VANCOUVER, BC – The recently announced League1 BC welcomed Vancouver Whitecaps FC as its first License Holder on Friday.
Whitecaps FC is one of the longest standing professional soccer clubs in North America, founded in 1974. The club’s name was inspired by founder and original general manager Denny Veitch and signifies the unique natural beauty of Vancouver with its snow-capped mountains and whitecaps on the ocean.
“We are pleased to be one of the founding license holders for League1 BC, and we congratulate BC Soccer on their hard work on this project,” said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC sporting director. “This is an important step for the growth of our sport in the province, and for the pathway to develop top men’s and women’s players.”
Vancouver Whitecaps FC is a fully integrated club, housing a unique nationwide soccer development system, 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.
“BC Soccer is delighted to welcome Vancouver Whitecaps FC to League1 BC! As a long-standing partner of our organization, the Whitecaps are demonstrating once again their commitment to support the growth and development of the game for male and female participants across British Columbia,” said Gabriel Assis, BC Soccer director of operations.
Whitecaps FC will utilize the National Soccer Development Centre as a hub for its League1 BC male and female teams.
For more information, visit whitecapsfc.com.
Safe Sport Statement
BC Soccer believes that everyone involved in soccer has the right to participate in safe and inclusive environments free of abuse, harassment, discrimination, and to enjoy the sport at whatever level or capacity they participate in. The welfare of everyone involved in soccer is the foremost consideration and in particular, the protection of children in the sport is the responsibility of everyone involved.
About League1 BC
League1 BC is an adult open age Pro-Am Soccer League operated by BC Soccer. Established in 2021, the league is intended to bridge the gap between youth and professional soccer, targeting the “Training to Compete” stage within Long-term Player Development (LTPD). The League will engage communities across British Columbia providing standard-based competition and training environments for female and male players, coaches, and match officials. League1 BC serves as a key platform of development into further opportunities within the game.
About BC Soccer
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.
