The championship trophy of the Northern Super League, known as the Diana B. Matheson Cup, was revealed on Thursday. This trophy will be presented at the league’s inaugural final on Nov. 15 at BMO Field in Toronto. Named in tribute to Diana Matheson, a former standout midfielder for the national women’s soccer team and a key figure in establishing the Canadian women’s soccer league, the trophy measures just under 56 centimetres in height. Crafted with a bronze base layer and a gold body, it commemorates Canada’s achievements in women’s soccer at the Olympics, including gold at the 2020 Tokyo Games following bronze medals in the previous two editions.
The trophy is adorned with the North Star emblem, a prominent feature of the league’s logo. Matheson, who currently holds the position of chief growth officer at the NSL, had a remarkable career with the Canadian national women’s team, scoring 19 goals in 206 appearances spanning 17 years. In a press release, Matheson expressed her humility at having her name associated with the championship trophy, emphasizing its significance beyond personal recognition. She highlighted the Cup as a symbol of the collective efforts of past and present players who have contributed to the league’s development.
Reflecting on the league’s foundation by Canadians and its growth supported by dedicated fans, Matheson emphasized her desire for the trophy to embody the excellence and pride of the NSL. Having retired from international soccer in 2020, she sees the Cup as a representation of the league’s heritage and the bright future ahead.