BC Soccer Launches Mental Health initiative to Support Soccer Community
BC Soccer is implementing a province-wide Mental Health initiative designed specifically for the soccer community in British Columbia.
Psychological health and wellbeing in sport is critical to the immediate and long-term success of all participants within soccer organizations.
Over the next year, BC soccer will roll out a series of initiatives and programs, introducing a sport-informed, athlete-centered approach that addresses the mental, emotional, and social dimensions of participation in soccer. In partnership with Dr. Zarina Giannone, a Registered Psychologist and Certified Mental Performance Consultant, this initiative will strengthen BC Soccer’s commitment to the wellbeing of everyone in our soccer community.
Data gathered across surveys and engagement with member organizations and participants have assisted BC Soccer in identifying key areas of mental health support.
Dr. Giannone’s work will guide the development of resources focused on supporting the mental health and performance of everyone involved in soccer.
This initiative will unfold across three phases:
• Phase 1: Complete a needs and gaps analysis, establishing a sport-informed care registry, and develop referral pathways to access care.
• Phase 2: Develop a comprehensive Crisis Action Plan for mental health emergencies. This will support organizations and individuals to identify and connect with key resources when needed.
• Phase 3: Creation and delivery of a Mental Health Program, with resources and clinics designed to equip the BC Soccer community with practical, sport-specific mental health tools.
These efforts will help build a safe, supportive, and mentally healthy soccer environment across British Columbia.
“These initiatives reflect BC Soccer’s ongoing commitment to supporting a strong soccer culture in BC. Guided by our 2025 Strategic Plan and the values of integrity, respect, community, and innovation, we’re creating an opportunity for mental wellness to be embedded in every layer of the game; ensuring players, coaches, referees, and people feel supported on and off the field.”
— Lisa White, Sporting Director, BC Soccer
BC Soccer’s 2025-28 Strategic Plan highlights a continued investment in people, relationships, and wellbeing as central to the organization’s mission. This partnership represents a tangible action toward those goals; strengthening the connection between sport performance and mental health, and ensuring that everyone in the soccer community has access to informed care and education.
More information about the workshops and resources offered in Phase 3 will become available in Spring 2026.
About Dr. Zarina Giannone
Dr. Giannone is a Registered Psychologist and Certified Mental Performance Consultant, and one of Canada’s few dual-trained specialists in both clinical and sport psychology. She currently serves as the Team Psychologist for the BC Lions, provides mental-health support to the Vancouver Canucks, and is affiliated with the Canadian Centre for Mental Health and Sport, where she works with Olympic and Paralympic athletes.
As a former BC Soccer Provincial Team athlete, Canada Games gold medalist, and National Champion with the UBC Thunderbirds, Dr.Giannone brings a deep, firsthand understanding of the soccer system. Committed to facilitating optimal mental health and peak performance, Dr. Giannone also designs and implements tailored mental-health strategies and systems for sport organizations.
