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March 19, 2026

World Cup Legacy: Mini-Pitches Planned for Communities Across B.C.

BC Soccer is proud to support the launch of the Soccer Mini Pitch Legacy Initiative, a transformational investment in community sport infrastructure that will expand access to the game across British Columbia and create a lasting legacy tied to the FIFA World Cup 2026.

 

Kids throughout B.C. will benefit from new soccer mini pitches through a partnership between the Province, viaSport, and Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

 

“Bringing the World Cup to B.C. will benefit the province in many ways, driving tourism and employment,” said David Eby. “But the most important benefit of hosting is being able to share the love of sport in communities big and small. Mini pitches provide safe places for people to come together, to play and to learn new skills, and will contribute to happier and healthier communities throughout B.C.”

 

The Province and viaSport are providing $10 million to help bring this project to life, with Vancouver Whitecaps FC contributing an additional $3 million.

 

Through this initiative, up to 20 communities will receive state-of-the-art modular soccer mini pitches designed to transform under-utilized spaces into vibrant, low-barrier hubs for sport and recreation. Suitable for both rural and urban settings, these 60-by-120-foot multi-sport surfaces will support year-round play and inclusive participation.

 

Each site will be supported by programming and mentorship from Vancouver Whitecaps FC, BC Soccer, and the Indigenous Sport Physical Activity and Recreation Council (I·SPARC), ensuring communities not only gain infrastructure, but also the tools to activate it effectively.

 

 

Aligned with BC Soccer’s World Cup Action Plan

 

This initiative represents a significant milestone in BC Soccer’s World Cup Action Plan and long-term strategic priorities, reinforcing the organization’s leadership role in growing the game across the province.

 

The Mini Pitch Legacy Initiative directly supports three key pillars:

 

Infrastructure Development

Expands safe, equitable access to modern playing spaces across all regions, including rural and Indigenous communities, addressing longstanding facility gaps.

 

Capacity Building

BC Soccer will support programming, mentorship, and technical development to ensure high-quality delivery and sustainable community impact.

 

Celebration of Soccer

Transforms FIFA World Cup excitement into long-term participation by embedding accessible playing opportunities directly within communities.

 

“To fully realize the legacy potential of FIFA26, BC Soccer is committed to working with partners to strengthen the foundational infrastructure that supports community-level participation,” said Gabriel Assis. “This legacy must be felt in every community across our province… ensuring that the benefits of this global event translate into lasting opportunities for participants in B.C.”

 

 

Community Impact and Inclusion

 

The initiative is designed to increase participation, foster community connection, and promote active living across British Columbia. It will ensure representation across all regions, including meaningful inclusion of Indigenous communities.

 

Accessible, multi-use mini pitches will also support sports such as ball hockey and lacrosse, maximizing community benefit.

 

The application process for communities will open in Spring 2026 and will be managed by Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Installation is expected to begin in September 2026, with completion targeted for December 2027.

 

BC Soccer will work collaboratively with partners on site selection, program design, and implementation, ensuring communities are equipped for long-term success.

 

 

Quick Facts:

  •          The soccer mini pitch initiative will target every region of the province and ensure Indigenous communities are appropriately represented in selected sites.  

  •          Mini pitches can be used for multiple sports including ball hockey and lacrosse.

  •        Installation of soccer mini pitches is expected to begin in September 2026 and be completed by December 2027.

 

Learn More:

  •       Learn more about the soccer mini pitch initiative: https://www.whitecapsfc.com/mini-pitches

  •     Learn about other ways the Province is supporting people and families: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/home/benefits

 

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.

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