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Saanich private school pairs with Pacific FC on girls soccer academy
Saanich private school pairs with Pacific FC on girls soccer academy

CTV News

time26-05-2025

  • Business
  • CTV News

Saanich private school pairs with Pacific FC on girls soccer academy

A Saanich private school is partnering with Pacific FC on the launch of a new soccer academy, which it's calling the first of its kind on Vancouver Island. St. Margaret's School says the SMS x PFC Football Academy will combine elite-level training with academic excellence and leadership development. 'When girls are given the tools and the trust to lead, they rise; whether in the classroom, on the field, or in every aspect of life,' says SMS head of school and CEO, Sara Blair, in a news release. 'The Football Academy embodies our values; championing excellence, opening doors to new opportunities, and empowering girls through investment in their potential.' The academy has been created as Canada debuts a new professional women's soccer league. The Northern Super League hosted its opening night at BC Place in April. FIFA World Cup is also coming to North America in 2026. Vancouver and Toronto are among 16 cities that'll be hosting matches during the tournament, which is taking place in Canada, Mexico and the USA. St. Margaret's School says there's been a 'seismic growth' of leagues around the world – and believes its new academy will put its grade school students at the forefront of the momentum by teaching them the skills to take any next steps. The boarding school's project will be led by Jamar Dixon, a former professional player and the current director of football at Pacific FC. 'This program builds strong, smart, capable athletes who are ready to lead,' says Dixon. ''It's an honour to support young women who are so driven, and to work alongside a school that truly believes in their potential.' The head coach, Jodi Grant will lead daily training. She currently leads Pacific FC's female youth development program, VI Wave. Grant also has over two decades of elite coaching experience and played soccer in the NCAA. St. Margaret's School is taking applications for the academy, which starts in September.

B.C. Lions put on a show against Calgary in CFL tune-up in Langford
B.C. Lions put on a show against Calgary in CFL tune-up in Langford

National Post

time19-05-2025

  • Sport
  • National Post

B.C. Lions put on a show against Calgary in CFL tune-up in Langford

Starlight Stadium in Langford quickly went from the colour purple to a sea of orange with a splattering of red on Monday afternoon as the B.C. Lions invaded Pacific FC's park to kick off the CFL pre-season. Article content Article content The sellout crowd of just over 6,000 football fans braved a cool, damp day on the West Shore as, for the second straight year, the Lions brought a game over the water, much to the delight of Vancouver Island fans. Article content And while Monday's contest between the Lions and Calgary Stampeders wasn't a regular season game like last summer's Touchdown Pacific game at Royal Athletic Park, the raucous atmosphere continued with drums beating and 'Go Lions Go' chants echoing across Langford as the Lions scored a touchdown on their first drive and led 6-0 after the first quarter. Article content The game sold out in 12 minutes when tickets went on sale and it all impressed new CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston, who was seeing his first game since becoming CFL boss in April. Article content 'Couldn't think of a better place to be to kick off the 2025 season. The atmosphere is incredible, the fans are excited and I want to congratulate the B.C. Lions on putting on an incredible show,' Johnston said just before kickoff. 'Take a look at the vibe. What's not to like.' Article content Article content The Lions, who open the CFL regular season on June 7 at home against the Edmonton Elks, had no hesitation bringing a second game in two seasons to Greater Victoria, especially after the success of Touchdown Pacific. Article content Article content 'I love what the Lions are doing, spreading their games around the province because there's CFL fans everywhere,' Johnston said. Article content Article content Plenty of Lions' season ticket holders from Vancouver made the trek across to the Island on Monday and Lions president Duane Vinneau said the response from season ticket holders for the Victoria games has been positive. Article content 'We've had a great response and a lot of them like to come over to Victoria and make a weekend of it, much like they did with Touchdown Pacific,' Vinneau said. 'We know Touchdown Pacific had a significant economic impact and this game will as well, so that's a win for everybody. Article content 'And we have season ticket holders from Victoria and we're very aware that the Lions are not just Vancouver's team, they're the entire province's team.' Article content

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