BOWEN ISLAND FC FAQs
REGISTRATION
HOW DO I REGISTER?
To register go to our Register section and select the program you wish to register for.
HOW CAN I PAY?
We accept payment by credit card, cheque or e-transfer. In order to avoid incurring credit cards fees, choose the pay offline option and send an e-transfer to info@bowenfc.com. If you wish to pay by cheque you can mail to: P.O. Box 345, Bowen Island, V0N 1G0.
IS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE?
BIFC recognizes there are families in the community for whom registration fees pose a genuine financial hardship. We are an inclusive club and believe everyone should have the ability to play. If you are in need of a bursary, send an email to info@bowenfc.com, all requests will be kept strictly confidential.
HOW DO I KNOW WHAT TEAM TO REGISTER FOR? WHAT DOES U5, U6 MEAN?
One of the most common question we are often asked is what team should I register my child on? The soccer league in BC generally runs from September – March and so in order to play on a U10 team a player must not be turning 11 in the year the season ends. So, the “U” stands for the age the player will turn after Dec 31st. For this upcoming season (2024-25) if you are on a U10 team then you must be born in 2015 or younger. Subsequently if you are on a U12 team then you must not turn more than 12 in 2024 (born in 2013 or sooner). This applies for all Mini House and Youth Teams.
BIFC POLICIES
MY CHILD HAS NEVER PLAYED BEFORE. CAN THEY STILL JOIN?
Regardless of what age your child is we will find a place for them as long as they are old enough for Mini House (4) and not too old to play on one of our Youth teams (13).
MY CHILD IS TOO OLD OR TOO YOUNG FOR A TEAM. CAN THEY STILL PLAY?
One of the challenges we have at BIFC is trying to provide league teams at every age levels. Sometimes we need to skip a year because we do not have enough players and sometimes, we need to either move younger players up an age level. There are times we also may need to play with a few over-age players in order to provide enough players for a team to play in a league. We try to do avoid this whenever possible, but it has occurred (with league approval). Generally, we try to place players where they will best develop their skills and enjoy playing.
MY CHILD IS TOO GOOD FOR THEIR TEAM. CAN THEY PLAY UP A LEVEL?
If you feel your child is too good for the team, he/she are currently playing on then there is a good chance this has already been discussed between the respective coach and the Club TD. However, if this has not happened and you wish to have your child moving up be considered then you can contact the Club TD directly.
DO I NEED TO VOLUNTEER?
Our club relies heavily on our volunteers so yes please do. All of our coaches and managers are volunteers, and we are often looking for help with our Mini House and Youth teams. However, there are other ways to help, such as with setting up the field for games, providing snacks at games, helping us with organizing the shed or field clean up days etc. Visit the Volunteers page for more information.
ACADEMY
WHAT IS ACADEMY?
Academy is designed to provide our Youth team players (and some identified Mini House players and alumni) with an extra training opportunity. Academy is led by the Club TD and is held at three different times during the year (Spring, Fall and Winter). Academy consists of three different levels (Pele, Messi and Zidane) which is designed to attempt to place players among like-minded and equally skilled peers. For more information visit the Academy page.
MINI HOUSE
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO PLAY ON A MINI HOUSE TEAM?
Our Mini House program is our introduction to soccer and the major emphasis is on having fun. Teams practice once after school during the week and play games on Saturdays. It’s all about getting used to having a soccer ball at your feet and enjoying being outside running around with friends. At the U5 level at least one parent must stay with their child for sessions and games to help out in case there are tears or a potty break needed.
YOUTH TEAMS
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO PLAY ON A YOUTH TEAM?
Our Youth Teams are for players who are interested in playing in league play with games on and off island. BIFC is part of the North Shore Youth Soccer Association. Our Youth Teams generally practice twice a week with games on the weekend. Our boys’ teams play games on Saturdays while our girls play on Sundays. Our coed teams play in the boys’ division. There are no tryouts for Youth Teams. Because of our low numbers we usually only offer one team at each age level. We make every effort to enter our youth teams in a division which will best benefit their development.
EQUIPMENT/CLOTHING
WHAT DOES THE CLUB PROVIDE AND/OR WHAT DOES MY CHILD NEED?
BIFC provides a BIFC T-shirt for all new Mini House players. Returning players are asked to wear their BIFC T-shirts. If the shirt no longer fits the Club will provide you with a new one. All Youth Team players are required to purchase a BIFC uniform (socks, shorts and jersey). Players are required to wear cleats, shin pads and BIFC clothing to all training sessions and games. Additional BIFC clothing such as rain jackets, hoodies etc. can be purchased from our online store. All players are required to bring their own water bottle to all training sessions and games. BIFC provides all balls, pinnies and cones for its teams.
WHERE CAN I BUY CLEATS?
Cleats can be an ongoing challenge as our young players grow. Best option if you are looking for a used pair to ask other parents or the team manager. We sometimes keep used cleats in the shed when parents donate them, and they can be accessed by asking your manager. The Knick Knack Knook is another option for used boots. If you need to buy a pair the closest option would be SportChek at Park Royal or Macey’s Sports in North Van (near the MEC store).
CONTACTS
WHO DO I SPEAK TO OR CONTACT IF I HAVE UNANSWERED QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS?
For matters relating to on-field questions or concerns please contact the Club GM/TD. For matters relating to off-field issues such as registrations contact Club Coordinator.