Materials for a soccer turf were offered to Aqsarniit Ilinniarvik Middle School by Canada Soccer for the World Cup, but logistical issues scuttled the deal. (William Koblensky Varela/NNSL photo)

William Koblensky Varela, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

National governing body Canada Soccer offered to supply materials for a mini-turf at Aqsarniit Ilinniarvik Middle School in Iqaluit ahead of the FIFA World Cup this past July.

But the deal fell through when the Government of Nunavut could not designate someone to sign the agreement, according to the Department of Education.

Finding the money to pay for the installation and maintenance also prevented delivery of the turf.

Canada Soccer withdrew its offer while the GN attempted to resolve the issues, the Department of Education stated.

“The details of figuring out these logistics, including who could sign any agreement with the Canadian Soccer Association (a designated local authority), who would carry out and cover the installation, as well as how the cost of maintaining the turf would be covered, took time,” said Amare Castillo, a communications employee with the Department of Education.

Canada Soccer described its offer for the school as a FIFA Arena mini pitch.

The GN could not find a contractor to install the base of the turf, according to Canada Soccer chief communications officer Paulo Senra.

Senra did not respond to Nunavut News’ questions about when the offer was made and when it was rescinded.

Both Canada Soccer and the GN stated that they are open to a deal in the future.

But the Department of Education cautioned that its main focus is improving the existing conditions of schools in Nunavut and rolling out full-day kindergarten.

“Addressing these capital needs in schools is estimated to cost almost $3 billion over the next 20 years,” Castillo said.

Nunavut News was first alerted to the failed deal between Canada Soccer and the GN by two Iqalummiut girls aged 13 and 14.

Grade 8 student Viivi Morrison-Mike at Aqsarniit Ilinniarvik Middle School and Grade 9 student Siasi Debicki at Inuksuk High School shared their concerns on Sept. 13.

“We are extremely disappointed that this did not happen. It does not make sense,” the girls wrote.

Morrison-Mike and Debicki are considering launching a petition to get turf installed.

By William Koblensky Varela, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Original Published on Sep 28, 2026 at 10:52

 

This item reprinted with permission from   Nunavut News   Iqaluit, Nunavut
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