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March 20, 2025

BC Soccer launches initiative to modernize soccer structure in British Columbia

The BC Soccer 2025-28 Strategic Plan aims to "Modernize governance in BC by focusing on accountability, transparency, and the effective use of resources to achieve organizational goals." A key area of focus within the plan is the modernization and integration of our operational structure to better design a participant-centred structure that better supports soccer organizations across BC.

“BC Soccer is committed to modernize our governance, focusing on accountability, transparency, and the effective use of resources to achieve organizational goals. We invite all our member organizations, affiliated clubs, and all participants to engage in this consultation process. We aim to ensure that our organizations remain well positioned to support the growth and development of soccer across the province”. shares Debbie Pudek, BC Soccer President

The first phase of this project involves extensive consultation with key stakeholder groups, independently facilitated by Paul Varian from Capitis Consulting.

“We are delighted at Capitis Consulting to be assisting BC Soccer with this bold project to modernize its systems of regional governance. Good governance is central to the smooth functionality of any sport system and is crucial in getting the best from amateur sport’s most important resource – the volunteer. We look forward to working with all of BC Soccer’s stakeholders from all around British Columbia to have their say in shaping a world-class BC soccer system for the future.” Said Paul Varian, President, Capitis Consulting Inc.

A detailed consultation process is required to gather input from all participant groups, including players, coaches, officials, clubs, leagues, districts, and other members of the soccer community. The feedback from all groups is crucial to ensure the governance framework reflects the diverse needs and perspectives of the soccer community.

“Our sport requires a modern structure that is participant-centred, with optimized administration and clear strategic alignment and investment. By modernizing our operational structure, we will enhance transparency and accountability, improve communication and engagement, and provide more unified support to soccer organizations across BC.” Says Gabriel Assis, BC Soccer CEO.

The consultation will include in-person town halls, focus groups, and surveys. The first series of town halls will take place in the spring and summer of 2025. All interested member organizations and affiliated clubs are welcome to join the town halls taking place across all regions of BC. Dates and locations will be announced in April.

BC Soccer looks forward to working in collaboration with all member organizations and affiliated clubs to build an innovative structure that will positively impact organizations and the broader soccer community.

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.