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.
Sports
Vancouver Rise FC part ways with head coach Anja Heiner-Møller
Vancouver Rise FC announced on Monday that the club has parted ways with head coach Anja Heiner-Møller. Rise FC will be led on the field for the remainder of the 2026 season by the continuing coaching staff of Iain Darbyshire, Katie Collar, and Erin McNulty. Darbyshire will take on the role of interim head coach.
Heiner-Møller, the first head coach in Rise FC history, departs the club with an 18W-18L-8D record in the Northern Super League (NSL) regular season, as well as a memorable playoff run in the inaugural season that ended with a first ever NSL championship.
“We are grateful to Anja for her many contributions to the club, making history as an important part of Rise FC winning the inaugural Diana B. Matheson Cup,” said Robyn Gayle, Rise FC chief soccer officer. “This was a difficult decision and we wish Anja the very best. We have built high expectations, and it’s on all of us, staff and players, to continue raising the standards to meet them. We are focused on moving forward and making a strong push to finish the season successfully.”
Darbyshire joined Rise FC as an assistant coach prior to the start of the 2026 season after serving as Cardiff City FC head of women’s & girls football since July 2020. Under his leadership, Cardiff City FC Women enjoyed a period of unprecedented success, winning eight trophies in six years.
Collar has been with Rise FC since the team started in 2025, after previously leading the Rise FC Academy (formerly Whitecaps FC Girls Elite). Under Collar, the academy won the League1 BC (now BCPL) title in three straight seasons, as well as two straight League1 Canada Inter-Provincial Championships, and the 2023 FIFA/Blue Stars Youth Cup.
McNulty, a UEFA A licensed goalkeeper coach, serves as assistant coach and goalkeeper coach. Following a playing career in Canada, the United States, and Europe, McNulty moved into coaching, including prolonged success with the Rise FC Academy alongside Collar.
Both Collar and McNulty have also spent time coaching with Canada’s national team programs.
Rise FC return to play this coming Sunday, September 13 in a crucial home match against Ottawa Rapid FC at Swangard Stadium. Kickoff will be at 1 p.m. PT.
Message from Anja Heiner-Møller:
“To the fans of Vancouver Rise FC,
My time as head coach has come to an end.
I am proud of what we have built and accomplished, and most importantly from my end, I have done it being true to my values as a coach and human being. I feel that we have shared those values and the passion for this city, Rise FC and sports in general.
I want nothing else than success for Vancouver Rise FC, and I am grateful for the time I had leading this team from the very start of the inaugural season of 2025, the journey to winning the Championship of 2025 and to the tight battle of making the playoffs in the season of 2026.
I am very aware that fans of Vancouver Rise FC are special and you are a big part of this club. We appreciate you and all the things you do for the team. You are supportive, kind, enthusiastic and dedicated, and we have felt your support from the beginning.
Thank you for your support and all the best in the future!
Anja”
Sports
Toronto Tempo Bringing WNBA Action to Vancouver for Two-Game Series
WNBA basketball is coming to Vancouver this summer as the Toronto Tempo bring two regular-season games to Rogers Arena as part of their inaugural season.
The Tempo will face the Portland Fire on August 21 before taking on the Las Vegas Aces on August 23. The two games will give basketball fans across British Columbia a chance to see Canada’s WNBA team play on the West Coast.
The Vancouver series is part of the Tempo’s push to build a team that represents fans across the country. The franchise has already made its mark in its first season, including a record-setting stop in Montreal.
The Tempo’s regular-season showcase at Montreal’s Bell Centre drew 20,996 fans, setting a new WNBA regular-season attendance record. The Vancouver games continue that effort to bring the team closer to fans outside Toronto.
“From the beginning, our vision has been to build a team that represents all of Canada,” said Teresa Resch, President of the Toronto Tempo. “The support we’ve seen from fans across the country has been incredible, and we’re excited to bring the energy of the WNBA to Vancouver.”
Resch added that the games are a chance to celebrate basketball on the West Coast and connect with communities across the country.
Vancouver has a long history with basketball and has produced elite players at various levels. The Tempo’s visit gives local fans a chance to see professional women’s basketball in their own city, while providing young athletes with another opportunity to see the sport at its highest level.
The Tempo will stay in Vancouver beyond the court. The team will host Tempo Live at Rogers Arena on Saturday, August 22. The free community event will feature interactive basketball activities, clinics, exclusive merchandise and family-friendly programming.
Tickets for the Tempo’s August 21 game against Portland and August 23 matchup with Las Vegas are on sale now through Ticketmaster.