In 2008, Canada’s women’s national team made its first appearance at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament. It reached the quarter-final stage before losing to the United States in extra time. Along the way, it won the Cyprus Cup and finished second at the Peace Queen Cup. In 24 games (an Association high), Canada posted a record of 10 wins, seven draws and seven losses. Canada’s title partner is Winners while its presenting partner is Teck.

Voting for the adidas Canadian Players of the Year will be split evenly by Canadian media and Canadian coaches who have taken the Canadian Soccer Association’s national course at the B and A levels (including national-team coaches).

Along with the adidas Canadian Player of the Year award, there are two additional awards that celebrate the top young prospects in Canadian soccer. Coaches from across the country will select four young stars from Canada’s World Cup squads. – two Canadian U-20 Players of the Year and two Canadian U-17 Players of the Year.

Voting for the Canadian Youth (U-20) Players of the Year and Canadian Junior (U-17) Players of the Year will be split evenly by Canadian national-team coaches and all other Canadian coaches who have taken the Canadian Soccer Association’s national course at the B and A levels. Coaches will be asked to consider each nominee’s success at the international and club levels, including performances at the FIFA World Cups and at the BMO National Championships.

Voting will begin immediately and will conclude on 3 January 2009. Voters will be asked to select three players (first place, second place and third place) in each category. All six winners will be announced during the week of 5-9 January.