Burnaby Football Club To Play In League1 BC
The following story is courtesy of League 1 BC from February 7, 2024 https://www.league1bc.ca/news_article/show/1299356.
Burnaby Football Club have been awarded the opportunity to field both a men’s and women’s team in the League1 BC 2024 season.
Burnaby FC were formed in 2023 by the amalgamation of five local soccer clubs and currently run programs from U5 to adult level, now adding Division III soccer to their pathway. They have already achieved silverware in their short existence, winning Toyota U17 National Championships with their boys’ and girls’ teams.
There is a rich history of soccer in the Burnaby area. Record-breaking Canadian international Christine Sinclair played for Cliff Avenue United and Burnaby Girls Soccer Club before moving to university, and current CANWNT striker Julia Grosso ran out for Mountain United in the BC Soccer Premier League in her youth career. All three of these clubs were part of the group of Burnaby FC founders.
In joining League1 BC, Burnaby FC replace Nautsa’mawt FC who renounced their license in the offseason. It also marks a new era for soccer in Burnaby as the club aims to build a thriving soccer community and become a symbol of pride and unity in the city.
Guido Titotto, President of Burnaby FC, said: “We are incredibly excited to become a League1 BC license holder for the upcoming 2024 season, and we want to extend our appreciation to League1 Canada for giving us this great opportunity.
“This doesn’t happen without the incredible support of our ownership group who we have partnered with over these last several months, along with the vision and work which went into preparing our successful bid application.
“Joining League1 BC provides our players with a continuous pathway across all levels of player development in our province and we cannot wait to provide them with League1 BC opportunities. We welcome the local soccer community to join us at Burnaby Lake West this Spring and Summer for what will be an important next chapter in the growth of our club and sport.”
Chris Keem, Chair of the League1 BC expansion committee, said: “We are very excited that League1 BC is expanding in the Burnaby area with Burnaby Football Club. Through the five clubs that have come together to establish the organisation, Burnaby FC are tapping into a great history that stems back to 1949.
“Looking ahead, they have ambitions to win trophies with the overarching goal of providing a semi-professional platform for players, many of whom have come through their youth teams, to showcase their talents and earn contracts at higher levels.
“We would like to thank Nautsa’mawt for the important part they played in the L1BC journey, and wish Burnaby FC a warm welcome to the league. We look forward to seeing them on the field in the men’s and women’s divisions this year.”
Source: https://www.league1bc.ca/news_article/show/1299356