SOCCER symposium

9 – 11 April 2026

beyond THE PITCH 26

TORONTO

00:00:00:00

AS TORONTO PREPARES TO HOST MATCHES TO FOR THE BIGGEST EVENT IN SOCCER, Beyond the pitch 26 is a three-day symposium that brings together the next generation of leaders, industry decision-makers, and community changemakers to explore the future of soccer in our city. 


This isn’t just about a sport tournament. 
It’s about opportunity. Innovation. Culture. Legacy. 


From students to executives to grassroot leaders, we’re building the conversation around how soccer shapes cultures and future generations in Canada

AS TORONTO PREPARES TO HOST MATCHES TO FOR THE BIGGEST EVENT IN SOCCER, Beyond the pitch 26 is a three-day symposium that brings together the next generation of leaders, industry decision-makers, and community changemakers to explore the future of soccer in our city. 


This isn’t just about a tournament. 
It’s about opportunity. Innovation. Culture. Legacy. 


From students to executives to artists, we’re building the conversation around how mega-events shape cities — and how Toronto can lead. 

Featured Speakers

James Johnson

James Johnson

Costa Smyrniotis

Costa Smyrniotis

Gavin Roth

Gavin Roth

Nadia Barey

Nadia Barey

Shaun Guest

Shaun Guest

Laura Armstrong

Laura Armstrong

Amy O'Brien

Amy O'Brien

Thursday 9 April

Day 01: Showcase & Future

Thursday 9 April

Day 01: Showcase & Future

Student Showcase Competition, spotlighting bold ideas at the intersection of soccer, mega-events, sustainability, and culture. A featured keynote speaker will set the tone for what’s possible in the growth of soccer within the Canadian industry

Friday 10 April

Day 02: Soccer as a Business

Friday 10 April

Day 02: Soccer as a Business

Industry experts will explore key topics including sponsorship, business operations, revenue models, and the evolving streaming experience of professional soccer in Canada. Keynote speaker James Johnson will share his strategic vision for the growth of soccer as a business in Canada, helping to build momentum as the country approaches the FIFA World Cup 2026

Friday 10 April

Day 02: Soccer as a Business

Industry experts will explore key topics including sponsorship, business operations, revenue models, and the evolving streaming experience of professional soccer in Canada. Keynote speaker James Johnson will share his strategic vision for the growth of soccer as a business in Canada, helping to build momentum as the country approaches the FIFA World Cup 2026

Saturday 11 April

Day 03: Community Legacy

Saturday 11 April

Day 03: Community Legacy

The beautiful game isn’t just played on the field — it lives in neighborhoods, classrooms, studios, and communities. That is why we are bringing together voices from arts, culture, literacy, music, health and well-being, and diversity and inclusion. Because the real win isn’t just hosting matches. It’s building something that lasts.

Get tickets for day2: friday april 10

HUMBER COMMUNITY PASS

$38.50

78% OFF

Admission includes lunch Only for faculty, staff, students from Humber

Friday only

Networking Opportunities

External Student Pass

$80

54% OFF

Admission includes lunch Limited tickets for external students outside of Humber

Thursday & Friday

Networking Opportunities

Industry Professionals

$125

Admission includes lunch Keynote Access & premium access to materials

Friday only

Networking Opportunities

Got questions

Find answers to common questions about the event.

How can I register for updates?

Registration will be available 30 days prior to the event, register your email to be informed, the event will be limited capacity and it would be first-come first-serve.

Is there a registration fee?

Yes, there is a registration fee to attend the conference on multi-days and there would be a student discount.

How can I become a sponsor?

To become a sponsor, please reach out to Richard Crowell at Richard.Crowell@Humber.ca

Who's invited?

Students, industry professionals, and Community & Cultural Leader within the periperals of soccer and its culture in Toronto and GTA

How can I register for updates?

Registration will be available 30 days prior to the event, register your email to be informed, the event will be limited capacity and it would be first-come first-serve.

Is there a registration fee?

Yes, there is a registration fee to attend the conference on multi-days and there would be a student discount.

How can I become a sponsor?

To become a sponsor, please reach out to Richard Crowell at Richard.Crowell@Humber.ca

Who's invited?

Students, industry professionals, and Community & Cultural Leader within the periperals of soccer and its culture in Toronto and GTA