BC Soccer Earns Accredited Status from ViaSport

BC Soccer attains the highest level designation status in ViaSport Designation Program for 2023. This accomplishment signifies the highest level of classification attainable and reflects the association's commitment to meeting identified standards established by ViaSport to support the sporting community in British Columbia.

ViaSport has developed a recognition framework that identifies the minimum standards necessary for eligibility within the Program which are tailored to the size, scope, and maturity of each sports organization. By obtaining and upholding a ViaSport designation, BC Soccer remains answerable to these standards on an annual basis.

Obtaining the Accredited status has many benefits for BC Soccer, including allowing for important annual funding from the Province of British Columbia.

“BC Soccer is pleased to be designated as a ViaSport Accredited Organization, which means that BC Soccer is meeting and, in some cases, exceeding the BC sport sector standards established by ViaSport across participation, member service, inclusion, excellence, coaching, officiating, governance, finance, and organizational readiness,” stated Jason Elligott, BC Soccer Executive Director. ViaSport accredited organizations are a sport or sports discipline’s authoritative body, operating in at least five regions in BC, and with responsibility for oversight, growth, and development. Once a designation is provided, ViaSport ensures compliance through annual reporting and reviews as well as through more comprehensive evaluations conducted every three years.

“Congratulations to BC Soccer for achieving ViaSport Accredited status for 2023 – the highest of ViaSport's three designations. Accredited status means BC Soccer upholds the highest standards established by ViaSport British Columbia when delivering sports programming and in its organizational practices, including policy development. It is committed to, and demonstrates, operational excellence for its members, athletes, volunteers, fans, and sponsors.” Charlene Krepiakevich, CEO, ViaSport British Columbia.

02 Nov 2023

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.