Thursday March 19, 2026 | VICTORIA, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
In celebration of the FIFA World Cup 2026, the Province and viaSport are partnering with Vancouver Whitecaps FC to bring soccer mini pitches to communities throughout B.C., increasing access to sport.
Up to 20 communities throughout BC will receive state-of-the-art sports infrastructure, leaving a lasting legacy.
The announcement was made today by Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport Minister Anne Kang in Vancouver.
The new soccer mini pitch initiative will increase sport access, empower youth and community members across the province to connect, play and thrive, and leave a legacy that will bring benefits to people throughout the province.
The mini-pitch initiative will be delivered across all regions of the province, with Indigenous communities represented in the selection of sites.
Funding:
The Province, viaSport, and the Vancouver Whitecaps FC have provided $13 million in funding.
The Province and viaSport are providing $10 million to help bring this project to life, with the Vancouver Whitecaps FC contributing an additional $3 million to support its success.
Programming:
Each soccer mini pitch will be supported by programming and mentorship from the Vancouver Whitecaps FC and other provincial sport organizations
“As a mother and an educator, I have witnessed first-hand the power of sport to transform the lives of children and youth, and all young people throughout the province deserve equal access to experience its impact,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.
“This partnership with the Vancouver Whitecaps will help bring the many benefits of physical activity and community connection to kids and families in British Columbia for years to come,” said Kang today.
Legacy:
Kids throughout B.C. will benefit from new soccer mini pitches through a partnership between the Province, viaSport, and Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
“Bringing the FIFA World Cup 26 to B.C. will benefit the province in many ways, driving tourism and employment,” said Premier David Eby in a news release today.
“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 premier said.
The idea of developing sport capacity in BC communities goes back to when Horgan was premier. A sports-enthusiastic himself, he would take time when he could to play sports with kids as schools and community events including soccer, basketball, lacrosse and football.
Multi-purpose surfaces:
As many as 20 communities will be chosen to receive a state-of-the-art soccer mini pitch, which is a modular multi-sport surface ideal for rural and urban settings, schools and community spaces.
The soccer mini pitches can help turn under-used areas into low-barrier sport infrastructure and are designed to support year-round play, foster inclusive recreation and serve as hubs for youth engagement.
Mini pitches can serve a dual-purpose as community gathering spaces and encourage the benefits of active living.
Mini pitches can be used for multiple sports, including ball hockey and lacrosse.
Each 18-metre-by-36-metre (60 x 120 feet) pitch will be supported by programming and mentorship from the Vancouver Whitecaps FC and other provincial sport organizations, such as BC Soccer and the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council (I·SPARC). This will ensure communities get new facilities, and have the support and programming they need to activate them with quality sport experiences for many years to come.
“With the World Cup coming to our province, we must create a lasting legacy that benefits children throughout B.C.,” said Axel Schuster, CEO, Whitecaps FC. “As a community club, we are committed to investing in the growth of sport across Canada. Whether through more than $1 million contributed to KidSport BC since 2022 or the over 50,000 children who participate in our free grassroots programs annually, our goal is to give young players the opportunity to experience the game from first kick to the professional level.”
Application process:
The application process for communities to apply to receive a soccer mini pitch will open in spring 2026 and will be managed by the Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
The soccer mini pitch initiative delivers on the Province’s commitment to harness the social and economic benefits of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and ensures people in all regions of B.C. share in the benefits of hosting.
Installation of soccer mini pitches is expected to begin in September 2026 and be complete by December 2027.
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NEWS SECTIONS: SPORTS & RECREATION | FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 | MINISTRY of TOURISM, ARTS, CULTURE & SPORT