Phase 1 of the Mini Peaks Legacy Project Launched
The first phase of the Mini Peaks Legacy Project has launched and interested communities are encouraged to submit an Express of Interest via the project website. The project team shared this update at the BC Recreation and Physical Activity (BCRPA) Annual Symposium on April 30. The team shared more details on the application process and encouraged interested communities to review the website and Program Handbook for more details.
Supporting community-led celebrations for the FIFA World Cup 2026
People throughout B.C. will have more opportunities to experience the FIFA World Cup in their own communities.
“We are proud to help bring the excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026 to communities throughout B.C.,” said Premier David Eby. “Hosting this tournament is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. It’s something that everyone will remember, especially the thousands of kids in B.C. who look up to these incredible athletes. It’s about sharing the love of sport, and the excitement, energy and pride in hosting the largest single-sport event in the world.”
The 2026 Community Event Support Fund will provide $1.7 million in one-time funding to 32 municipalities, regional districts and First Nations to host free public events to ensure British Columbians throughout the province can participate in FIFA World Cup festivities.
“Hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 is an incredible opportunity for people in British Columbia to come together and celebrate the beautiful game,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “We want people to feel the excitement of the world’s largest single-sport event throughout the province. This is about ensuring everyone can share in the energy and social benefits of the FIFA World Cup right in their own backyard.”
2026 Community Event Support Fund
This funding supports the planning, promotion and safe delivery of soccer-themed events that foster community pride and cultural expression, benefit local businesses and help attract visitors to regions throughout the province during the tournament.
The community events range from single-day soccer-themed community gatherings to large, multi-day live public match viewing events. Funding can be used to cover a range of operational expenses, such as local performers, security, viewing screens, signage and communications.
As part of the Province’s Look West: Tourism Sector Action Plan, the 2026 Community Event Support Fund leverages the global profile and excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026. By creating engaging, locally driven celebrations around one of the world’s most-watched sporting events, government is boosting tourism, showcasing cultural diversity and supporting a resilient year-round economy.
Some of the grant recipients include:
- Haida Gwaii to host celebration events in Daajing Gilds, Masset, Old Masset and Skidegate
- Delta to host events throughout tournament time at North Delta Recreation Centre and the Chisholm Wharf
- 2026 Alberni Valley Indigenous-Led Soccer Community Celebration, hosted in partnership by the Hupacaseth, Tseshaht and Huu-ay-aht First Nations
- Prince George to host Watch Party in the Plaza for the final match of the FIFA World Cup
- Central Coast Regional District for a series of community-based FIFA World Cup celebration events across multiple sites from June 18 until July 19
- Comox Valley to host a public viewing of Canada’s opening match on June 12 along with live local music and cultural performances
- Coquitlam to host live public match viewings rotating across three outdoor locations, plus an extensive community block-party grant program
- Langford to host a month-long celebration stretching through Langford’s cultural district with several days of live public match viewings
B.C. kids will benefit from new soccer mini-pitches
Kids throughout B.C. will benefit from new soccer mini-pitches through a partnership between the Province, viaSport, and Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
“Bringing the World Cup 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 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 mini-pitch will be supported by programming and mentorship from 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.
“With the World Cup coming to our province, we must create a lasting legacy that benefits children throughout B.C.,” said Axel Schuster, CEO, Vancouver Whitecaps FC. “As a community club, we are committed to investing in the growth of sport across Canada. Whether through more than $1 million contributed to KidSport BC since 2022 or the over 50,000 children who participate in our free grassroots programs annually, our goal is to give young players the opportunity to experience the game from first kick to the professional level.”
The new soccer mini-pitch initiative will increase sport access, empower youth and community members across the province to connect, play and thrive, and leave a legacy that will bring benefits to people throughout the province.
Quick Facts:
- The mini-pitch initiative will be delivered across all regions of the province, with Indigenous communities represented in the selection of sites.
- Mini pitches can be used for multiple sports, including ball hockey and lacrosse.
- Installation of soccer mini pitches is expected to begin in September 2026 and be complete by December 2027.
Check out the ‘Caps 2025 Community Impact Report
Learn more about the incredible impact the Vancouver Whitecaps have across British Columbia. From running the largest free sport program in Canada to hundreds of appearances in our communities to countless donations, the club works to celebrate and uplift communities across our region.
FIFA World Cup 2026™ Vancouver supports Level the Field to make sport more inclusive and accessible in BC
With seven months to go until FIFA World Cup 2026™, the Vancouver Host Committee is supporting Level the Field, a registered charity, to raise $5 million to help make sport more inclusive and accessible for everyone in BC. To help reach the $5 million fundraising goal, three special draws will be held where individuals who donate $26 or more will be eligible to be invited to a FIFA World Cup 2026™ match at BC Place Vancouver.
British Columbians can donate to ‘Level the Field’ at www.levelthefield.ca. All donations are tax-deductible and will directly support programs that expand sport access for equity-deserving individuals across the province who face the greatest barriers, including Indigenous participants, women and girls, racialized populations, 2SLGBTQIA+, low-income, newcomers and people with disabilities.
