Vancouver Soccer Team Heads to Canadian National Championship
A Powerful Story of Unity, Diversity, and a Full-Circle Canadian Dream
VANCOUVER, BC — In a true celebration of perseverance, brotherhood, and the multicultural spirit of Canada, the U15 Vancouver Warriors a grassroots soccer team with Vancouver Athletic Football Club (VAFC) have won the BC Provincial Championships in Kamloops and are now preparing to represent British Columbia at the Canada Soccer Toyota National Championship in Prince Edward Island this October.
A Team That Truly Reflects the City and Province They Represent
The Warriors are more than just athletes; they’re a living portrait of what Vancouver; the province and Canada strives to be. The team is made up of boys from a rich variety of backgrounds: different ethnicities, cultures, faiths, economic circumstances and including relative newcomers to Canada, all of them united by a shared love for the sport.
Their varied differences and foundations coupled with their shared passion for soccer have created something powerful together: a bond based on respect, resilience, hard work, and self-belief. The Warriors success on the field is a result of that connection, anchored in mutual respect, hard work, trust, and the belief that every one of them has something to contribute and can accomplish great things. Guided by an incredibly dedicated and passionate team of professional Volunteer Dads David, Paul, and Lucas, with VAFC head coach, Chris Laxton, the boys are preparing to bring their skill, effort and team chemistry to the national stage.
“Time and time again this team has shown exceptional resilience in their ability to come from behind and win against opponents that may be physically stronger or faster. We’re going to take that grit to nationals and be successful.”
– Chris Laxton, Head Coach, VAFC Warriors
A Serendipitous Full-Circle Moment
Adding to the depth of this remarkable journey is a rare full-circle story. One of the Warriors’ coach-Dads won a National Championship at the very same location in Charlottetown, PEI twenty years ago this fall, as a member of the UBC Thunderbirds soccer team. Two decades later, David Wong will step back onto the same field, this time as coach, mentoring his son and a new generation of athletes on their own journey towards a National Championship.
“My journey to becoming a varsity athlete and a CIS national champion, was not typical, and only possible as a result of the invaluable gift of self-belief that was “gifted” to me by my parents and coaches in my youth. Through the lessons I learned on my journey, I’m hoping to help the Warriors win a national championship 20 years on, while giving them the gift of self-belief that will serve them well in their bright futures.”
– David Wong, Assistant Coach & Dad, VAFC Warriors
Getting There Together: From Vancouver to the Maritimes
The Warriors are facing a new challenge – the ambitious goal of fundraising approximately $45,000 for travel, accommodations, and meals to ensure every player can make the cross-country trip. All for one and one for all is the “Warriors Way”.
The Warriors would like to hear from individual donors and corporate sponsors. Please reach out to Team Manager Lucas van den Berg at U15Warriors@icloud.com for more information or if you are interested in making a donation or becoming a team sponsor.*
Team sponsorships must follow the regulations set forth by the VAFC and Soccer Canada. All funds raised will be used exclusively for costs incurred by the team to participate in the national tournament. Any excess funds received will be provided to VAFC to support their youth soccer programs in Vancouver.
📸 Media Opportunities:
- Player and coach interviews (including the full-circle UBC story)
- Photo/video access to practice, player commentary and photo stills
- Profile features on player journeys, team chemistry, coaching philosophy, or cultural diversity
📞 Contact:
Lucas van den Berg
Team Manager /Assistant Coach / Liaison / Dad
Leave a Reply