Capilano University (CapU) has earned the 2025 CCAA Innovation Award from the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association, which singled out the University for its "exceptional and forward-thinking execution" of the 2024 CCAA Women's Soccer National Championship.
Capilano University took the 2025 CCAA Innovation Award for creativity and forward thinking in hosting the 2024 CCAA Women's Soccer National Championship at CapU Squamish.
The CCAA applauded the University for redefining the national championship experience by hosting the event at the newly opened Squamish campus, Nov. 6 - 9, 2024. The tournament, which brought together Canada's top women's soccer programs, was praised for its "unparalleled athlete experience, groundbreaking use of technology, and deep engagement with community and culture."
The CapU team introduced an RFID wristband system, replacing traditional room keys and accreditation passes with customized access bands specific to each team hotel. Coaches were equipped with QR-coded lanyards linking to a digital tournament manual, an environmentally conscious alternative to printed binders.
Social media engagement set new CCAA benchmarks with content that included match highlight reels, goal clips, and post-game interviews in both official languages and was done using student-produced visuals and coverage from CapU's School of Motion Picture Arts.
CCAA also praised the host committee for partnering with the Squamish Nation to incorporate Indigenous culture meaningfully into the event. The tournament opened and closed with traditional blessing ceremonies, and Player of the Game awards were presented jointly by Indigenous leaders and local youth soccer representatives.
The event also spotlighted equity in sports through an all-female officiating crew selected in collaboration with Canada Soccer.
CapU's approach to hosting emphasized sustainability, with digital infrastructure replacing printed material, and student engagement at the heart of operations.
"Feedback from participants, administrators and community members has been overwhelmingly positive," the CCAA stated in its award announcement, congratulating CapU on this outstanding achievement and for setting a new standard in collegiate sport innovation.
CCAA news post: Capilano University Receives 2025 CCAA Innovation Award
For more information
2055 Purcell Way
North Vancouver British Columbia
Canada V7J 3H5
www.capilanou.ca/
