BC Soccer has announced its decision to withdraw from participation in the 2026 BC Summer Games.
This decision is based on an evaluation of evolving participation expectations, the accommodation model, and commitment to continuously improving all environments for athletes. Soccer has proudly been part of the BC Games since its debut at the Penticton 1978 BC Summer Games. BC Soccer deeply values its longstanding partnership with the BC Games Society and the opportunities provided for youth athletes across the province.
“We thank the BC Games Society for their decades of collaboration,” said Gabriel Assis, Chief Executive Officer of BC Soccer. “This decision was made after determining that it’s not currently satisfactory for BC Soccer to operate within the BC Games model of accommodation.”
“BC Soccer has been a valued partner since the very first BC Summer Games,” said Alison Noble, President and CEO of the BC Games Society. “We thank the many soccer alumni, volunteers, and supporters who have contributed to the success of the Games since 1978.”
At the BC Summer Games, athletes stay in school classrooms provided by the local school district, grouped by sport, gender, and zone. All athletes are required to stay in these accommodations under the supervision of coaches. While the accommodation model doesn’t work for all sports, it allows the Games to remain affordable and accessible, fostering a unique multi-sport environment.
"As the Safe Sport Officer for Canada Soccer, I commend BC Soccer for its unwavering priority of athlete well-being," said Allison Forsyth. "It's encouraging to see a provincial sport organization demonstrate such diligence and leadership while navigating the ever-evolving sport landscape."
BC Soccer remains dedicated to fostering safe, inclusive, and high-quality playing opportunities. BC Soccer will focus on enhancing existing programs and exploring new competitive pathways that prioritize player development and a positive sport experience during a milestone year for soccer in Canada—the 2026 FIFA World Cup. BC Soccer remains eligible to apply for inclusion in future Games and will consider any future changes to the scope of the games when reevaluating participation.
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.