VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC will host over 100 youth at a pre-match jamboree before the club’s Indigenous Peoples Match, in collaboration with BMO, next Saturday, June 4 at BC Place.
“This exciting event harnesses the power of soccer, showcases Indigenous sport heroes and celebrates this next generation of Indigenous leaders,” said Jennifer Scott, Whitecaps FC director of community and social impact. “We are honoured to collaborate with our sport partners and create a once-in-a-lifetime soccer experience for these kids.”
Participants will be coming from across the region, including:
- Ahousaht First Nation
- 'Na̱mg̱is First Nation
- Penelakut Tribe
- Urban Native Youth Association
Coaching for the jamboree will be provided by Whitecaps FC, BC Soccer, Hope and Health, and I·SPARC.
"The Indigenous Peoples Match on June 4 is one of many impactful ways that the club acts on their commitment to reconciliation on a continuous basis,” added Deana Gill, Hope and Health executive director. “The jamboree pre-match is a fun and memorable experience for all involved, and most importantly, for the Indigenous youth at the centre who have the opportunity to play like a pro on the pitch at BC Place and then enjoy watching the match with their friends, family and community! We are honoured to partner with Vancouver Whitecaps FC for this very special match and hold our hands up in recognition of their support on and off the pitch in everything we do to bring sport for development opportunities to Indigenous children and youth throughout our province.”
The jamboree is supported by the Musqueam Indian Band, Squamish Nation, Tsleil-Waututh Nation, and Fraser Valley Métis Association, with special contributions from BMO and Sport BC.
June marks Canada’s official National Indigenous History Month. Whitecaps FC will be welcoming Indigenous athletes and members of the BC Sports Hall of Fame, as well as honouring Indigenous groups pre-match, along with a performance from the Tsatsu Stalqayu (Coastal Wolf Pack).
