VANCOUVER, BC – The Malahat Strong Mini-Pitch officially opened on Wednesday, August 14th with a community celebration that featured a welcome to the territory from Malahat Nation. The Malahat Strong Mini-Pitch is the ninth pitch opened by Hope and Health in partnership with Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
“The Malahat Strong Mini-Pitch is a great addition to our community hub as we focus on the positive physical and mental health of our members.” said Malahat Nation Chief Gordon Harry. “It is amazing to see the community come together in sport and to see our youth have a safe place to play and gather. We are grateful for the support of everyone who made this project happen and we raise our hands in gratitude.”
"It’s an honour to be here and celebrate the opening ceremonies of the Malahat Strong Mini-Pitch,” said Carl Valentine, Whitecaps FC club ambassador. “It’s rewarding to play a part in today’s ceremony, and we are grateful for our partnership with Hope and Health. Everyone at the club is looking forward to hearing how the community will enjoy the pitch, inspiring children's hopes and dreams of playing soccer.”
In addition to the pitch being built, a 5V5 Champions League will be activated to give the youth a competitive environment with high-level coaching to help their technical development. As more pitches are constructed, Champions League play will expand across communities and fellow nations.
“It’s been an honour to work with so many amazing people to execute on the Malahat Strong Mini-Pitch Initiative.” said Deana Gill, Hope and Health, chief executive officer. “We are very excited to move programming onto the newly installed mini-pitch and bring to life additional programs such as Little Champions for the future in partnership with the community. Thank you to the nation for trusting in us and for being such incredible partners - and engaging your partners! It takes a village to build a mini-pitch! Thank you to everyone who contributed to make this inspiring sport and play space possible.”
Penelakut Strong was the first mini-pitch opened in September 2021, additional pitches include Snaw-naw-as Strong, Tla’amin Strong, Stz’uminus Strong, Snuneymuxw Strong, Ts’uubaa-asatx Strong, as well as Sts’ailes Strong and Cowichan Strong which officially opened this past June.
About Hope and Health
The Hope and Health movement utilizes the beautiful game of soccer and mentorship to inspire hope, as well as improve the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health and life conditions for Indigenous children and youth. The team is committed to come together as one heart, one mind to maximize sport as a tool for reconciliACTION in relation to the Canadian Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls To Action, specific to Sports and Reconciliation (87-91). The Hope and Health vision is for Indigenous children and youth to carry themselves with pride and confidence, achieve their highest potential and dream big.
About Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC is one of the longest-running professional soccer clubs in North America. Since the inaugural season in 1974, the club has united generations of loyal fans in British Columbia and beyond. 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 is a fully integrated club, housing one of the most unique soccer development programs. Starting from grassroots and including professional development academies for both boys and girls from coast-to-coast, with a goal to provide a safe and welcoming environment so that all participants can thrive and achieve their potential. For more information, visit whitecapsfc.com.
