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 2026 to B.C. will benefit the province in many ways, driving tourism and employment,” said Premier David Eby. “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 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.

“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.”

Soccer Mini Pitch Initiative  

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 double as community gathering spaces and encourage the benefits of active living.

Each 18-metre-by-36-metre (60 by 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.