Now more than ever, women’s sports are owning the spotlight and the North Shore Girls Soccer Club (NSGSC) is making sure the next generation is ready to shine.
From its grassroots development, the club is committed to the growth of girls and women in the community, creating space for young players to develop and thrive. And for girls who dream big, play hard and believe in the power of sport, this is where the journey begins, right here at home.
Next year, NSGSC celebrates four decades as one of Canada’s oldest and largest female-centred not-for-profit community soccer clubs. Built with a legacy rooted in empowerment, the club is more than a place to learn the game on the North Shore; it's been shaping strong athletes and even stronger leaders on the field and beyond.
"We have an important role as the only all-girls club in the country to have a voice and a leadership role to develop the game for girls and as well as to develop mentorship opportunities for female coaches," says Jana Madill, executive director, NSGSC.
"We believe in the Whole Athlete (not just soccer skills) and provide programs and opportunities for girls and women to better themselves mentally and physically through leadership and work opportunities, nutrition and mental performance coaching and empowering events."
Girls & Women in Sport Celebrations
This summer marks the inaugural launch of Girls & Women in Sport Celebrations, a full season dedicated to recognizing and elevating the female game. While NSGSC has hosted club days at matches in the past, this year the club is levelling up. With the entrance of the NSL and the RISE team, they're packaging a summer-long series of events and opportunities for girls, not only to participate but to learn from and be inspired by watching pro sport.
Madill acknowledges that 15 to 20 years ago, in any women's sport but particularly soccer, you would have to leave Canada to succeed and now there are opportunities across the country. "To see these athletes, some of them alumni of our club, playing pro and making a career out of soccer, shows young women what's possible; if you can see it, you can be it."
"We take every opportunity to showcase and work with our Canadian athletes," she adds. "Whether it's the pro clubs or our Canadian Women's National Team, we are greatly affiliated with Canada Soccer and always love having them come and represent with our club."
There's an undeniable momentum in the movement of women in sport and it's thanks to initiatives like #EverybodyWatchesWomensSports that are helping drive the shift. Broadcasters and sponsors are supporting it too, from the youth level up to the pro level, which generates more revenue to put more girls in the game.
"It's one of the reasons why our celebrations are so important to us," reveals Madill. "We want the girls to know they can celebrate their sportiness and be inspired not just on our own North Shore girls' game days but on other days of the year too, when they watch their mentors and are inspired by the big girls."
Off-field summer celebration dates
Don't miss out on the action and athlete experiences during the Girls & Women in Sport Celebrations with NSGSC. Rally your friends and family and come out and watch the pros, connect with the community and celebrate the rise of women’s soccer in B.C.
Be inspired and join the excitement in the NSG cheer sections and meet mentor pro players. Save these dates!
· June 7: BMO Girls Can Play Festival
· June 11: GWIS Celebration Rise FC (NSL)
· June 15: GWIS Celebration Altitude FC (L1)
· July 13: GWIS Celebration Altitude FC (L1) (Summer Camp kick-off event)
· August 22: GWIS Celebration Vancouver FC (CPL)
· September 6: GWIS Celebration Rise FC (NSL)
"We live and breathe our values every day: empowerment, inclusion, fun, development and teamwork," affirms Madill.
"We're about keeping girls in the game and offering something for all players. So, come and celebrate with us this summer and see the kinds of things that we do before you get back into the real play in the fall."
For more information, early registration for fall/winter girls league or how to purchase game-day tickets, visit North Shore Girls Soccer Club.
