadium and Echo Minor to meet FIFA standards for international team acclimatization and pre-tournament training.
Your local fields, including Bob Dailey Stadium and Echo Minor, have already undergone preliminary assessments by Sports Labs, a FIFA-accredited agency.
Port Alberni offers the ideal temperature and low humidity needed for teams to adjust to the heat risks expected in 2026 match cities like Houston or Monterrey.
Port Alberni is the only publicly declared non-host Canadian city currently bidding as an eligible candidate for a FIFA 2026 Training Base.
Project Concept Brief
The project aims to establish an Indigenous-led, world-class hub for athletic excellence and cultural revitalization.
National Training Centre (NTC)
The committee already responded on December 12, 2025 now final submission within February 12, 2026, deadline to establish a permanent high-performance home for Canadian soccer.
International Sports & Cultural Institute
The concept blends elite athletic training with 10,000 years of Indigenous heritage, positioning the region as a “spiritual and cultural capital”.
FIFA 2026 Readiness
The bid focuses on hosting international teams for pre-tournament training and acclimatization, utilizing local natural grass fields like Bob Dailey Stadium, which has already been completed initial testing by FIFA-accredited experts.
Economic Transformation
The initiative is designed as a catalyst for “geometric growth,” aiming to put the Alberni Valley on the global map through tourism and infrastructure legacy.
Brandy Lauder, Chief Councillor, Hupacasath First Nation
Ken Watts, Chief Councillor for, Tseshaht First Nation
John Alan Jack, Chief Councillor, Huu-ay-aht First Nations
For the first time in history, 3 Nations stand together to lead a FIFA’26 Legacy for Alberni Valley. This is more than a bid; it’s movement for reconciliation & sport.
A Unified Nation: Indigenous-Led Excellence.
AHM Jahangir, Project Lead, NTC & General Secretary, Organizing Committee
Terry Deakin, Chair, Organizing Committee of FIFA 2026 Activties in Alberni Valley
Address:
3072 4th Avenue
Port Alberni, BC V9Y 2B9, Canada
Phone
+1-778-548-4313
ahmjahangir@agrohope.ca