Proceeds will give more kids across the province the chance to experience the joy of organized sport
Sport BC is excited to share that its signature program, KidSport BC, has been named the official charity partner of the Vancouver Whitecaps FC 50/50 program for the 2023 season. The partnership will provide KidSport BC with the opportunity to raise much-needed funds for its granting program, which helps remove financial barriers to sport by providing funding for under-resourced children and youth to help cover the cost of sport registration fees.
KidSport BC hosted the 50/50 draw for several Vancouver Whitecaps FC matches last season, both at BC Place and through online sales. The partnership is part of a long-standing relationship between the club and Sport BC.
“We are truly excited to partner with KidSport BC and harness the power of soccer so more kids have access to safe, quality sport experiences,” said Jennifer Scott, Director Community & Social Impact. “We know Whitecaps FC supporters will rally behind this program to help KidSport BC expand their positive impact on kids and communities across the province.”
KidSport BC is also celebrating the 30th anniversary of the program this year, which was first established by Sport BC’s staff and board back in 1993. Since then, the organization has expanded to become a national entity helping nearly 1 million kids across the country participate in organized sport.
The program has received a steady increase in grant applications since sport programs have returned following the COVID-19 pandemic and expects to continue to see the need for funding increase as families struggle with increasing costs due to inflation.
While KidSport has received funding from both the Provincial and Federal government in recent years, public donations and corporate partnerships—like this one with the Vancouver Whitecaps—are instrumental to the success of the program to ensure no child is left watching from the sidelines.
“KidSport BC is thrilled to be partnering with the Vancouver Whitecaps 50/50 program this season. This partnership represents an exciting opportunity for us to raise much needed funds and increase awareness of the KidSport program,” says KidSport BC’s Fundraising Manager, Angela Crowther. “We are grateful to the Vancouver Whitecaps organization for their long-standing support and look forward to working together to provide positive sport experiences for more kids across BC.”
KidSport BC will be hosting 50/50 draws for all of the Whitecaps’ home and away matches this season, with first draw anticipated to take place on February 25, 2023. Tickets will be available online for all matches and also sold in-stadium at BC Place during home games. The organization relies on volunteers to sell tickets during home matches at BC Place. Please visit kidsportcanada.ca/british-columbia/whitecaps-50-50 for more information about volunteer opportunities or for ticket information.
About KidSport
The KidSport program aims to remove financial barriers to sport participation by providing grants to help cover the costs of registration fees. This program is intended to help increase participation numbers for Sport BC members and their local clubs by helping under-resourced children and youth access a season of sport. KidSport is a Registered Canadian Amateur Athletics Association (“RCAAA”) with charitable status and can issue tax receipts to donors. Learn more at kidsportcanada.ca/british-columbia or follow us @KidSportBC.
About Sport BC
Sport BC believes in the power of sport and is committed to building stronger communities through positive sport experiences. Our goal is to enhance and support sport participation in British Columbia ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Sport BC supports our 73 member organizations through our signature programs KidSport BC, BC Amateur Sport Fund, and ProMOTION Plus, and through our services Sport BC Insurance, and Payroll and Group Benefits. Learn more at sportbc.com or follow us @SportBC.
About Vancouver Whitecaps FC
The Vancouver Whitecaps FC purpose is to unite and inspire its communities. Whitecaps FC is one of the longest standing professional soccer clubs in North America, having originally been founded in 1974. Since 2011, the men's first team has played in Major League Soccer, the top tier of professional soccer in the United States and Canada. Whitecaps FC are a fully integrated club, housing one of the most unique soccer development programs in North America, starting from grassroots and including professional development programs for both boys and girls, with a goal to provide a safe and welcoming environment so that all participants can thrive and achieve their potential. In 2022, the club participated in the inaugural seasons of MLS NEXT Pro and League1 BC. For more information, visit whitecapsfc.com.