FAQ
Questions, answered plainly
What families, players and academies ask us most often — with straight answers, including where the answer is no.
Frequently asked
Find your answer
About BCSAA
What is BC Soccer Academies Association?
BCSAA is a not-for-profit society established in British Columbia in 2017. It governs academy-based youth soccer in the province and operates the Academy Super League.
Is BCSAA affiliated with BC Soccer Association?
No. BCSAA is not a member of BC Soccer Association or of any other provincial sport organisation. It operates independently as the governing body for academy-based soccer, setting and enforcing its own standards for player safety, coaching quality and competitive fairness.
How is BCSAA different from a traditional club league?
Member programs are licensed academies staffed by professional coaches, rather than volunteer-run community clubs. Participation is by academy licence rather than by geographic catchment, and competition structure is built around player development rather than promotion and relegation.
Who governs BCSAA?
A Board of Directors elected and appointed under the association’s restated Bylaws.
Academy Super League
What age groups does the ASL cover?
Twelve age groups, from U7 through U18, for both boys and girls.
When does the season run?
The competitive season runs from September through March — roughly thirty weeks. Fixtures are played primarily at weekends.
Where are matches played?
Across Vancouver and Burnaby. Empire Fields in Vancouver is the league’s primary venue.
What is bio-banding?
Bio-banding groups players by physical maturity — height, weight and stage of growth — rather than by birth year alone. It reduces injury risk from physical mismatches and produces more balanced, developmentally appropriate matches.
Players & Families
How does my child join the league?
Families register their child directly with BCSAA through our "Play for All" program — you do not need to belong to an academy. We form our own teams (BCSAA U6 through U17), assign coaches and enter them into the Academy Super League for Sunday games. Member academies also enter their own teams, but families do not have to go through an academy to play.
How much does it cost to play?
One $200 fee covers the whole season on a BCSAA team — kit, weekly training and league games. BCSAA covers roughly 90% of the real cost. The fee is collected separately by e-transfer once your child's place is confirmed. Newcomer and low-income families can have this fee waived through our Play for All program.
We are new to Canada or on a low income — can you help?
Yes. Play for All is built for newcomer and low-income families. Through the assistance application we can waive the $200 season fee entirely, place your child in a member academy, and cover their expenses for up to six months. Apply on the Play for All page and we will follow up.
Do players need previous experience?
No experience is needed to join a BCSAA team — younger age groups are open to complete beginners. Older, more competitive academy teams may involve an assessment, but the direct BCSAA route is open to everyone.
What safety standards apply at matches and training?
All coaches and personnel working with youth players must complete a vulnerable sector check and Respect in Sport certification. The Rule of Two applies at all times, every venue must have an Emergency Action Plan and accessible first aid, and a concussion recognition and return-to-play protocol is mandatory.
What if cost is a barrier for our family?
BCSAA runs Play for All for newcomer and low-income families — it can waive the $200 season fee, place your child in a member academy and cover expenses for up to six months. National and provincial programs such as Canadian Tire Jumpstart and KidSport BC can also help with registration costs. Apply on the Play for All page or contact us and we will point you in the right direction.
Academies
How does an academy join BCSAA?
An academy applies for a BCSAA licence. Applications are reviewed against the association’s coaching, safeguarding, insurance and operational standards. Successful applicants are admitted as members under the Bylaws and may enter teams into the Academy Super League.
What are member academies required to do?
Comply with the Constitution, Bylaws and SafeSport & Child Protection Policy; screen and certify all personnel working with youth; maintain liability insurance; keep an Emergency Action Plan for every venue used; and report injuries and safeguarding concerns through the prescribed process.
Can an academy be sanctioned or removed?
Yes. The Bylaws provide a discipline process for members who breach the association’s rules. Members are given written notice and a fair opportunity to respond before any decision is taken.
Your question is not on the list?
Ask us directly and we will answer — and if it comes up often, it ends up on this page.