Sports
Christine Sinclair Will Join Vancouver Rise FC Ownership Group
Vancouver Rise FC announced on Monday that global soccer icon Christine Sinclair will join the club’s ownership group ahead of the inaugural Northern Super League (NSL) season. The hometown hero will join majority owner Greg Kerfoot on the Vancouver Rise FC ownership team.
The Canadian superstar is expected to visit BC Place, likely her last professional game in Canada, on Tuesday, October 15 when the Vancouver Whitecaps FC League1 BC women’s team hosts National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side Portland Thorns in the Concacaf W Champions Cup. Tickets remain available at ticketmaster.ca/whitecaps.
“Growing up in Burnaby, I would have never imagined becoming an owner of a professional women’s soccer club in my hometown,” said Sinclair. “I want every little girl in British Columbia and Canada to be inspired to play or coach or manage – see the opportunity for women in sport. I’m so excited to be a part of this movement, and to be able to share my passion to help this club grow.”
On the international level, Sinclair is the highest scoring player in history, male or female, with an incredible 190 international goals. Her 23 years playing for Canada included 331 matches, six FIFA World Cups and four Summer Olympic Games, winning the gold medal in 2021 and the bronze medal in 2012 and 2016.
“There are few names in the history of Canadian sport, and the history of soccer, as big as Christine Sinclair,” added Stephanie Labbé, Vancouver Rise FC sporting director. “She has made an unmatched impact on the sporting landscape in Canada, inspiring millions of people across the country. We are thrilled that she has taken an ownership role with our club to make an equally large impact on the future of the game. We have won gold together and now we are both excited to take this next journey together in Canada with Vancouver Rise FC.”
Sinclair recently announced that she would retire from playing at the end of her current season with Portland Thorns. She has been pivotal in each of the Thorns six trophies, including NWSL Championships in 2013, 2017, and 2022.
“We are thrilled to have Christine officially join our club,” said Sinead King, Vancouver Rise FC president. “Her unparalleled experience as a professional player, combined with a deep connection to our community, makes this partnership truly special. This collaboration underscores our commitment to elevating women’s soccer and solidifying Vancouver Rise FC as a key player on both the national and international stage.”
Prior to playing in the NWSL, Sinclair was a force for the Vancouver Whitecaps in the former USL W-League, recording 23 goals and 10 assists in 21 appearances. This included the 2006 season, where she led the team with 12 goals and four assists during an undefeated season that culminated with winning the W-League championship at Swangard Stadium.
Sports
Vancouver Rise FC Reveal 2026 “After Dark” Home Kit
Vancouver Rise FC has revealed its new “After Dark” home kit for the 2026 Northern Super League season, pulling inspiration straight from the natural setting that surrounds its home at Swangard Stadium.
The design pays tribute to Central Park in Burnaby, with visuals that reflect the quiet, layered beauty of the park at night. Tree silhouettes stretch across the kit, creating a sense of depth and movement—meant to mirror the experience of looking up through the canopy after dark.
The club says the concept ties closely to its motto, “Stronger by Nature,” grounding the team’s identity in the environment that surrounds it. The design blends all crest colours with added tones that bring warmth and balance, giving the kit a look that feels both rooted and refined. Paired with classic shorts and socks, it leans into tradition while still telling a clear local story.
A key detail returns on both the After Dark kit and the club’s secondary “Sunshine Kit” for 2026. A Gold Pointed Star sits on the left sleeve, marking Vancouver Rise FC as the inaugural champions of the Northern Super League. The patch represents the league’s top honour and signals the club’s early place in its history.
Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley praised the design and its connection to the community, pointing to the pride residents have in their parks and green spaces. He added that seeing Central Park reflected in the team’s identity makes the return to Swangard Stadium for the new season feel even more meaningful.
The After Dark kit leans heavily into place and atmosphere. It’s less about flash and more about identity—something that feels tied to where the team plays and who shows up for them.
Pre-orders for both the After Dark and Sunshine kits are now available through the club’s official store, with options for delivery or in-stadium pickup.
Sports
Vancouver Rise FC Transfer Holly Ward to NWSL Side Seattle Reign FC
Vancouver Rise FC has made a major statement about its player development pathway. The club announced Friday that winger Holly Ward has been transferred to Seattle Reign FC of the National Women’s Soccer League for an undisclosed fee.
The move marks the first time a Rise FC Academy graduate has been transferred out of the club, setting a new benchmark for the organization and the broader Northern Super League.
Sporting director Stephanie Labbé called the transfer a defining moment. She pointed to Ward’s rise through the system as proof that the league is doing what it set out to do—create real opportunities for Canadian players.
Ward’s journey with the club began in 2018 when she joined the Rise FC Academy, then known as the Whitecaps FC Girls Elite Academy. Seven years later, she returned home to sign her first professional deal ahead of the 2025 season.
The 22-year-old from North Vancouver wasted no time making an impact. She started 27 of 28 matches in her rookie campaign, scoring eight goals and adding five assists. Her biggest moment came in the league’s inaugural final, where she scored the winner in a 2–1 victory over AFC Toronto to secure the Diana B. Matheson Cup.
Speaking about the move, Ward described her time in Vancouver as a dream realized. Playing professionally in her hometown and helping deliver a championship made the experience hard to leave behind, though she expressed excitement about the next step in her career.
Her breakout season didn’t go unnoticed at the international level. Ward earned her first senior call-up to the Canadian women’s national team and made history on June 3 by becoming the first NSL player to score for Canada in a match against Haiti.
Head coach Anja Heiner-Møller praised Ward’s growth and character, highlighting her attacking ability, work ethic, and presence in the locker room. She noted that Ward’s development—from academy prospect to national team contributor—reflects the strength of the club’s environment.
The transfer is a significant step for Rise FC as it begins to participate in the global player market, something the club sees as key to long-term growth. It also reinforces the idea that young Canadian players can develop at home and still reach top leagues abroad.
Rise FC now turns its focus to the upcoming season. The club will open its 2026 campaign with a championship rematch against AFC Toronto on April 24 at Swangard Stadium, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. PT.
Fans can purchase single-match tickets or explore package options, including season memberships that cover all 13 home games and flexible ticket bundles built around the home opener.