Yes, MLS is big. And yes, the Vancouver Whitecaps are awesome.
But if you care about the future of Canadian soccer — and you live here in BC — then Vancouver FC and the Canadian Premier League are something you really shouldn’t miss.
The CPL is doing something important. It’s built entirely for Canada — for Canadian players, Canadian fans, and Canadian communities. Every team is connected to its city, and every match gives homegrown players a chance to play and shine. This league isn’t just about putting on a good show — it’s about building something from the ground up and giving real opportunities to young talent.
Right here in the Lower Mainland, we’ve got Vancouver FC, based in Langley. They joined the league in 2023 and play home games at Willoughby Community Park. It’s a soccer stadium that feels close — not just physically, but in spirit too. You can walk around, see the players up close, and feel part of something that’s growing. The setup is simple, the crowd is into it, and there’s no distance between fans and the game. It’s just about showing up and being part of it.
If you want to make a day of it, there’s also Pacific FC over on Vancouver Island. They’ve been part of the CPL since day one, and they’ve built a real following in Victoria. The club won the championship in 2021 and continues to be a strong team in the league. Their home games feel like a community event — casual, fun, and full of local pride.
The CPL runs a full regular season, and the top teams go into playoffs to compete for the North Star Cup. More importantly, the league is designed to support development. Teams are required to give meaningful minutes to Canadian players — especially those under 21. This is how you build a stronger national program: start local, keep it consistent, and give players the space to grow.
And on top of all that — we’re now seeing the same kind of momentum on the women’s side. The new Northern Super League (NSL) launched this year, and Vancouver Rise FC is playing their home games at BC Place. Between them, Vancouver FC, and the Whitecaps, we’ve got a full soccer moment happening in BC.
So yeah — it’s a great time to be a soccer fan. But even more than that, it’s the right time to show up to support out local teams.
For more information on Vancouver FC, visit: https://www.canpl.ca/vancouverfc