19 October 2023 - Vancouver, BC
At the conclusion of a successful second season, League1 BC is pleased to invite organizations to submit Expressions of Interest for expansion applications for the 2024 and 2025 season. Eight (8) clubs took to the field in 2023, as the league welcomed the addition of Harbourside FC of Nanaimo, and a change in ownership of Nautsa’mawt FC (formerly Varsity FC).
The process begins today and will be open for thirty (30) days, closing on November 18th. Interested organizations will have the opportunity to submit preliminary information regarding their proposed ownership structure, declare the timing of their interest to enter League1 BC, in addition to helping prospective organizations learn more detailed information about Technical and Operational requirements for entry into League1 BC.
Upon review of the preliminary information received during this process, and the readiness of applicants following the full review of applications, potential organizations can be invited to apply for a License effective 2024 or 2025. The desired year of entry will be conditional to approval by the League1 BC Assessment & Selection Committee.
The framework for this expansion process is in place to allow for an extensive and thorough review of applications, to ensure applicants are given sufficient time to submit their applications, and to allow for successful applicant(s) to have as much time as possible to prepare their club for the start of the 2024 or 2025 League1 BC seasons.
Interested organizations are invited to submit expression of interest via this LINK.
Additional information and announcements for League1 BC expansion will be made on League1 BC’s social media channels, in addition to www.league1bc.ca.
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.
ABOUT LEAGUE1 BC: League1 BC is an adult open age Pro-Am Soccer League operated by BC Soccer. Established in 2021, the league is intended to bridge the gap between youth and professional soccer, targeting the “Training to Compete” stage within Long-term Player Development (LTPD). The League will engage communities across British Columbia providing standard-based competition and training environments for female and male players, coaches, and match officials. League1 BC serves as a key platform of development into further opportunities within the game.
ABOUT BC SOCCER: 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.