Skip to main content

Equitable Voting Structure Update

Following the outcomes of the BC Soccer Special General Meeting held on June 1st, and in the spirit of transparency and collaboration that has guided this entire process, BC Soccer provided a further update on the current situation via a video message from President, Gayle Statton and Executive Director, Jason Elligott. The video message brought increased awareness to the wider soccer community and was meant to ensure any potential immediate or future impacts were understood as a result of the June 1, 2022 SGM outcomes.

Based on the number of video views since posted on June 27 (close to 5,700), and the various discussions that have occurred since, it is clear that the message has reached the wider soccer community. BC Soccer appreciates the numerous members, stakeholders, and individuals within the soccer community that have reached out with positive comments about the approach taken. The feedback is that this has helped them better understand the existing governance and membership structure of soccer in BC and the voting directive from CSA.

BC Soccer shares today that Canada Soccer has not reduced the timelines for BC Soccer to be complaint with their equitable voting structure directive. Linked below is the formal letter from Canada Soccer where by they provide:

“…confirmation that if the required Bylaw amendments have not been approved by the conclusion of the 2022 BCSA Annual General Meeting, BCSA shall be in breach of its obligations of membership set out in Section 2.01D I a) of the Canada Soccer By-laws, and as a result, Canada Soccer shall take steps to immediately suspend BCSA as a Member Association of Canada Soccer, with all measures that suspension entails at the sole discretion of Canada Soccer.”

BC Soccer does not want to be in this position, and we are hopeful that the situation will be addressed before the November AGM so any potential suspension is not handed down from Canada Soccer. Importantly, right now, all soccer activities in BC are occurring as normal.

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.