2026 World Cup Round Up

Throughout June and July we got to enjoy a World Cup like none before, with games on our doorstep and a competitive Canada team that united the country behind it. Not since Vancouver played host to the 2015 Women's World Cup have we seen the eyes of the world focused on soccer happening a short ferry ride away like this.

At Bowen Island Football Club we knew that we had to make the most of this opportunity, to act as a sounding board for what was going on, bring people together and build a lifelong love for the sport among our young players. It's fair to say that we achieved all that and more thanks to the work of our tremendous team and volunteers.

We kicked things off with a watch party at TBCA, celebrating a day of soccer, running mini games and hosting a bbq. It was a great day and our thanks goes out to TBCA and those that volunteered to make it such a success. Then we partnered with the Bowen Island Pub to show all the games and make Canada game more accessible for families. Glenn and the Bowen Island Pub have been great supporters of ours and it was fantastic to see the Pub so busy for games. It was equally pleasing to see so many other Bowen establishments, like the Cider House showing the games and drawing a packed audience. It's fair to say the World Cup captured the Island's imagination.

The highlight of the Tournament from a BIFC point of view was our involvement in this years Canada Day celebrations. Thanks to help from the Bowen Island Municipality and a generous $5000 donation from the Canadian Government we were able to help almost 150 kids design and make their own soccer kits to take home. We also held a skill game challenge with Ren Tarik Patel taking first prize overall.

It was also great to see so many of our soccer community making the trip to Vancouver to attend games at BC Place or at the official Fan Festival, or just take in the vibes downtown. There were so many smiling faces, all brought together by the sport. Canada picking up their first ever World Cup win and the beating expectations by knocking out South Africa also helped the good feeling around the place as we cheered our heroes home.

Congratulations also to Byron Poschwatta who won our grand prize of a Germany kit signed by Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala.

Since the World Cup ended we're seeing more and more kids out on the soccer field, we ran a hugely successful summer camp last week, and we're seeing strong numbers across our Adult Programs and sign ups at all levels for Fall. What a summer it's already been, and there's plenty more to come. And then next year we'll be looking forward to the Women's World Cup in Brazil, starting in June, as well as our 20th Anniversary Celebrations in September. So lots to be excited by!