THE CANADIAN PRESS
OTTAWA — After a successful effort as event director of last year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup, the Canadian Soccer Association has named Peter Montopoli as its general secretary.
The announcement was made Tuesday after a two-month search where the CSA looked at 32 applicants — all but three from Canada. Montopoli will manage the CSA’s daily operations and act as a spokesperson for the organization in the corporate sector, with the government and in the soccer community.
The position replaced that of the chief executive officer.
Fred Nykamp was announced as the organization’s CEO last May, but his hiring didn’t receive board approval, leading to a lawsuit for wrongful hiring and firing that was settled in January. Kevan Pipe was fired as the organization’s chief operating officer in November 2006.
Montopoli said he’s excited about leading the organization along with the CSA executive committee and board and their partners.
"Obviously it’s a big task, there’s a long road in front of us," Montopoli said during a conference call. "But I think if we’re able to build the synergies with everyone working together and I think that’s the key — everyone working together moving forward — I think great things can happen and many things can be accomplished."
Montopoli has previously worked at Skate Canada, Canada Basketball and the Ontario Basketball Association. As director of last year’s 52-match U-20 tournament, the Ottawa resident helped the event bring in almost 1.2 million spectators.
"We did all work together and we set records in this country that may never ever be broken again," Montopoli said. "With that, I think it shows it bodes well for the sport of soccer that the interest is there.
"We just need the opportunities now and the organization to take a leadership position in moving forward."
Montopoli, who will work closely with new technical director Stephen Hart, will also be in charge of management and administration of staff, strategic and operational planning, communication with the provincial and territorial associations, and marketing and revenue development.