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November 8, 2024

BC Soccer Announces Extended Playing Season for U-17/U-18 Age Group

BC Soccer is pleased to announce the extension of the current playing season for the Under-17 age group into the Under-18 age group for the 2024/25 season. This change aims to enhance player development opportunities while accommodating the important priorities and commitments that players in this age group face during their final year of high school.

The extension of the playing season addresses several key factors:

  • Reduced Inactivity: By decreasing the period of inactivity from BCSPL-scheduled matches during the winter months, players can maintain their competitive edge and team continuity within their standards-based BCSPL training and match environments.
  • Academic Support: The new timeframe better supports players’ academic commitments, allowing them to balance their studies with their passion for soccer. This also facilitates a smoother transition to adult standards-based leagues.
  • Continuous Development: The extended season ensures that the U-17/U-18 age group has a continuous playing season, no longer divided into ‘Phase 2 (2024)’ and ‘Phase 1 (2025)’. This continuity is crucial for maintaining standards in player development.

The revised BCSPL-to-BCSPL Transfer Deadline is set for December 15, 2024. The schedule will include matches played in January and early February 2025 and the finals for this age group will be held on the weekend of May 3/4, 2025.

The modified playing season continues to support the Player Development Program (PDP) standards and requirements, with a full schedule of regular season matches from September 2024 to April 2025. All 16 BCSPL clubs remain committed to supporting player, coach, and referee development across the province, ensuring alignment with National PDP standards. Future competition adjustments are planned for September 2025.

BC Soccer is confident that these changes will provide a more supportive and effective environment for young athletes, helping them to thrive both on and off the field.

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.

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.

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