VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC and BC Soccer announced a renewed partnership on Wednesday, solidifying a mutual commitment to advancing soccer throughout British Columbia.
BC Soccer is the governing body for soccer within British Columbia, and the official player development partner of Vancouver Whitecaps FC in British Columbia.
“We are very pleased to have a great relationship with BC Soccer, and to be working together to grow the game in our home province,” said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC chief executive officer. “There is momentum for soccer in Canada as we head towards 2026. We are excited to work alongside BC Soccer to push the game forward. We are looking forward to combining our resources to maximize opportunities in the sport for British Columbians.”
"This collaboration with Vancouver Whitecaps FC marks a significant milestone in our shared commitment to elevate soccer in British Columbia,” added Gayle Statton, BC Soccer president. “With this partnership, we aim to provide unparalleled support and opportunities for our players, fostering a thriving soccer community throughout all British Columbia!"
A key aspect of the collaboration will be continued alignment of scouting throughout British Columbia, streamlining the identification process of BC-based players for cohesive and efficient pathways into both the Provincial Program and Whitecaps FC BMO Academy System.
The collaboration extends to technical workshops, facilitated by Vancouver Whitecaps FC and BC Soccer, to BC Soccer Premier League (BCSPL) clubs and Skills License Program designated clubs. Moreover, Whitecaps FC will work closely with BC Soccer Provincial Program staff to further align technical programming, curriculum, session methodology, coaching methodology, and player profiling.
To further support player development, BC Soccer will conduct a ‘Soccer for Life’ coaching course for players in the Whitecaps FC Girls Elite Academy and Boys MLS Academy on an annual basis, certifying academy players for work in grassroots programming.
BC Soccer will also be a proud supporter of the Whitecaps FC Next Gen Match on September 7, celebrating youth soccer participants in our province.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC
The Vancouver Whitecaps FC purpose is to unite and inspire its communities. Whitecaps FC is one of the longest standing professional soccer clubs in North America, having originally been founded in 1974. Since 2011, the men's first team has played in Major League Soccer, the top tier of professional soccer in the United States and Canada, and in 2025 the club will launch a women's professional team as part of Project 8. Whitecaps FC are a fully integrated club, housing one of the most unique soccer development programs in North America, starting from grassroots and including professional development programs for both boys and girls, with a goal to provide a safe and welcoming environment so that all participants can thrive and achieve their potential. For more information, visit whitecapsfc.com.
BC Soccer Association
Established in 1904, BC Soccer is the largest provincial sports organization (PSO) in BC and the third largest soccer-specific PSO in Canada with over 150,000 participants, consisting of registered players, coaches, referees, administrators and soccer leaders. As a professional not-for-profit society and a member of Canada Soccer, BC Soccer is committed to providing the widest opportunities for existing and potential participants, as well as provide support in the most effective and appropriate way for current players, parents, volunteers, member clubs, leagues, and districts. For more information on BC Soccer, visit bcsoccer.net.
