The EA Sports BC Soccer Premier League’s eight founding franchises recently completed their pilot mini-season as part of the next step towards the opening of the league’s first full season of competitive play in late February 2012.
Each franchise participated in games across the Province helping them to prepare both on and off the field for the start of this unique province wide collaborative high performance soccer development league of BC Soccer, its member Districts, Clubs and Leagues, and Vancouver Whitecaps FC of Major League Soccer.
Results and standings from the pilot mini-season and updates on current league developments are available on the BC Soccer Premier League’s new website: www.bcsoccerpremierleague.net
“The pilot mini-season has proved to be invaluable to the league and its constituent clubs in terms of preparation for the start of the inaugural season in late February”, said David Haber, interim President of the EA Sports BC Soccer Premier League’s Board of Governors. “We are currently evaluating feedback from both an administrative and technical perspective so as to ensure that any appropriate amendments to our rules, regulations and league operating procedures are made”.
Steve Allen, BC Soccer Director and Chair of the BC Soccer High Performance Committee, which oversees and monitors progress and standards of the league and its Board of Governors stated, “We are very pleased with the progress of the league and its franchises. There has been great feedback from the soccer community on how high the technical standard of play has been as well as the professional game day presentation, but appreciate there are still further improvements to be made as the league evolves”.
The League Board of Governors also wished to clarify any recent confusion surrounding the Magnuson Ford Mariners FC proposed partnership with Central City Breakers FC and Surrey FC. The League’s Board of Governors did not sanction the use of the EA Sports BC Soccer Premier League logo on the press release issued on 18th November by Magnuson Ford Mariners FC announcing the partnership and apologise for any confusion this may have caused the soccer community.
The proposed partnership was brought to the attention of the League’s Board of Governors and they support the recent decision of the Magnuson Ford Mariners FC Board of Directors who have now reversed their decision to enter the partnership following a complete review of all aspects of it.
Magnuson Ford Mariners FC are valued members of the EA Sports BC Soccer Premier League and the Board of Governors are committed to supporting them and the other seven inaugural league franchises who were successful in obtaining league status after a rigorous RFP (‘request for proposal’) process. Each franchise was granted a minimum of two-years in the league provided they continue to maintain high standards both on and off the field.
The League and its key stakeholders, BC Soccer and the Vancouver Whitecaps, will continue to work with all of them to support and develop their programs and regional partnerships.
For any players, parents or coaches who wish to obtain information about the league, its member’s franchises and opportunities that are available with them, please go to the league web site at www.bcsoccerpremierleague.net and follow the club links.
EA Sports BC Soccer Premier League
The EA SPORTS BC Soccer Premier League was designed to create a new high performance level of competition and support player development at the Provincial, Professional and National team level. It will simplify scouting of top young players, provide an elevated level of competition and increase the chance for players fulfilling their potential and creates a dynamic new commercial property at the pinnacle of youth soccer in BC.
Eight founding franchises were announced on February 17, 2011.
- Coquitlam Metro Ford
- Fusion FC (Vancouver/Richmond)
- Magnuson Ford Mariners FC (Abbotsford)
- Mountain United FC (Burnaby/North Shore)
- South Fraser Soccer Club
- Surrey United FC
- Thompson Okanagan FC
- Vancouver Island Wave
Each of the inaugural founding franchises has a nominated representative as their member on the League Board of Governors.
The first full season of competition will begin in late February 2012 and continue through November. It will feature male and female divisions at the U-13, U-14, U-15, U-16, and U-17/U-18 levels, equating to approximately 1,600 players.
For information about EA Sports BC Soccer Premier League please contact:
Paul Mullen
BC Soccer
Director of Operations
paulmullen@bcsoccer.net
604-299-6401 x 2355
604-317-9451 (cell)
