Valour super fan makes voyage to Qatar to support Canada

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This article was published 20/11/2022 (668 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Nicky Cottee is a devoted fan of Valour FC, the local Canadian Premier League team, and a member of the Voyageurs, a well-organized group of Canadians known for their passionate support of Team Canada on the international soccer stage.

On Wednesday, the Winnipegger will be at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar to witness Canada’s return to the men’s World Cup when it takes on world No. 2-ranked Belgium in Group F action.

The Canadians face No. 12 Croatia on Sunday.

The games are an early Christmas gift for Cottee and her fellow Voyageurs.

She attended previous Canadian men’s team qualifying matches in Toronto, Edmonton and Mexico City on the road to the World Cup.

“One of the handy things about being part of an organization like the Voyageurs is knowing so many people from across the country — there’s a few people from Winnipeg that I know are going — but I probably know 40 or 50 people going, so it’s kind of nice to know that I won’t be alone,” she said, just before departing for Qatar last Friday.

Cottee, who also serves as president of the most prominent Valour supporters group, Red River Rising, made a late decision to attend the World Cup in person.

“I’m actually only going to see the Canada (group) games and the opening ceremonies,” said Cottee. “The tickets are not cheap, that’s for sure, but I was able to get some tickets last minute that were available from other people. For me, my main focus is the Canadians.”

Cottee is proud of the legacy of the Voyageurs, who were founded in 1996 to provide support for the country’s national teams.

“There are definitely some long-time Voyageurs that have a good history here in Winnipeg,” she said. “We used to be maybe 10 or 20 people at a Canada viewing. Now, it’s like packed bars, so it’s pretty incredible.”

Cottee is careful not to get too excited about Canada’s chances.

In 1986, the Canadian men lost three games and were outscored 5-0 and eliminated during the group stage. They haven’t been back to the big dance since.

“Everybody says there’s a dark-horse chance — sure, maybe — and I’m not ruling that out. But the most important thing is I want to see us out there competing and looking good against those two teams that are big teams in the world,” said Cottee.

“I think actually we will (look good), but we could score a goal — that would be incredible. We could win a game — that would be amazing. If we get out of group (stage), I’ll probably lose my mind.”

While Cottee and the rest of the Voyageurs will be urging Team Canada on in person, homebound fans can also get in on the action.

The King’s Head Pub, located in Winnipeg’s Exchange, has been dubbed the official home of Canada viewing for the World Cup.

Both floors have been set aside for soccer fans, meaning a capacity of 330 patrons on two floors. Five televisions will service the main floor with three projectors and two TVs upstairs.

The atmosphere is expected to be raucous.

“The England and Canada games we’ll definitely get a full house,” said King’s Head general manager Peter Shelley. “So, Wednesday at 1 (o’clock), the first Canada game, will be packed.”

Shelley said he had 200 reservations as of Monday morning and would cap that at 250 with remaining space left for walk-ins.

mike.sawatzky@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @sawa14

Mike Sawatzky
Reporter

Mike has been working on the Free Press sports desk since 2003.

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