June 7, 2016 – Eight of the best Men's Soccer teams in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association will head west in 2017 to compete for a National title.

Vancouver Island University of the Pacific Western Athletic Association has been awarded the 2017 CCAA Men's Soccer National Championship. The bid was approved today in Toronto during the CCAA's annual general meeting. The tournament will be held in Nanaimo, BC, Nov. 8-11, 2017.

"In the past four years, VIU has been amongst the busiest hosting institutions in the country," said David Munro, CCAA Men's Soccer Convenor. "The CCAA Men's Soccer Nationals Championship is a particularly good fit for VIU as the Mariners have been perennial contenders."

The Mariners, CCAA gold medalists in 2010, have qualified for Nationals four times over the last six seasons. They've medaled in each of their last four visits to CCAA National Championships, also earning two silvers and a bronze.

"There is reason to believe that VIU will contend for the National Championship in front of their home fans in 2017," said Munro.

VIU is thrilled to get the opportunity to host a CCAA Men's Soccer National Championship for the first time in its history, according to Athletic Director Bruce Hunter.

"We have a large and dedicated soccer community in Nanaimo that is excited to experience a National Championship," he said. "The City of Nanaimo is looking forward to welcoming the teams from across the country and we are all confident that it will be a great experience for everyone."

All 14 matches will be played in Nanaimo at the Merle Logan Artificial Turf fields, which are part of a large multi-sport complex.

VIU has recently hosted successful CCAA National Championships in Badminton (2015), Women's Basketball (2014) and Women's Volleyball (2012). The Mariners also hosted Men's Volleyball (2007) and Badminton (2005).

The 2016 CCAA Men's Soccer National Championship will be hosted by Keyano College in Fort McMurray, AB, Nov. 9-12.

-Above photo courtesy of Eagleye Aerial Photography