While much of the attention surrounding World Cup has centred on Toronto, a smaller Ontario community has become an unlikely focal point for Panama
Panama have chosen the town of New Tecumseth, located around 90 minutes from Toronto, as their training base during the competition, bringing World Cup excitement to a municipality better known for its rural surroundings than international football.
The Central American side has established itself at the Nottawasaga Resort, where a large Panama team logo displayed on a roadside sign signals the town’s role in the global tournament.
Away from the busy atmosphere surrounding Toronto Stadium, Panama’s players have been enjoying a quieter environment as they prepare for their opening Group L fixture against Ghana on Wednesday.
Goalkeeper Cesar Samudio said the peaceful setting has been one of the highlights of the team’s stay.
“I’m a fan of nature, I think the surroundings are very beautiful,” Samudio said via an interpreter, recalling a recent walk near a local pond. “I think it’s good to be here.”
The choice of location has also pleased head coach Thomas Christiansen, who believes the area offers the ideal conditions for preparation.
“There’s plenty of privacy here to work well during the days we’ll be here, which is something that we were looking (for),” said Christiansen. “So it’s perfect.”
The arrival of a World Cup team has generated considerable excitement among local residents, many of whom have taken the opportunity to watch training sessions at close range.
A recent workout attracted several hundred spectators, who gathered around the training pitch to watch Panama’s players go through drills, take part in practice matches and interact with supporters.
Among those in attendance was local resident Rory Webster, who visited with his daughter to experience a rare sporting occasion for the community.
“You don’t get to see this kind of stuff around here ever,” Webster said. “So to see an international team come here with all the bells and whistles, it’s pretty cool to see.”
Panama are the only participating nation using a training base in Canada, one of the three countries hosting the World Cup alongside the United States and Mexico.
Toronto is staging six matches during the tournament, while Vancouver is hosting seven.
The atmosphere at the resort training ground has been notably relaxed. Reggaeton music played throughout one session as spectators waved Panama flags and young football fans watched the players showcase their technical ability and ball control.
For some supporters, the chance to see the national team up close was a memorable experience.
“It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience because for me personally, I’ve never seen the players that close,” said Diego Vallarino, who grew up in Panama and now lives in Toronto. “So it’s really important to be here.”
The town’s connection to the World Cup has also been welcomed by local officials.
New Tecumseth Mayor Richard Norcross said the opportunity to host an international team had placed the community on a global platform.
“I am so thrilled,” said Norcross. “I just can’t believe it. We’re on the world stage, rightfully so. To be a part of this and see all the residents from New Tecumseth come out, I couldn’t be any prouder.”
Webster echoed that sentiment, describing the tournament as a landmark occasion for the area.
“This is probably one of the bigger things that’s happened in this area,” Webster said. “It’s a World Cup, it’s one of the biggest sporting events on the planet. It’s really cool that there’s part of it that’s going on here.”
After facing Ghana in their opening match, Panama will continue their Group L campaign against Croatia at Toronto Stadium on 23 June before concluding the group stage against England at New York/New Jersey Stadium on 27 June.
For now, however, the team’s focus remains on preparation in the calm surroundings of New Tecumseth, where a small Canadian town has become an important part of Panama’s World Cup journey.
