Summer is the busiest time of year for the Vancouver Street Soccer League, and this year will be no exception. As the weather begins to turn warmer and sunnier, we have moved our practices to the Andy Livingstone field in the heart of the city, and we’ve seen growing numbers of players attending practices. We are gearing up for a number of games and tournaments and are hoping that you will help us to make this the best summer ever for the VSSl by donating here.
Our summer season kicks off with the LUSH soccer game on June 11th. From 10am to 12:30pm we will be playing a friendly game with LUSH staff followed by lunch.
This event will be followed by June Sports Tournament from June 18th to June 21. We expect that 26 players and volunteers will be traveling to the indigenous community of Alert Bay to play with communities from across BC. June Sports brings our players together and allows them to play soccer and make valuable connections with other communities against a stunning natural setting of Cormorant Island.
Two years ago VSSL player, Dimitri Pelosof participated in June Sports.
“I felt like it was a once in a lifetime experience that I’ll never forget,” he says, “I met new people and realized how many great teams we have all over BC. Learning about Aboriginal culture and going hiking was pretty amazing too.”
In addition, the VSSL is looking forward to participating in Vancouver Fan Zone events for the Women’s World Cup. On June 6th, June 27th and July 5th, VSSL players will be demonstrating their skills and showing the crowds expected to turn up for the Women’s World Cup what street soccer is all about. Some well-known individuals may even show up to play a game with our players, so stay tuned!
We will be wrapping up the summer season with our annual Southsiders Tournament (date to be announced). Not only are we looking forward to showing off our skills, but everyone is also excited to savour some of the best barbecue in town compliments of the supporters group.
As you might imagine, VSSL players and coach look forward to summer events all year long and they practice with diligence and determination so that they can do their best in summer games and tournaments.
“Summer is the best time, because it’s when we demonstrate the skills we’ve worked hard at developing the rest of the year,” says Pelosof.
All of these summer events take the hard work and dedication of players and volunteers and take months and preparation. They also depend on the support of donors.
“Summer is the most exciting time of year for the VSSL. With the good weather, all manner of opportunities arrive in the form of trips, tournaments and special matches – our players love it,” explains VSSL volunteer coach Matt Owen. “Unfortunately, in years gone by, we’ve had to pick and choose, turning certain things down due to lack of funds.”
We are happy to announce that we have already received generous donations from the Whitecaps FC, the Vancity Credit Union, the Southsiders and several individual donors – we thank them for their tremendous support. However, we still have a way to go towards our goal of $20,000 to pay for the expenses to put on these events and to provide our players with basic needs, such as food and equipment.
You can help us to ensure that this summer’s events are a success by supporting the Vancouver Street Soccer League through our Paypal page.
By donating to the VSSL, you would be rewarding the hard work and dedication of our players with valuable experiences that not only help to empower them on the pitch, but also in everyday life.
As Matt says, “Speaking as a coach, to be able to give this year’s players the best experience possible – new jerseys, equipment for those that need it, decent campsite food and memories that will last them a life time – would be truly wonderful.”
Vancouver Street Soccer League 