Members of the University of Winnipeg Wesmen Women’s soccer team have launched a petition to restore their program after it was abruptly cancelled. The U of W announced last week that it would be discontinuing the women’s soccer team for the 2025 season, citing financial challenges. A spokesperson for the university said the decision was not made lightly. “The suspension of our soccer program is part of a larger effort to ensure the university remains financially stable while continuing to provide exceptional academic programs,” the spokesperson said. “This effort also includes university-wide budget cuts, the closure of the English Language Program, a hiring freeze, staff layoffs, and ongoing austerity measures.” The petition, launched on Change.org on Jan. 16, has already garnered more than 2,800 signatures in five days. “There’s been a lot of people reposting the petition and seeing their comments about how they think that cutting the program is a huge mistake, and just a lot of support surrounding the petition, which has been awesome,” said team captain Sydney Arnold. The group has also received some support from a Manitoba MLA. Richard Perchotte, who represents Selkirk and is the advanced education critic, is asking Renee Cable, Minister of Advanced Education, to take action. “Soccer is a unifying sport that brings together parents and fans of different cultures from around the world. Sadly, female student athletes, and what they bring to campus culture at the U of W, will be missing from that cultural mosaic this year,” Perchotte wrote. Arnold said having the support of high-profile people is helping. “We definitely appreciate all the support,” she said. Arnold added the team has been leaning on each other for support. “I know as a team, we’ve kind of come together, and it’s almost like it’s made us stronger, in a sense, because we’re tackling this new obstacle together.”
