The Whitecaps Foundation is a distinct organization within the Whitecaps family. A federally registered charity, the Foundation aspires to help create BC’s fittest generation of youth by 2020. On pitch and off, these ambassadors will be physically, mentally, emotionally, socially and culturally ready to make positive and lasting contributions to society.

In short, we are about youth.

Youth are the building blocks of our community – they will unleash future social capital that will shape our society in years to come. Sport, and its intersection with entrepreneurial, human, social and physical capital, has the capacity to transform our youth, our communities and our society at large. Programs funded by the Whitecaps Foundation combine elements of health, wellness, education and social inclusion to plant the seeds of future success.

We use the vehicle of soccer to make a difference in communities because we believe it has the greatest reach and impact. There are more children registered in soccer in BC than any other sport. Further, at a time when registrations in most other sports are declining, soccer registrations are increasing. We are also able to leverage our extensive experience, our expertise and our credibility in this area to drive toward our vision.

Each of the four funding priorities for the Whitecaps Foundation are designed to have a significant and lasting impact in communities throughout the province. Currently, funds are being raised and directed to:

1. Youth. Funds for this priority ensure that Whitecaps youth programming is available to all who are interested – whether in the Lower Mainland or in communities throughout the province. Youth funding also provides financial support to enable families to access our programs.
2. Women. The Whitecaps have demonstrated leadership for years with respect to the development of the women’s game. The Whitecaps women demonstrate the highest principles of commitment to a vision. They do not play for the money but rather for the pure love of the sport and the growth and development it provides. It is a strongly held tenet of the Whitecaps FC that there must be opportunities for young girls to develop their skills and have opportunities to both represent their country and play professionally. Donations to the Women’s program will provide the foundation and path for women’s soccer to evolve and provide the means for dreams to become reality.
3. Fields. Soccer is a sport that is viewed as “cradle to grave”. With so many youth and adults wanting to play, many communities are hard pressed to provide the fields and infrastructure required for recreational and competitive play. The Whitecaps Foundation will be working with communities throughout the province to build fields where currently no facilities exist, or to upgrade existing facilities.
4. Men’s Residency. The Whitecaps Residency program is an integral part of our Club model. It is a full-time program that provides elite youth players with a development gateway to professional opportunities with the Whitecap Men’s team and European Clubs. Unique in North America, this full-time Residency program emphasizes soccer development, education and community service. The Whitecaps Foundation is offering an innovative and one-of-a-kind opportunity to donors who wish to “own” a player and follow his development.

All donations to the Whitecaps Foundation will be issued a charitable tax receipt for the amount of the gift. The Whitecaps Foundation is pleased to accept bequests, gifts of cash, securities, annuities, life insurance, and gifts in kind of property, art and jewelry. Donors may also make monthly contributions to the Whitecaps Foundation.

For more information, please contact:

Andrea Wilkinson, Director, Fundraising at 604-669-9283 or awilkinson@whitecapsfc.com.