Free soccer workshop in northern BC carries on Women’s World Cup legacy

Vancouver, BC – Girls and women in northern British Columbia will have the opportunity to attend a free soccer leadership workshop this Saturday, September 20 as part of the Women’s World Cup Legacy Project.

This is the first of five events to be hosted across the province between September 20 and October 7, with the goal of inspiring more girls and women to become involved in soccer as a coach, official, or volunteer. Each full-day workshop features a key note speaker, leadership seminar, an intro to coaching and officiating course, on-field practice, free lunch and more.

EVENT DETAILS:

When: September 20, 2015 from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm PT
Where: Charles Jago Northern Sport Centre in Prince George, BC
Cost: Free
Register: www.viasport.ca/soccerlegacy

The Women’s World Cup Legacy Project is a collaboration between viaSport, the Province of B.C., BC Soccer, Vancouver Whitecaps FC and the Canadian Association for Women and Sport and Physical Activity, with the goal of creating a lasting legacy for girls and women in soccer across British Columbia. 

For more details on the events and their locations across BC, or to learn more about the Women’s World Cup Legacy Project, visit viaSport’s website at www.viasport.ca/soccerlegacy.
 

Quotes:

Peter Fassbender, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development: “The 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup showed young girls and women in this province that there are many opportunities for them in athletics and behind the scenes. These legacy workshops put together by viaSport and the Province of B.C. will allow them to discover coaching, officiating or volunteering with a soccer club in their area and help grow the sport as role models for the next generation.“

Shirley Bond, MLA for Prince George-Valemount: “This legacy workshop provides a unique opportunity for girls and women in the Prince George area to learn more about being a soccer coach, official or volunteer.  We were all caught up in the excitement of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup and through this legacy project, our local girls and women will get the chance to acquire lasting skills and become involved in all aspects of the sport of soccer.”

Mike Morris, MLA for Prince George – Mackenzie: “It is very exciting to host an international event such as the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in our own province but I think it is even more exciting when these events provide lasting opportunities  for our youth through legacy projects such as these.  I encourage the girls and young women in our area to take advantage of this chance to learn about different ways they can be involved in this international sport.”

Sheila Bouman, CEO, viaSport: “In collaboration with our project partners, viaSport is proud to share the spirit of the Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 across British Columbia,” says Sheila Bouman, viaSport CEO. “By providing free access to tools, resources and impactful role models, it is our goal to inspire the participation of more female coaches, leaders and advocates in every region of the province.”

Jason Elligott, Executive Director, BC Soccer: “The FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 was an incredible success, especially in Vancouver and BC Soccer is extremely excited to be working with the Provincial Government, viaSport, CAAWS and Vancouver Whitecaps FC on these legacy workshops. The workshops offer female coaches, administrators and those just passionate about sports the opportunity to grow and develop as well as network with other female professionals.  We’re encouraging all women who are interested in working within sports to sign up and take advantage of these free workshop offerings.”

Rachel Lewis, Chief Operating Officer, Vancouver Whitecaps FC: “The FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 has been a catalyst for soccer in this province and country and Whitecaps FC looks forward to working with the Provincial Government, viaSport, the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development and BC Soccer on the Women’s World Cup Legacy Project,” said Whitecaps FC chief operating officer Rachel Lewis. “The five sessions, to be held throughout British Columbia, will provide unique leadership and development opportunities for girls and women involved in soccer as players, coaches, officials and volunteers.”

Karin Lofstrom, Executive Director, Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity (CAAWS): “CAAWS is happy to see that one of the legacies from the Women’s World Cup is this opportunity for more women to receive training to take on leadership roles in sport. We need to see more women as role models in all areas of leadership in sport.”

About viaSport British Columbia: viaSport British Columbia is a not-for-profit organization established in 2011, responsible for providing strategic leadership to sport in BC. Formed in partnership with the provincial sport sector and the Province of BC, our mandate is to increase awareness, opportunity and participation in sport across the province at every stage of life and in every community. Learn more at www.viasport.ca  

– 30 –

Media contact: Alyson Gourley-Cramer
Acting Director, Communications & Engagement, viaSport
Tel: 250.961.5366
Email: AlysonGC@viasport.ca

On-site contact: Jessica Kym
Director, Sport Development, viaSport
Tel: 604.202.6075
Email: jessicak@viasport.ca