Four BC Clubs achieve Canada Soccer’s Professional club Licensing

Club Licensing Program designed to raise standards of member organizations throughout the country both on and off the field.

Ahead of the 2023 season, Canada Soccer confirmed today that the Canadian members of Major League Soccer, all 8 Canadian Premier League clubs, and three League1 Canada clubs have either obtained, or are in the process of obtaining their professional club license designation.

The British Columbia contingent includes organizations in both levels of the Licensing Program. Vancouver Whitecaps, Langford-based Pacific FC of the Canadian Premier League, and the CPL’s newest club, Langley-based Vancouver FC have all been confirmed as National 1 Professional Club Licensing category.

League1 BC’s TSS Rovers obtained its National 2 Professional Club License in advance of the 2023 season, and the historical first ever appearance by a League1 BC Club in the 2023 Canadian Championships on April 19^th against Valour FC at Swangard Stadium.

Among the objectives of the Licensing Program is safeguarding the credibility and integrity of club competitions, improving the level of professionalism, along with promoting transparency in the finances, ownership, and control of clubs.

Fulfilling the criteria allows clubs to participate in domestic leagues and the Canadian Championships, along with Confederation and International competition, including the Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League and FIFA World Club Cup.

21 Mar 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.