BC History: The Chinese Students Soccer Team of 1933

In an era full of racism and discrimination, the Chinese Students Soccer Team brought strength and hope to their community as the only Chinese-Canadian soccer team in Canada and thought to be the only such team outside of China.

Respite would be brought to Vancouver's Chinatown as fans would descend on the old Powell Street or Cambie Street Grounds and use these soccer matches as a way to escape the reality of the widespread economic depression and daily racial prejudice. Members of the Chinese community were not permitted to vote—full Canadian citizenship wouldn’t arrive until after World War II—and couldn’t gain admittance to basic community centers such as swimming pools. Simply stepping out of neighborhood boundaries was often enough to put themselves at risk.

The small group of Chinese Students would go on to thrive on the pitch where it was finally a level playing field, regardless of race. The players became heroes for the community, revered for their quickness, skill, and determination in the face of white opponents who often employed rough and dirty tactics.

Established in 1920, when many of the players were still in high school (hence the name "Chinese Students") the team would peak in 1933 with a championship victory over UBC Varsity. 

The Chinese Students victory brought together a party that poured down Pender Street, with bands playing and firecrackers exploding, players riding in an open car holding the three-foot high trophy aloft. The following day was declared a holiday in Chinatown as free tea and dim sum were served for all.

Despite the victory, the racial issues would last until after the War, but members of the Chinese Students team would go on to be quite successful.  Midfielder Dock Yip became the first Chinese-Canadian lawyer called to the Canadian bar, while team vice president and treasurer William Lore became the first Chinese Canadian civil servant when he joined the Department of Transport in 1939, and in 1943, he became the first Chinese Canadian to serve in the Royal Canadian Navy. Ghim Yip would go on to be the first Canadian-trained Chinese doctor and Tong Louie, would end up as the CEO of London Drugs. 

To learn more about the story of the Chinese students, visit the BC Soccer Hall of Fame and Heritage Archive.